Cinnamon, The Benefits Go Beyond The Kitchen

Ahhhh, cinnamon. It isn’t just for oatmeal, or something you find in one of those delicious Cinnabon treats.

go on...drool a little, it's okay

Cinnamon's benefits go beyond the kitchen. As a cinnamon lover I can tell you that I've used this wonder spice in most recipes and beverages, and it doesn't stop there...I've even made cinnamon facial masks which left my skin soft and radiant.

• Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years, as far back at 2,000 B.C. In ancient Egypt it was considered rare and valuable and was ceremoniously given as gifts to kings. 

• It is high in a substance called cinnamaldehyde, the main component that provides most of its health benefits, as well as wonderful taste and odor. 

• Cinnamon is filled with antioxidants such as polyphenols. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon outranked "superfoods" like garlic and oregano. That's saying something! (source:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16190627)

• Cinnamon can cut the risk of heart disease, as well as improve key risks of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect. It can significantly help those with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, therefore normalizing their blood sugar levels.

• Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. It is also said that smelling this sweet wonder spice can help boost brain activity. 

• Cinnamon's essential oils contain anti-microbial properties that help stop the commonly problematic yeast bacteria candida, including Salmonella and Listeria. 

• Did you know that you can use cinnamon to keep unwanted bugs and critters away? Cinnamon can be used as a non-toxic way to control household insects such as ants, roaches, dust mites, ticks and mosquitoes. 

• There are two types of cinnamon - Ceylon and Cassia. Though both provide healthy benefits, Ceylon is the superior of the both. The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. If consumed in large quantities it could potentially harm your liver. Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it is much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety. Unfortunately, most cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cheaper Cassia variety, Ceylon can be priced up to 10 times more. If you decide to use a lot of cinnamon Ceylon is the way to go. 

• Both cassia and Ceylon cinnamon are on the Food and Drug Administration's list of spices safe for human consumption, but the list doesn't specify quantities, so keep that in mind. 

I will say this, if you want to use cinnamon for medicinal purposes make sure you seek the advice of an expert and always do your research. :) 

Con amor y positividad

KB

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