Almost any housewife has cinnamon in the kitchen. It is actively used in cooking as a fragrant seasoning. But not everyone knows about the beneficial properties of this wonderful spice.
General information about cinnamon
Cinnamon is a member of the evergreen laurel tree family. It is a tropical plant that loves warm, humid climates. It grows in South India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the Asian tropics and the Seychelles.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and cassia. More common and useful in folk medicine is the Ceylon spice. Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) is native to southern China. It is slightly inferior in quality to the Ceylon one and costs an order of magnitude cheaper.
Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate sweetish taste and subtle aroma. Cassia has a spicier flavor and a brighter aroma.
In addition to differences in taste and aroma, Ceylon cinnamon contains about 1000 times less coumarin in its composition. This is an important quality because coumarin is quite toxic to the kidneys and liver, and when consumed in large quantities, it can even be harmful to health.
The most expensive and quality cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka. She has a delicious sweet-spicy aroma and a pleasant taste.
Before selling and processing, cinnamon grows for at least two years, then the bark is cut from the tree and dried. On sale, natural cinnamon is presented in the form of twisted tubes.
The benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a unique plant and has many health benefits. Consuming cinnamon extract daily lowers blood sugar levels. This will not replace mandatory medication, but it will make life easier for people with type 2 diabetes.
Due to its ability to reduce the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, cinnamon is considered an excellent brain stimulant. By adding it to the menu, you can reduce the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Cinnamon is a good helper for those who want to lose weight. Adding one tablespoon of cinnamon extract to a meal will improve digestion and slightly speed up your metabolism.
Also, the use of this seasoning has a positive effect on blood circulation.
It is very helpful to use cinnamon essential oil. Natural plant oil has excellent antiviral, antibacterial and disinfectant properties.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants and flavonoids, so eating a spoonful of honey with cinnamon in the morning is very beneficial to strengthen the immune system. The classic option is to dissolve them in a glass of warm milk.
During the cold season, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning with the addition of a few drops of cinnamon oil to the water. Thus, you will not only conduct an aromatherapy session, but also disinfect the room.
For people suffering from fungal diseases of the feet, it is worth doing baths with cinnamon oil.
Also, cinnamon oil is used to treat acne, colitis, flatulence, colds and as a mild pain reliever for rheumatism.
Cinnamon is very useful for schoolchildren and students. Taking two small pinches of this spice a day has a positive effect on concentration, improves memory, reduces fatigue and strengthens vision.
Many oral hygiene products contain cinnamon essential oil. This is due to the fact that the plant has active antibacterial properties and helps to heal the gums and eliminate bad breath.
Cinnamon is also a powerful aphrodisiac. No wonder many contraceptives have the original cinnamon aroma.
In addition to its medicinal properties, cinnamon has other beneficial qualities. For example, it is an excellent repellent for insects (ants, mosquitoes, moths). To do this, it is necessary to apply a few drops of cinnamon oil to the main places where insects accumulate and the "unexpected guests" will leave the house.
In household chores, a cinnamon stick will help keep a fresh and pleasant smell in the refrigerator.
Contraindications to the use of cinnamon
Like any other plant, cinnamon has a number of contraindications for use.
Cinnamon is not recommended for use:
- with individual intolerance;
- the use of cinnamon during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, as it can cause uterine contractions;
- when breastfeeding;
- in acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Until now, there are no exact proportions and dosages for taking cinnamon safely. However, as a result of the tests carried out, scientists recommend eating no more than 3-5 grams of spice per day.
Taking more than 6 grams of cinnamon per day is strictly contraindicated. Coumarin, which is part of the plant in large doses, is very toxic to the liver.
People with allergic diseases should be aware that regular cinnamon can cause rashes and redness in some people.
Application of cinnamon
Cinnamon is most commonly used in cooking. It is added to baked goods, chocolate, meat and drinks. Cinnamon goes well with other spices: cardamom, cloves, coriander, black pepper.
In cosmetology, cinnamon is used as a perfume for the production of shower gels, hair strengthening products, perfumes, soaps and other products.
Natural essential oil of cinnamon is used in home and folk medicine, for cosmetic and household purposes.
Also, cinnamon oil is widely used in aromatherapy and Ayurveda.
For advertising purposes, large grocery stores flavor the premises with cinnamon fragrances. Breathing in the pleasant and "tasty" aroma of cinnamon, customers get a feeling of coziness, celebration and tranquility, their mood improves and their appetite increases. As a result, people are shopping more actively.
Interesting facts about cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most ancient spices. The first mentions of it date back to 2800 BC. In addition to ancient manuscripts, cinnamon was written in the Old Testament.
Interestingly, in ancient Egypt, spices were very popular and were very expensive. For example, cinnamon cost the same as quality silver.
In wealthy and noble houses, cinnamon was added to wine and desserts. And the priests added it to the mixture for embalming.
The value of cinnamon is undeniable, so enjoy using this delicious spice. Add it to your homemade recipes and use it medicinally and prophylactically.
