The cinnamon tree is native to Sri Lanka, but for its benefits it is grown in many places around the world. The cinnamon spice obtained from it is known in all cuisines, bears the same name and is a symbol of warmth, coziness and festive atmosphere because of its incredible aroma.
Cinnamon description
The extraction of the fragrant spice requires a lot of time. It is harvested, dried and crushed to come to us in the form we know. There are also many species with similar composition and slight differences in color, there is red-brown as well as gray-brown.
All types of cinnamon except Ceylon contain coumarin, which is toxic to the human body. Individual species are not of equal quality, Ceylon surpasses the others, and the best varieties are paper-thin.
The benefits of cinnamon are due to its composition, and it predetermines the wide use of the product.
Nutritional composition of cinnamon
Cinnamon has a wonderfully rich composition that makes it a useful spice. It contains essential oils, which are responsible for its pleasant aroma and sweet taste.
The product is also rich in tannins, sugars and minerals, among which calcium stands out.
Cinnamon contains polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as some unique chemicals such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid with many health benefits. Cinnamaldehyde is credited with antibacterial properties and slows down the development of cancer cells.
The most tangible benefits come from the high fiber content in the product, 100 grams of cinnamon contain 53 grams of fiber.
The spice also contains vitamins A and B3, C, K1, E, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and manganese.
There are 247 calories in 100 grams of the spice; 1.2 grams of fat; 81 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein.
Use of cinnamon
Thanks to its composition, cinnamon is used in folk medicine to improve digestion and as a general tonic. It has a tonic effect on the digestive tract and stimulates the appetite. Soothes abdominal pain and improves the taste of a number of medicines. Cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and improves insulin response in adipose and muscle tissues, improves glycogen synthesis.
In cooking, cinnamon is a spice for sweets, compotes, jam and other foods, and combinations with cloves, nutmeg and anise are particularly successful.
