Today, we commonly use cinnamon in both sweet and savory dishes, such as cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and many of our meals. Cinnamon is also commonly sprinkled over coffee or used in herbal teas. It definitely has a place in the modern pantry for cooking and other tasty purposes, but aside from the sweet, yet savory zip it adds to drinks and dishes, cinnamon also has many health benefits when consumed regularly. Commonly regarded as a ground spice, cinnamon or “cinnamon bark” actually comes from a tree. It is a genus of the laurel family, with more than 200 species. The inner bark of these trees is used to make the ground cinnamon spice we know today and can also be used to create aromatic and potent cinnamon oils. Some of the health benefits this spice offers are:
- Lower Cholesterol
Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day has previously been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Honey, on the other hand, prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol “bad cholesterol”, which helps prevent heart disease. It can also decrease blood pressure, to ease strain on the heart and venous system . Just mix two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl and take a teaspoon with every meal.
- Ease Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is often caused by the inflammation of tissue in the joints. It is suggested that you should manage your condition by getting the right nutrients to alleviate pain and inflammation and positively affect overall health. Both honey and cinnamon have potent anti-inflammatory benefits. Just fill a cup with boiled water and stir in two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of cinnamon. Drink in the morning and evening for best results.
- Fight Gallbladder Infection
Your gallbladder produces bile to help fat-soluble vitamins get absorbed in the intestine. Too much cholesterol in your diet can result in gallstones, which can easily cause tears and infection. This condition can be life-threatening. Not only do honey and cinnamon lower cholesterol, but honey also heals damaged tissue. To enjoy, put two teaspoons of cinnamon and a large spoonful of honey to a cup of hot water.
- Cure Colds
Both honey and cinnamon have anti-viral benefits, which are particularly effective against the influenza virus . Just take 1 teaspoon of honey with a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon every few hours if you feel a cold or flu coming on.
- Boost Immune System
Honey and cinnamon are both immunomodulatory, meaning that they are capable of modifying or regulating one or more immune functions. Taking a bit of each every day helps your immune system fight off bacteria, viruses and infections. Cinnamon can interact with certain prescription medication and may worsen existing medical conditions, so talk to you doctor before taking cinnamon regularly.
| Interesting Facts
Aside from tasting delicious, enhancing food’s natural flavor, and being used for medicinal purposes, cinnamon has been known for thousands of years as being healthy for you. Here are some fun facts about this popular spice. § Cinnamon bark can be cultivated so that it grows into a bush instead of a full-grown tree. § The largest production of cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. § Used as a natural cure for many different ailments, cinnamon contains fiber, iron, calcium, manganese, and zinc. § In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used to embalm bodies. § This favored spice is used in both savory and sweet dishes. § Cinnamon is commonly used both in food and for medicinal purposes. § The leaves on a cinnamon tree are anywhere from three to seven inches long and highly fragrant. § The health benefits of cinnamon explored in ancient China, even being mentioned in a publication about botanical medicine that dates back to 2,700 B.C. § Cinnamon is made from grinding down the inner bark of cinnamon trees. § Due to its antimicrobial properties, cinnamon can actually be used to preserve other foods. § In the cosmetic world, cinnamon is used for its pleasant fragrance as well as its natural plumping or “swelling” properties on the lips. § When grown in the wild, cinnamon trees have a lifespan of forty years.
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