This has to be the oldest known spice that dates back to written records found during the 5th century. Cinnamon is most popularly used as a flavorful and a highly aromatic condiment in a number of cuisines....
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.0 starsThis has to be the oldest known spice that dates back to written records found during the 5th century. Cinnamon is most popularly used as a flavorful and a highly aromatic condiment in a number of cuisines, and a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
As the name suggests, this spice sports a mid-brown color. The largest cultivation and production of cinnamon comes from China and Indonesia, however, its consumption dates far back as the 2000 BC.
The cinnamon spice is popularly used in the production of chocolate in Mexico, whereas in the United States, it is greatly featured in bread-based dishes and is also used to flavor different cereals. The aroma and taste of cinnamon are quite similar to the spice cassia bark and is usually described as soft and sweet with a distinctive spice kick.
Although cinnamon is safe, moderation is key. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, cinnamon may not be safe if you're pregnant and you eat more than the amount typically found in foods. Therefore, it's likely fine to eat meals, cookies, and pastries prepared with cinnamon
Cinnamon Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Too much chronic inflammation can cause the body to feel pain, move slowly, or swell uncontrollably. Cinnamon has been shown to help with inflammation when applied as an oil or cream.
Cinnamon May Help Fight HIV
In a study looking at 69 plant species, 16 were effective in inhibiting viral replication, but cinnamon proved to be the most effective! Further studies need to be done, but this early research shows that certain chemicals present in cinnamon could be used to slow down viral infection of white blood cells when used with other forms of drug treatment.
Cinnamon Has Tons of Antioxidants
Your body utilizes antioxidants to combat the threat of substances that steal electrons from cells, DNA, and proteins. When these electrons are lost (a process called oxidation) the cell, DNA, or protein can no longer function properly. Cinnamon provides plenty of antioxidants giving your body extra electrons that keep the body happy and functioning.
Cinnamon Helps with Insulin Sensitivity
Those suffering from Type 2 diabetes often have problems with insulin resistance. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study scientists saw that glucose, insulin, cholesterol and HbA1c sensitivity improved in patients with Type 2 diabetes when cinnamon-based compounds were introduced in the diet via supplements.
Of course, cinnamon isn’t a total panacea. No spice is. However, what these research studies show is that having a bit of cinnamon in your diet will help keep you in better health as well as make your food all the more flavorful.
| Calories /100g | Energy (Kcal) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sugars (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | salt |
| 242 | 247 | 1.2 | 3.99 | 0 | 80.59 | 53.1 | 0.03 |
