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Cinnamon is a plant originally from Sri Lanka, in Asia. Its tea tends to be highly valued by oriental medicine, and has been used for thousands of years for its numerous benefits, such as in the treatment of colds, colic and indigestion.
Likewise, the West has also been discovering the properties of cinnamon, and its consumption has been increasing, especially to season sweet dishes and drinks . It can be used in peel or powder as a spice with an exotic flavor, at the same time sweet and spicy.
Cinnamon Properties
In addition to giving a tasty touch to food, cinnamon can also be used for therapeutic purposes. It stimulates the immune system and is anti-inflammatory , which produces an immunomodulatory effect against colds and flu. It is believed that cinnamon can still be an aphrodisiac by stimulating blood circulation in erogenous zones.
One of its benefits if consumed routinely in the diet is in the prevention and combat of diabetes, since cinnamon is rich in chromium, a component that has the property of controlling blood sugar levels (glycemic peaks), and has the polyphenol MHCP, component which increases insulin sensitivity. Women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome due to insulin resistance can also benefit from cinnamon.
Cinnamon Studies
A study in the United States found an increase in glucose metabolism in fat cells in patients who used cinnamon, which relates to the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases due to blood fat.
Another property consists of its thermogenic action, that is, capable of increasing the expenditure of calories, which makes it a good choice in helping to lose weight. And it is already proven that the consumption of cinnamon helps to lower triglycerides and, consequently, the levels of total cholesterol and LDL (the “bad”).
An experiment carried out by the American Diabetes Association observed, after 40 days, that the consumption of cinnamon by 60 people contributed to reduce between 12 and 26% of total cholesterol, with a 7 to 27% reduction in LDL and 23 to 30% of triglycerides. .
In addition, cinnamon is considered an antioxidant because it is rich in phenolic compounds , and therefore has the power to prevent degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, malignant cancer tumors and premature aging.
Cinnamon Benefits
The benefits of cinnamon can be summarized in:
- Glucose Control and Diabetes Prevention
- Improvement in the digestive system
- Combat respiratory infections and flu
- Increased mood and resistance to stress
- Decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides
- Decreased appetite and increased caloric expenditure to lose weight
- Reduction of fat accumulation and insulin resistance
- Improved blood circulation
- Prevention of degenerative diseases and premature aging
How to use
It can be used as a powdered condiment to be sprinkled over desserts or soups and coffee, or the cinnamon stick can be boiled for tea . The amount of cinnamon used in research varies between 1 to 6 grams per day, which is equivalent to a maximum of one teaspoon to consume. If consumed in excess, more than 6 grams, it can irritate the mucous membranes and intestine, causing ulcers, or intoxication effects with allergies and elevated heartbeat.
Types of Cinnamon
The so-called “Indian cinnamon” is the least common to find, but it is considered “real” cinnamon, from the plant known as Ceylon. The cinnamon stick in India is more delicate and breaks easily, with more thin layers rolled up. Its flavor and aroma are a little different and it is possible to extract an essential oil that has a touch of cloves. When found for sale, it is usually more expensive.
Already the cinnamon that comes from Cassia, known as cinnamon-of-China, is the most commonly found in markets, it is difficult to be ground at home. The cinnamon stick in China is darker , does not break easily and has fewer, thicker layers.
It is even more associated with health benefits. However, we must be careful because its amount of coumarin is much greater than that of “real” cinnamon, and this component is anticoagulant and can present risks if consumed in excess.
Both species belong to the same Lauraceae family, as well as the laurel, and to the same genus of plants Cinnamomum.
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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
