Most people I know are big fans of cinnamon… Especially, this time of year it seems to take center stage -- it's very festive I guess… You can add it to most of those amazing baked goods that are so popular over the holidays -- pies, cakes, cupcakes.., just about anything you can think of…
You can sprinkle it on your cappuccino, pumpkin lattes, smoothies.., and don't forget to put some on your oatmeal. And of course, some good ol' cinnamon tea. And, I like to put some right on top of my coffee grounds and then brew -- gives the house a beautiful scent of the holidays!
But Where Does Cinnamon Come From…
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of the cinnamomum tree... The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed from it. When it dries, strips form, that curl into rolls.., called cinnamon sticks. The sticks can be ground.., and thus -- cinnamon powder.
What Are Some Of Cinnamons Health Benefits...
Cinnamon is a highly powerful antioxidant.., even outranking garlic and oregano in the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), which ranks all foods according to their antioxidant capacity. It is loaded with protective compounds: polyphenols, phenolic acid, and flavonoids. And it currently ranks 7th on the list.
It is also an amazing anti-inflammatory.., and can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer through its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been known to effectively target pain related inflammation throughout the body -- menstruation pain, sore joints, aching muscles and also allergic reactions…
Aspects of cinnamon help reduce the risk of heart disease and heart related health issues. Besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it also reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. It can also increase blood flow.., and helps the body repair damaged tissue -- especially in the heart.
Tip: Mixing half of a teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of honey (organic, raw) once a day.., can strengthen the heart and help to prevent a heart attack.
Lowers blood sugar… Research shows that cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar levels, making it an excellent treatment for type-2 diabetes. With as little as 1-6 grams a day, it can lower a persons fasting blood sugar levels almost 30%.
Cinnamon is also used for neurodegenerative diseases… Two compounds in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is considered one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cinnamon has been used as a Antifungal, Antibacterial and Antiviral… Cinnamaldehyde.., which is the active component in cinnamon may also help to fight many kinds of infections… Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including listeria and salmonella. And the antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath.
Even the smell of cinnamon has been shown to beneficial… Helping those that suffer from ADHD.., the pure aroma of it can calm the mind and increase attention span...
Beyond all the above… Research in Japan and Australia has shown the combination of honey and cinnamon, as at least an effective adjunct for treating some cancers, perhaps even a cure. And a Copenhagen study proved that even extreme cases of arthritis were significantly improved with a daily dose of honey and cinnamon.
content are some of the characteristics that are accredited to the
positive effects on the human body.
Tip: Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of warm water to help reduce pain from arthritis.
But All Cinnamon Is Not Created Equal
From a health, safety standpoint -- Ceylon cinnamon is the only choice… Cassia cinnamon is regarded as the main source of coumarin in the human diet. It’s a naturally occurring toxin which has the potential to cause liver damage. Studies have revealed that regularly consuming Cassia cinnamon could have harmful side-effects.
Certain countries in the E.U. have limited the amount of coumarin in food. Denmark has gone as far as to put a limit on how much cinnamon can be used in the cinnamon swirls because of the potential danger of too much coumarin. And in Germany, they haves warned, that more than 2 grams of Cassia cinnamon can be harmful to the liver.
So, it goes without saying -- but I'll say it anyway… When shopping for cinnamon -- you want CEYLON CINNAMON!
But that is not the only danger involving cinnamon…
"The Cinnamon Challenge…" Is an absurd game that was floating around the internet, where people had to swallow a large spoonful of cinnamon without drinking any water… The dryness of the cinnamon usually causes the person to cough it back up. Cinnamon is made from tree bark. It contains cellulose fibers that don’t break down easily. When cinnamon gets into the lungs, it can cause lung inflammation and scarring.
And even worse… Four-year-old Matthew Radar died from getting into the spice cabinet and swallowing enough cinnamon to cause him to go into convulsions. He died from cinnamon asphyxiation.
Weird Uses For Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil is a fantastic mosquito repellent, and it has also been shown to kill mosquito larvae. And sprinkling cinnamon on new seedlings will keep them safe from damping off -- when pathogens in the soil kill seedlings early in their short lives. Also, you can sprinkle cinnamon around your house, apartment, flat or even out on a picnic.., to keep ants away…
In Closing…
Cinnamon is truly an an amazing spice… From it's enticing, soothing aroma, it's delectable taste.., to all it's fabulous health benefits… But it does have it dark side, so be careful, keep out of reach of children, use CEYLON CINNAMON (not cassia). Remember, used properly it can greatly benefit your health and life. CHEERS!
Reference:
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html#
https://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon/
https://www.cinnamonvogue.com/cinnamonhistory.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19433898
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14633804
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
https://www.davidwolfe.com/1-tsp-honey-cinnamon-day-body
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cinnamon-challenge-dangerous-to-lungs-new-report-warns
http://www.naturalnews.com/029894_honey_arthritis.html#ixzz4SGDFBqlq
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