Cinnamon is one of the most fragrant spices that people have used for centuries. It is added to flavor various dishes and is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Long ago the magical properties of cinnamon were present in beliefs and tribal rituals. Today they are not popular, but it occupies an honorable place in our kitchen.
Perhaps few of you know that cinnamon is sold en masse in our country, which is not really real. The original cinnamon is the so-called Ceylon cinnamon and the other spice is its much cheaper substitute.
Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. Due to its limited supply and high demand, over the years it has become a very expensive pleasure for the New World. In America, at the beginning of the 20th century, the import of its substitute began - cassia, which grows in a wider area and it is much easier to obtain. Much of it today comes from China, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Characteristics of Ceylon cinnamon
The smell of Ceylon cinnamon is much more delicate than the smell of cassia cinnamon, which is sharper. There is a difference in their appearance and taste.
What does Ceylon cinnamon look like? The lower-grade cinnamon sticks are not as fragile and light as Ceylon's, but hard and darker in color. The taste of cassia is stronger and peppery, while that of real cinnamon is sweet and delicate. Emblematic recipes with this spice are cinnamon rolls and strudel.
Ceylon cinnamon has the ability to normalize blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics by stimulating insulin receptors, which gives them a stronger affinity for the hormone that lowers blood glucose. This also improves the metabolism.
The aromatic spice is a powerful immunostimulant due to its high content of antioxidants. It additionally contains powerful essential oils known for their antimicrobial properties. It is especially effective in stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Due to cinnamaldehyde, which blocks the release of inflammatory agents on cell membranes, it is often used in lip products - it makes them slightly swollen and looks better this way. But let's not forget its aroma, which will make them even more seductive.
The positive effect of weight loss with cinnamon is due to the fact that it prevents the accumulation of fat in the body and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract. The effect is even stronger in combination with honey.
Despite the many beneficial properties of cinnamon, do not consume too much of it - the recommended daily dose is about half a teaspoon. Use Ceylon cinnamon, don't compromise your health!
Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon
There are many benefits from Ceylon cinnamon consumption. It is a natural remedy against various bacteria, viruses and infections. Actively fights them, while increasing immunity due to its rich composition. Some modern research suggests that Ceylon cinnamon can have amazing effects on patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The spice normalizes blood glucose (blood sugar), lowers LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol and lowers triglyceride levels.
Cinnamon is not just a healthy spice, it manages to rank in the rankings of the most healthy foods, surpassing oregano and garlic.
See also about the properties of Ceylon cinnamon that make it so good for our health:
It naturally lowers blood sugar;
Improves concentration and enhances attention;
Relieves unpleasant migraines and relieves nervous tension;
Helps fight colds, flu, bad breath and sore throats;
Taken internally and applied externally, Ceylon cinnamon keeps the skin young longer.
Cinnamon Diet
According to health experts, cinnamon can help us fight excess weight, as it accelerates fat burning. On the other hand, we should not forget that Ceylon cinnamon also reduces appetite, leaving us with the feeling that we are fuller than usual. To take advantage of the dietary properties of Ceylon cinnamon, you can safely sprinkle dairy cream or your favorite rice pudding with it. That way you will enjoy a delicious and nutritious afternoon breakfast or a quick dessert.
A cinnamon diet is known, which includes the addition of 1 tsp. of cinnamon and 1 tbsp. of honey added to warm water. This mixture is taken early in the morning as a means to get rid of the excess pounds.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is an aromatic hot drink that can provide several health benefits. Here are some of them:
It is full of antioxidants that help us maintain our good health and feel full of energy. In addition, cinnamon tea can reduce inflammation and improve heart function. A cup of cinnamon tea lowers blood sugar. But be careful - if your blood sugar is low in general, such a drink can make you to feel dizzy. Cinnamon tea helps to lose weight and helps reduce waist circumference. One of the most powerful properties of Ceylon cinnamon and cinnamon tea in general are antibacterial and antifungal properties in general. Another benefit of tea is the reduction of annoying and unbearable symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including pain, heaviness, nervousness.
Cinnamon oil
Cinnamon has amazing benefits for the skin. This applies to both cinnamon oil and cinnamon masks.
Cinnamon essential oil can be used to treat acne, as well as to combat stress, infections, fatigue. Due to its pleasant and relaxing effect it can be used in aromatherapy diffusers and baths. However, keep in mind that you must be very careful when dosing it, as it can irritate your skin. Before applying it for the first time, test it first on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours for any side effects. If all goes well, you can continue to use it. Of course, you should also read carefully the information on the packaging of the product. We advise you to dilute the cinnamon oil, so that it doesn't cause skin burns or irritation.
Contraindications of Ceylon cinnamon
We have listed many benefits of Ceylon cinnamon, but it also has some potential risks. The biggest of these is that you can rarely find the true form of this spice. It is usually replaced by the other cinnamon - cassia, which is high in coumarin and it can be dangerous for the liver and toxic. Given the large amount of cinnamon of unknown origin, it may be contraindicated for people with liver problems.
That is why we advise you to consult a specialist if you want to add cinnamon to your menu or diet, but you have chronic liver disease.
Look out for other side effects of cinnamon consumption in large quantities. Consumers of the product report that cinnamon can cause allergies, accompanied by itching in the mouth, swelling of the tongue or lips, burning.
However, you should have no problems with moderate cinnamon consumption. As you know, there are many beneficial effects of this spice. So do not hesitate to make cakes with cinnamon, baklava, soft biscuits, pumpkin sweets and other sweets, where this spice will always find a suitable place. And you can use it to enrich the taste of coffee, espresso and others.
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