Introduction
Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several trees. It is harvested by growing the trees for two years, then the inner bark taken out and used. Outer woody portion is discarded.Cinnamon is cultivated mainly in Shri Lanka, Madagascar and Seychelles. In Chinese medicines and in Indian Ayur Vedic system of medicine, it is long considered as a super power used to treat cold, indigestion and cramps.
It is also believed to improve energy, vitality and blood circulation. It is used both as a spice and medicine, since ancient times. It is used in food preparations. Principally, it is used in cooking as a condiment and flavouring material. It is also used in pickles, sauces as flavour and preservative. It is one of the oldest spices known.
Chemical composition
Cinnamon is high in nutrients. It is a great source of manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Its flavour is due to the aromatic oil it contains. It has sweet and pungent taste. The pungent taste comes from cinnamon aldehyde.Health benefits
Diabetes
Several scientific studies carried out shows that it significantly helps with type 2 diabetes by increasing amount of insulin production, and by improving their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing blood sugar. It not only stimulates insulin receptors but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them. Study on people with type 2 diabetes shows that consuming as little as 1gm (1/4 teaspoon) cinnamon powder per day is found to reduce blood sugar. The cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabeteswill reduces risk of problems associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Cardiovascular disease
Studies have shown that ½ teaspoon full of cinnamon powder can lower triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol, thus improving cardiovascular health.Arthritis
Half teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon honey, taken every day morning on empty stomach have significant relief of pain after one week and can walk without pain in one month.Take one part honey, two part lukewarm water and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and make a paste by mixing them. Massage it on the itching part slowly. Pain will recede with 15 minutes.
Yeast infection
It has shown amazing ability to stop drug resistant yeast infection.Cancer prevention
Study published by researchers shows that it reduced proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.Antioxidant
It is more powerful antioxidant compared to other antioxidant spices. It prevents oxidation more effectively than all other spices.Hair loss
Make paste of hot olive oil and one tablespoon honey and one teaspoon cinnamon powder. Apply on scalp before bath. Keep it for 15 minutes than wash hair.Bladder infection
Take two tablespoon cinnamon powder, one teaspoon honey and put them in a glass of lukewarm water. Mix and drink it. It will destroy germs causing the infection of bladder.Toothache
Make paste of ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and one teaspoon honey. Apply it on aching tooth. Apply daily three times until the tooth stops aching.Heart disease
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder. Apply on bread in place of jam. It will reduce cholesterol and will strengthen heart.Skin infection
Apply honey and cinnamon in equal parts to cure infection of eczima, ringworms and all types of skin infection.Brain health
By just smelling its wonderful odour of this sweet spice, boosts brain activity and its cognitive function and memory.Other uses
- It has anti-clotting effect on blood.
- It is an excellent source of fiber and good source of calcium and trace mineral manganese to protect colon health and heart health.
- Traditionally it is used as warming remedy and provides relief on onset of cold or flu especially when mixed in tea with fresh ginger.
- It has been found effective natural remedy for eliminating headache and migraine relief.
- When added to food and pickles, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a good food preservative.
- It gives an enchanting aroma and flavour when chewed.
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