Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt. It’s one of the oldest known spices. To prepare it, the bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, also called quills. Cinnamon can also be dried and ground into a powder. The characteristic flavor and aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound in the essential oil of the bark called cinnamonaldehyde. Although there are four main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon are the most popular.
Here are some of the benefits of Cinnamon:
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL).
Cinnamon may help treat Type 2 Diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body.
Cinnamon has antifungal properties, and it’s been said that candida cannot live in a cinnamon environment.
Cinnamon can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
Honey and Cinnamon combined has been found to relieve arthritis pain.
When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Just smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
Cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
Cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminating headaches and migraine relief.
Cinnamon can also help stablize blood sugar (which is great for weight loss). A couple of dashes in your morning tea or cereal is all it takes!
