This spice strengthens the immune system and improves digestion.

“Cinnamon can be safely called not only the most popular spice among most of us, but also the most wintery spice: it is added to various drinks, pastries and desserts. Therefore, it will be important to learn that, in addition to its pleasant taste, it also has significant benefits for the body”, – Alena Denisova

Why are spices useful?

Spices, herbs and herbs have been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They not only improve the taste, aroma and color of food and drinks, but also protect against acute and chronic diseases: their use for therapeutic and therapeutic purposes is increasingly being considered.

Research shows that spices have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, glucose-lowering and cholesterol-lowering activities, as well as properties that affect cognitive function and mood.

The range of health benefits is due to the presence of biologically active components, including sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, especially flavonoids and polyphenols. Species such as cloves, rosemary, sage, oregano and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants due to their high content of phenolic compounds.

In addition, spices are the easiest and least expensive way to improve the taste of a product without adding fats, sugar, salt or industrial fats.

What is cinnamon and what are its benefits?

Cinnamon is a nutrient blend commonly used as a spice. It has been used as a traditional medicine for a long time, having numerous biological effects on the body.

The positive properties of cinnamon include:

the ability to control blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate of glucose entering the body. Research shows that it is sufficient to consume 1 g of cinnamon per day for this;

lowering cholesterol levels;

slowing down the progression of prediabetes to diabetes;

maintaining immunity. In addition to cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, ginger, cumin, basil, fennel and black pepper have this property;

positive effect on the intestinal microbiome. This is due to polyphenols, natural antioxidants. They are metabolized by various microbes in the lower intestines and converted into digestible, healthy substances;

helping to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines

alleviating the exacerbation of gout and arthritis.

Cinnamon and cassia: what’s the difference?

Not everyone knows that now you can buy both cinnamon and cassia, which is very similar in appearance, but not in properties.

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. Although this sweet spice comes in four varieties, two are more popular: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, and Cinnamomum cassia, which is Chinese cassia or Indonesian cinnamon.

Of these two Ceylon species, cinnamon is sweeter and richer in flavor, and it also costs more than cassia, which is more widely available.

How to choose and store cinnamon?

When choosing cinnamon, it is important to pay attention to its smell: when the spice is fresh, there are sweet notes.

Ground cinnamon lasts about six months, while cinnamon sticks last up to one year before they lose their luster. Keep the spice in a dark place and in an airtight container.

What can I cook?

Cinnamon is used both in desserts and in regular dishes. It can be added to:

rice pudding;

charlottes;

strudels;

gingerbread cookies;

cookies and other desserts;

soups;

rice, carrot and pumpkin dishes;

curry spice mix;

salad dressings;

spicy sauces;

jam;

mulled wine;

coffee;

cocoa.

In addition, cinnamon goes well with apples, pears and plums.

What are the dangers of cinnamon?

It is important to know that cinnamon contains coumarin. In high doses, it can be harmful to liver health. Side effects also include headache and diarrhea caused by high doses of its bioactive compounds. Ceylon spice has a lower level of the substance, which makes it the best option for regular consumption.

How much cinnamon can you eat per day?

The exact dose that ensures the optimal effect of cinnamon consumption is still under discussion. However, the average daily intake is 0.5-1 tsp per day (about 2-5 g).

It is important to consider the type of cinnamon: since cassia contains a higher amount of the biologically active compound coumarin, from 7 to 18 mg per teaspoon, which can be toxic to the liver.

Cinnamon is not only a tasty and aromatic addition to food and drinks, but also an element of a healthy diet that, when consumed in acceptable amounts, will benefit the body.

Source: https://woman.rambler.ru/

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