Cinnamon: A plant with so much of advantages, a thought to cherish! Bake the cinnamon in an oven and feel its aroma all around! Cylon cinnamon, as the scientific name goes, it is grown mostly in the Central hills of Sri Lanka.
A Herb To Cherish- What Exactly is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a renowned spice used for multiple purposes, including adding flavour to your favourite delicacies and its medicinal properties. It is obtained from a plant called Cinnamomum Verum. Its flowers, fruits, roots and leaves are all used in the preparation of medicinal forum. Ayurveda seems to be using it in the Ayurvedic world for thousands of years. People are using it in baking as well. It has a citrusy, sweet and soft flavour.
History of Cinnamon- Something Worth Knowing
Sri Lanka is a popular place and is often regarded as a True Cinnamon place, as it is produced in abundance in Sri Lanka's central hills. It is produced in China and Indonesia, but Sri Lanka is still the highest producer.
It has its origin in China, though, but it has been native to Vietnam, Southeast Asian countries, and Indonesia. All these places have warm climates. There are stories that say cinnamon was actually used to embalm mummies in Egypt in ancient times.
Cinnamon Types- Four Unique Kinds
Cinnamon is divided into four types. Their colour and tastes differ in all the cases:
- In the market, you will find the common dark coloured cassia cinnamon. It is especially available in the United States. Though grown especially in Southeast Asia, it is popular all around.
- The commonly available cinnamon on the market is either Ceylon, cassia, or a quick combination of both.
- Among all of these, Ceylon can be easily ground without any hassle.
- Ceylon comes with additional health advantages.
Health Advantages of Cinnamon- How is Cinnamon so Good for You?
For those who are unaware and treat cinnamon as merely a spice should know it has several health features. It is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. Not just a spice, cinnamon is a bundle of health advantages!
1. Presence of Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamon has cinnamaldehyde as an active ingredient, which can act as a stimulator for fragrance and flavourings. Besides other health benefits, it makes your food smell nice!
2. Might Help In Correcting Sugar Level
In Ayurveda, you will read about Ayurvedic doctors suggesting adding cinnamon to daily life to regulate the overall body health, especially sugar levels.
3. Might help To Gain Healthy Weight
At several places in Ayurveda, it is mentioned that cinnamon can help with healthy weight and can act as an immunity booster.
4. Helps in Better Digestion
Irregular bowel movements are so annoying, and intestinal problems are painful. Cinnamon might help you to get rid of these problems.
5. Anti-Inflammation
Cinnamon emerges as an effective anti-inflammatory remedy. It has phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
6. Antibiotic Properties In Bulk
The odour and flavour of cinnamon, which most of us enjoy, is due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde in it. It might help you to get rid of bacteria and virus attacks in some exclusive cases. It might also arrest the further growth of bacteria.
7. Might Help With Oxidative Damage
As already declared, cinnamon comes with several antioxidants that can assist in protecting against oxidative stress. Because of this property, in some cases, it is also used as a food preservative.
8. Controls Inflammations
Researchers have mentioned several times that due to the antioxidant feature, it can easily control inflammation.
Cinnamons are also known to help with tooth problems and some kinds of allergies. Though the first note of advice is always to consult your health specialist first before starting anything new, you should always remember to have it in little quantity.
Recommended Dose of Magical Cinnamon
There is no fixed dose of cinnamon, but your health specialist may suggest the right one for you. Sticking to half or one teaspoon of cinnamon powder is the minimum and maximum advisable dose. Never opt for a higher dose.
What Does Cinnamon Contain?
To your utter surprise, cinnamon has calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Potassium is known to control the sodium's effect while controlling the heartbeat and blood pressure levels. It also helps with the smooth nerve functions. Magnesium and calcium, on the other hand, help to maintain a healthy heart. You must be knowing these two minerals work together for the betterment of bones and overall skeletal health. In short, magnesium and calcium take care of osteoporosis.
Who can Eat Cinnamon?
It is such a good herb that everyone can have it. Full of beneficial properties, it is advisable to all, but some people who might have these conditions may avoid it to the fullest:
1. People who are prone to allergies
Cinnamon was never known to cause allergies, but people who are too sensitive should always consult a doctor before starting it.
2. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women are Too Fragile
Females who are carrying a new life or feeding a baby should be careful with what they eat. They need to know in advance what is good for their changing body and the baby.
3. People on Regular Medication or Suffering From Serious Ailment
Though cinnamon has no side reaction but, people taking medicine for any disease should start anything new only after taking advice from their health specialist to avoid any complications.
Nutrition In Cinnamon
Cinnamon has no trace of any fat, protein or any overall nutrient portion, but it comprises a handful of vitamins and nutrients. Let us check them in the exact proportion:
Ways To Use Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice available in stick or powdery form under the grocery section. You can find it in a small shop or supermarkets. A powdery form of it is often used to add flavour to salty and sweet dishes.
Uses of Cinnamon Sticks
People are seen eating these sticks, but they are often used in dishes and drinks to add flavour. You can even use them in your favourite hot chocolate or mulled wine. It can be used in sauces, marinades, and even in stews to enhance that lost authentic flavour.
Usage of Cinnamon Powder- The beautiful, Healthy Aroma
Ever tried butter toast on which a combination of cinnamon powder and sugar is placed? It is a must to try once in a lifetime. It can be added to yoghurt, coffee or even as a topping on salads. If you want to keep the mixture of cinnamon powder and sugar preserved, keep it in an airtight container to avoid the presence of any moisturiser.
Cinnamon Water- Good or Bad?
Cinnamon tea, as we all know, is full of health benefits. It boosts the metabolism and works towards natural wellness. It controls the habit of snacking cravings all the time. You can drink it by mixing it in hot or cold water as per your preference.
Cinnamon Name In Different Languages
Cinnamon is known by different names in different languages, and you will surely be surprised to know that such a useful spice is always in your kitchen. The names by which it is known in different languages are:
Feel the Aroma of Cinnamon While Concluding
Cinnamon, a spice that can magically create a sweet but strong aroma, has multiple uses. It can be used in food and beverage making. Lately, people are adding them to healthy drinks, too. Cinnamon tea is also getting popular due to its medicinal properties. People are adding it more and more to their daily food to enjoy all the best properties of it. Isn't this bark peel worth trying?
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon
1. What is an unknown fact about cinnamon?
The fun fact that most people are unaware of is that the average cinnamon tree height may reach up to 60 feet; it is a natural preservative from the very beginning. It is not water solluble due to its caryophyllene compound. You can also call their sticks as Quills.
2. Who actually discovered cinnamon- the spice with so many qualities?
It is believed that the spice was known to the world for a long time, but they were unaware of the source. So somewhere during the 16th century, the Portuguese were the ones to find the cinnamon source in Sri Lanka.
3. How do you check the quality of cinnamon?
It is advisable to check for the tightness in the cinnamon sticks besides uniformness. Also, check for the strong aroma and the wonderful flavour. If the cinnamon is of high quality, its powder will be smooth and will have no clumps. Avoid buying multiple-layered, thick or rough cinnamon. It can be cassia bark, which is a mistaken substitute for cinnamon.
4. Name the cinnamon, which is rare?
Cinnamon obtained from the Ceylon cinnamon tree is rare. The cinnamon obtained from it is thin and has a very strong aroma. Full of medicinal properties, this finest and rarest cinnamon is among the most expensive ones in the market.
