Fragrant cinnamon is famous for its sweetish, “warm” taste. Its culinary and medicinal properties have been known since biblical times. Cinnamon is widely known in Indian traditional medicine - Ayuverde, it was used by Chinese healers, it was treated for patients in medieval Europe. Today, many of the beneficial properties of the spice are confirmed by scientists.
Nutritional value of cinnamon
Cinnamon is not a spice that is consumed in large doses, therefore, its maximum portion is considered not as usual - 100 grams, and not more than 1 teaspoon, that is, about 5 grams of powder. This dose contains about 0.33 mg of manganese, 0.76 mg of iron and 24.56 mg of calcium. It also contains a very good dose of vitamin A, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine. The calorie content of cinnamon is 25 calories per 10 grams. What is also important for the medicinal properties of the spice, there are about 2 grams of valuable dietary fiber in one teaspoon. The sharp taste of the spice and its specific aroma are due to the content of cinnamaldehyde in the spice, the same aldehyde is contained in the essential oil of cinnamon.
Cinnamon powder is obtained from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. Sometimes the pieces of bark themselves are put into the dishes, which, after drying, roll up into tubes, they are called chopsticks in culinary recipes.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The active substances contained in cinnamon have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiseptic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. The cinnamaldehyde in the spice prevents platelet buildup inside blood vessels, and thus helps prevent stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary heart disease.
Chinese cinnamon or cassia, more spicy and tangy, but less aromatic. Its health benefits differ from those of Ceylon cinnamon.
Some studies have shown that ground cinnamon has properties that help the body be insulin resistant, which is why the spice has found use in regulating blood sugar levels in type II diabetes.
By participating in the digestive process, cinnamon significantly reduces the discomfort associated with bloating. The ground spice kills bacteria and heals infections in the gastrointestinal tract by allowing gastric juices to function. For an upset stomach or stomach cramps, drinking a cup of tea infused with cinnamon bark is enough to significantly reduce pain.
Cinnamon essential oil is effective against yeast infections caused by Candida Albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei. You can fight external infections by mixing about 1% cinnamon essential oil with transport oil. This mixture has one serious contraindication - do not apply it to the mucous membranes, otherwise you risk getting burned. In the fight against internal fungal infections, as well as to enhance immunity, essential oil is added to tea brewed with cinnamon sticks.
The beneficial properties of cinnamon are widely used in cosmetology, because the spice is rich in antioxidants that fight aging in the body, in addition, its warming properties are widely known. By causing blood to flow to the skin, cinnamon makes it more elastic and firm.
For those who are losing weight, the property of cinnamon is relevant to reduce cravings for sweets and reduce appetite. A drink made from cinnamon and ginger root, which improves digestion and helps to eliminate toxins from the body, is a great help for those on a diet.
