Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is originally found in Sri Lanka. Real Cinnamon is lighter in color and sweet to taste. We can never deny the fact that they add flavor to our favorite food like cookies, oatmeal, cakes, yogurt, tea,and pies. But rather than the flavor, it is considered a super food for its powerful health benefits.
Here are some interesting facts about Cinnamon.
- The bark of the Cinnamon tree is the one used to make the spice.
- We can get the best cinnamon from Sri Lanka. There is another spice similar to Cinnamon called ‘Cassia’ which is also called as Chinese Cinnamon.
- The scent and the flavor of the Cinnamon are due to the presence of a compound called Cinnamaldehyde.
- Cinnamon was a spice in demand and traders bought it to other parts of the world from Sri Lanka.
- Cinnamon once used to be very expensive.
- Nowadays, Cinnamon is a common seasoning found in every home.
Cinnamon Types and How To Find Them
Except for the Ceylon Cinnamon, the other varieties of Cinnamon have a chemical called Coumarin. This is a very nasty compound and is not good for the health of the liver. To differentiate between good and bad Cinnamon, know the differences as listed below:
| Bad Cinnamon | Good Cinnamon |
| Dark Brown Colour | Light Brown |
| Thick and Hard | Thin and soft |
| Hollow Tube | Looks like a cigar |
| Flat Taste | Sweet and delicate |
| Found in China, Vietnam,and Indonesia | Found in Sri Lanka |
Before using Cinnamon, just make sure you don’t suffer from liver damage. Also, consult your family doctor about consuming cinnamon.
Health Benefits Of Cinnamon
We generally use the bark of Cinnamomum verum (or Cinnamomum zeylanicum) tree. This bark contains several special compounds which are responsible for its many health benefits, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate.
These compounds make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on earth, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, immunity-boosting and potential protection against cancer and heart disease.
Cinnamon’s aroma arises from cinnamonaldehyde, an essential oil found in the bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is known as twak in Sanskrit, Pattai in Tamil and dalchini is Hindi, cinnamon has a long history of use in herbal and Ayurvedic home remedies.
The health benefits of cinnamon includes
1. Pain Reliever
 Though the pain-relieving aspect of Cinnamon is still under study, it surely relieves pain by reducing inflammation by destroying and neutralizing the free radicals that cause
Blood Sugar Regulator
When used as a supplement, it aids in keeping the blood sugar levels steady. It works effectively by controlling the release of insulin absorption in the blood. It also helps to lower the blood pressure.
Help Fight Tooth Decay
A chemical compound, Cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon inhibits anti-fungal properties. It may reduce infections and also help fight tooth decay and problem of bad breath.
Energy Booster
As it controls the release of energy in our body, it is a great ingredient to be added to our daily breakfast. Try using cinnamon in your morning coffee or tea,you will find the difference.
Helps In Reducing Bad Cholesterol
Adding cinnamon to our diet may help in lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while good cholesterol(HDL) remains unaffected, thus reducing cardiovascular disease.
Reduces The Risk Of Cancer
Cinnamon has antioxidant properties that help in DNA repair, regulating hormones, destructing cancer cells and also, in reducing the effects of carcinogens in our body.
Probiotic
Probiotics are often called “Good” or “Helpful” bacteria, which helps in reducing yeast infection. As cinnamon helps in reducing intestinal Candida, it can be used as a probiotic.
Boosts Metabolism
Our body uses more energy to process spices than foods.Being Cinnamon a spice it requires more energy to process which in turn helps in burning and metabolizing fat, thus, regulating energy more efficiently. This all boosts up the metabolism rate.
Relieves from Stress
As Cinnamon reduces blood pressure, it helps a lot in reducing irritability and migraine. Also researchers says that scent of cinnamon is soothing it helps your body to relax and relieve from stress.
Reduces period cramps
Cinnamon helps in increasing progesterone hormone also known as relaxin hormone and decreases testosterone in women, thus balancing the hormones responsible for cramp.
