Cinnamon is extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree. The spice is known for its distinctive slightly sweet, sharp, and warm spicy flavor. The unique aroma of cinnamon is especially present during the Christmas season, for example, poinsettia bread with a filling of cinnamon, Christmas cookies with cinnamon, etc.
Cinnamon is used as an aromatic flavoring and flavoring agent in a wide range of cuisines, sweet and savory dishes, and foods. Cinnamon has been used since ancient times for its healing properties and for embalming. Today, cinnamon is valued for its effect on the gastrointestinal tract, among other things. In addition, it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
But in addition, cinnamon can potentially cause a number of health problems. Cinnamon contains the substance coumarin, especially Chinese cinnamon. The coumarin content of Ceylon cinnamon is very low. A high intake of coumarin can cause liver damage and inhibit blood clotting.
What is cinnamon?
The bark of the cinnamon tree is what made the spice so popular and world-famous. The bark comes off the trees and is then rolled up and dried. Originally, cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka.
This island used to be called Ceylon and Ceylon cinnamon is named after it. Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China are the main suppliers in 2022. The cinnamon that comes from Indonesia is considered the one with the best health effect and taste. It is traded under the name Ceylon Cinnamon.
The quality of the pieces of cinnamon bark is better the thinner they are. The thinner the bark and the higher the oil content, the better the quality. They are available from 6 to about 32 millimeters in diameter. Cinnamon is available in the form of cinnamon sticks and in addition cinnamon is used as a powder or cinnamon oil. The essential oils form the characteristic cinnamon taste and smell.
Cinnamon stars and speculoos, mulled wine and stewed pears with cinnamon: the unmistakable taste and smell of cinnamon especially accompany the winter. There is something warm about this spice, a touch exotic, even a hint of adventure.
How Is Cinnamon Used
Cinnamon has many uses in dishes and foods:
- Asian and African dishes, such as chutneys and rice dishes
- Drinks and desserts in Europe
- Applesauce
- Hot wine / mulled wine
- Pastry
- Cake
Two kinds of cinnamon
Two types of cinnamon are distinguished.
- Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), comes mainly from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Ceylon cinnamon is fragrant and sweeter than Chinese cinnamon.
- Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) or Chinese cinnamon, originally grown in China, is now also grown in Vietnam, Indonesia and Sumatra. Cassia cinnamon has a more powerful, sharper character.
What parts of the plant and contents are used?
Constituents
Cinnamon contains an incredible number of healthy ingredients. It is rich in minerals and contains, for example, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Cinnamon is also rich in vitamin A and niacin (vitamin B3).
It also contains pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and pyridoxine (one of seven compounds belonging to the vitamin B6 group), as well as flavonoids and antioxidants.
The polyphenols carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are also present in cinnamon. Cinnamon is one of the strongest antioxidant foods in the world.
The effective ingredients are found in the cinnamon bark. It contains 0.5 to four percent essential oil, which consists of 65 to 75 percent cinnamaldehyde (cinnamaldehyde) and about five percent eugenol.
In addition, small amounts of so-called mono-, sesqui- and diterpenes, tannins, and phenolic carboxylic acids are present in cinnamon. The substance coumarin occurs only in very low concentrations in Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon, on the other hand, may contain up to 0.3 percent coumarin.
Antioxidants and fiber
Cinnamon is very healthy and nutritious. For example, half a cup of blueberries contains as many antioxidants as a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cinnamon also contains a lot of fiber. Blood sugar levels are stabilized by the polyphenols it contains.
This increases insulin production in the body, which in turn prevents uncontrollable cravings. Therefore, cinnamon is also effective and helpful in losing weight. In addition, its smell and taste provide a sense of satisfaction, which is also important in losing weight. Since fat storage is related to blood sugar levels, this is also prevented.
Related Article: 7 Helpful Herbs For Type 2 Diabetes Patients
So cinnamon helps you lose weight by not converting glucose into fat. Cinnamon also gives you a long feeling of satiety because your stomach empties slowly. Because cinnamon raises blood sugar more slowly, you feel less hungry and eat less.
Taking six grams of cinnamon a day for six weeks can help you lose weight. Ceylon cinnamon is best suited for this. Because cinnamon can also normalize blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, you can try it after consulting your doctor. With cinnamon, the body improves insulin production and cinnamon helps the body respond better to insulin.
Cinnamon As Alternative Treatment in Herbal Medicine
In naturopathy, cinnamon has the following indications, among others:
- Irresistible appetite
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Diabetes type 2
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis (bone decalcification)
- Foot fungus
Cinnamon essential oil is extracted with steam distillation of the cinnamon bark and is used within naturopathy for diarrhea, menstrual cramps, colds, and flu.
Health benefits of cinnamon
Fungi, bacteria and preservation
Cinnamon can help with fungi, bacteria, and preservation. Products with cinnamon in them have a longer shelf life. If synthetic preservatives are not desired in products, cinnamon oil can be used.
For foot fungus, a warm 20-minute foot bath is recommended, in which there are two to three broken cinnamon sticks present.
Disinfectant
Half a teaspoon of cinnamon and 250 milliliters of water make it easy to make a natural disinfectant that is ideal for cleaning children's toys or, for example, the countertop in the kitchen.
Improved intestinal activity
Cinnamon promotes appetite and stimulates intestinal activity. As a spice, it can therefore make food more digestible and prevent digestive problems such as gas and bloating. At the same time, cinnamon changes the composition of intestinal bacteria. This has a beneficial effect on obesity (and diabetes).
Diabetes type 2
Consumption of cinnamon may produce health effects in people with type 2 diabetes. Certain cinnamon ingredients are believed to affect blood sugar levels.
Related Article: 7 Helpful Herbs For Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Cinnamon increases the release of the hormone insulin. This hormone ensures that blood sugar can be absorbed by all cells in the body. At the same time, tissue is more sensitive to insulin and absorbs more glucose.
Side effects
Irritation and allergies
Cinnamon does not usually cause side effects. However, if you use a lot of cinnamon, the spice can irritate your mouth and lips and cause ulcers. Some people are allergic to it. It can cause redness and irritation if your skin comes into contact with it.
Toxicity
The coumarin content of Ceylon cinnamon is very low, according to the Nutrition Center. This is in contrast to Chinese cinnamon. If you eat a lot of that, it can cause liver damage and inhibit blood clotting.
Given the lack of evidence on safety, children, as well as pregnant and nursing women, should be cautious with cinnamon (supplements).
Lower blood sugar
Cinnamon can affect your blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes (type 2) and take cinnamon supplements may therefore need to adjust their treatment. Consult with your doctor about this.
Related Article: 7 Helpful Herbs For Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Interactions
If you take regular prescription medications, consult with your primary care physician or treating physician before taking cinnamon supplements. This is because they can affect the effectiveness of antibiotics, diabetes medications, blood thinners, heart medications, and some other medications.
The post Cinnamon: Health Benefits, Types and Side Effects appeared first on Natural Herbal Recipes For Everyday Use.
Source:https://naturalherbals.net/healthy-spices/cinnamon-health-benefits-types-and-side-effects/
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