CinnamonCinnamon is a spice with a natural sweet taste, most people will know this spice from a delicious apple pie, or the old fashioned cinnamon sticks you can get at the fair.

Cinnamon is the inner bark of the shoots of the tropical Cinnamon tree. The two most commonly used types are Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. The Cassia cinnamon has a longer burning and sweet taste compared to Ceylon. Ground cinnamon powder is usually made from the Cassia variant.

Cinnamon has been in use for thousands of years by mankind, it even gets mentioned in the Bible and there are Chinese writings dating back more than 4000 years in which cinnamon is mentioned.

Cinnamon sticks in ThailandIn many Asian countries, cinnamon is used often in food preparation. Besides its delicious taste, cinnamon together with other spices like turmeric keeps your dishes longer fresh. This is very useful in a tropical climate where not everyone owns a refrigerator.

Cinnamon is also very effective with food poisoning. This is due to its antiviral activity and the strong antibacterial effect. Cinnamon is one of the most effective agents against E-coli and salmonella poisoning. A little bit of cinnamon relieves nausea almost instantly. Therefore I always keep some cinnamon with me while traveling, as well as ginger, turmeric and pepper.

There are many easy ways to add cinnamon to your diet. For example, you can sprinkle a little powder on your yogurt or you can combine with your coffee. Personally, I usually make a herbal tea with cinnamon, combined among others with ginger, turmeric and pepper.

Some health benefits of cinnamon at a glance:
 
  • Cinnamon is a natural preservative, food will last longer when cinnamon is added.
  • Cinnamon is very effective in the body in the control of fungal infections such as Candida.
  • Cinnamon is effective in the body in fighting bacterial infections.
  • Cinnamon in your meal prevents a spike in your blood sugar level after eating.
  • Cinnamon combined with honey in your daily diet can help relieve the pains associated with osteoarthritis, or even make it disappear.
  • Cinnamon inhibits the formation of cancer cells, especially with leukaemia and lymphoma.
  • Cinnamon stimulates the mind and your concentration, even when you only smell it.
  • Cinnamon is prescribed in Chines medicine as a remedy for stomach problems.
  • Cinnamon is a good remedy against cold feet in the winter.
  • Cinnamon is prescribed in the Ayurveda for colds and menstrual pains among others.
  • Cinnamon has a positive effect on all aspects of the insulin and fat metabolism. It’s therefore an ideal tool for diabetes type2 related disorders.
  • Cinnamon promotes the production of the anabolic protein in muscle cells allowing more glucose to get absorbed, resulting in more energy. Perfect for athletes!
  • Cinnamon prevents the blood in your body from clotting (coagulation).
  • Cinnamon fights the E-coli bacteria when included in unpasteurized juices.
  • Cinnamon contains substances that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (dementia), and perhaps even prevent it.
  • Cinnamon reduces the negative effects related to the eating of a high fat meal.
  • Cinnamon slows the glucose response after a meal.
  • Cinnamon reduces the inflammatory response in the body, which is caused by sugar for example.
  • Cinnamon works against constipation.
  • Cinnamon contains lots of fibres.
  • Cinnamon is a good source of manganese, iron, chromium and calcium.
  • Cinnamon contains small quantities of vitamin A and K.
Be cautious with cinnamon if you’re pregnant, it could work in large amounts (medicinal use, unlikely in a meal) work provocative on the uterus.