It has a strong, rich, slightly bitter flavour that makes it an ideal choice for heavier baked goods and tends to be quite inexpensive. You might also come across Saigon or Korintje cinnamon, both of which are varieties of Cassia cinnamon. Cinnamomum verum , also called true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, is a more expensive and difficult to find cinnamon variety. Ceylon has a lighter, sweeter flavour than Cassia. Historically, Ceylon was more common in Europe and North America, but changing trade systems have shifted favour to Cassia cinnamon.
Most traditional recipes from Europe and Mexico that call for cinnamon use Ceylon cinnamon, and require this type for an authentic flavour. It is difficult to tell the difference between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon visually when they are in powder form, but the cinnamon sticks look quite different. Cassia cinnamon sticks are one thick, firm layer of bark, rolled up, whereas Ceylon is several thin, soft layers of bark rolled together.
Ceylon cinnamon also tends to be lighter in colour than Cassia. Cinnamon contains many compounds that potentially have a positive effect on health, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and some unique chemicals such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamate. Studies have found that cinnamon might help balance blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes by increasing glucose uptake, improving insulin sensitivity in fat and muscle tissues, improving glycogen synthesis in the liver, slowing the rate of gastric emptying, and other potential changes.
While the research shows some benefit for glucose control, it is still important for those who have diabetes to follow the treatment plan outlined by their physician, as the effects of cinnamon in studies so far do not show adequate changes to be a replacement for medication.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which are a healthy component of the diet that help neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells in the body. Overall, the vast majority of research on cinnamon shows a plethora of benefits, and studies are continuing to be published that provide further evidence.
Are you thinking of how much cinnamon you can safely consume? Continue reading to know the answer…. Cinnamon can safely be consumed up to 3—4 grams per day. But you must avoid taking more than that as if it exceeds, then it can lead to the following health problems:.
Cinnamon can be easily available in a nearby departmental store or on online websites as well. Buy it and start adding it to your diet if you are not using it. Here is the list of all the other health benefits that cinnamon can provide you with:. The effect on blood glucose levels can lead to weight loss. Cinnamon alone cannot help achieve your weight goals but it can be beneficial to add cinnamon to your food and then work on your diet and exercise to reduce weight.
One teaspoon of cinnamon contains 1. Cinnamon is a power pack of antioxidants that slows down the ageing process. Cinnamon reduces cholesterol , blood pressure , and triglyceride levels that in turn reduces heart disease risk.
The special compounds in cinnamon reduce total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and stabilize good HDL cholesterol. Cinnamon has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure and prevent blood clot formation which is another threat for causing heart disease or a stroke. Cinnamon contains:. Thus adding cinnamon to your diet can help you in meeting your nutritional needs to a small extent along with multiple other benefits.
As mentioned earlier, cinnamon has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to build immunity by removing free radicals from your body. Free radicals cause chronic diseases and increase the ageing process. Cinnamon also possesses antimicrobial properties that mean it helps to fight various infections attacking our body. Hence, help in developing immunity. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is swelling or redness and cinnamon tend to reduce that.
This means that cinnamon can help in reducing your joint pains. Before moving on, I would like to throw some light on one more important thing that you must know about cinnamon and that is, cinnamon can interact with some drugs medicines just like most food items. In Western cultures, cinnamon is most typically used in desserts and to complement fruit dishes; however, its use in savory dishes is common in ethnic cuisines.
In the East, cinnamon is added to spicy dishes, such as Indian curries, and to braised dishes in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. Cinnamon also is used in Mexican cooking from beverages to soups, stews and other savory dishes, such as mole poblano.
Cinnamon often is found in spice blends, including some curry powders, garam masala and chai masala spiced tea. Like most spices, adding cinnamon to hot oil, butter or water can maximize its flavor. Use sparingly — a little goes a long way. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains just 6 calories and 1.
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