Real Cinnamon, Healthy Benefits

Cinnamon has a long history, both as a spice, and as an herbal remedy. Available throughout the year, the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect addition to winter recipes for soups, stews, hot beverages, baked goods, hot cereals and fruit.

Cinnamon can be found in powder form, as well as rolled, dried sticks. Cinnamon sticks will last for up to one year stored in a tightly sealed glass container away from light or heat. The powder form will last only half of this time, but has a much stronger flavor.

                  

Cinnamon comes from the brown, inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. Ceylon cinnamon is most commonly used in the Western world and Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon originates from southern China. 

Cinnamon's unique healing abilities come from the essential oils found in its bark which may help to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria and maintain healthy glucose levels. It is also known for it antioxidant properties.

Cinnamon is often referred to as an "anti-inflammatory" food. It may help to lessen inflammation with the ability to help lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes.

Cinnamon may help to slow the rate at which the stomach empties after meals. This reduces the rise in blood sugar after eating to help maintain normal glucose levels.

Cinnamon is an excellent source of fiber, calcium and the trace mineral manganese which may help with antioxidant effects.

Due to cinnamon’s anti-microbial properties it is often used in gum and oral hygiene products as a mouth freshener.

Cinnamon essential oil can be applied to the skin or added to baths when combined with carrier oils such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado.

Cinnamon essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a few drops of the oil onto a cloth or tissue, or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. Cinnamon essential oil may help with energy, headaches, and focus.

Here are some delicious tips to incorporate cinnamon into your daily diet.

• Drizzle flax seed oil onto whole grain toast and then sprinkle with cinnamon and honey for a healthy snack.
• Simmer cinnamon sticks with soymilk (or other milk substitute) and honey for a delicious warm beverage.
• Adding ground cinnamon to black beans for burritos or nachos for a unique, delicious taste.
• Sauté lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks to create a Middle Eastern inspired meal.
• Add ground cinnamon when preparing curries.

-Mona Claypoole, Director of Marketing