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Cinnamon is one of the most widely used spices worldwide. Its uses are countless, being used, for example, for culinary or even medicinal purposes. It has a very distinctive flavor, and this is the reason why some people hate it while others love it.
What is cinnamon?
It is the bark of the tree called Cinnamomum verum. It has a unique smell and taste that come from the oily part of the tree. The benefits of cinnamon can be obtained in various forms, such as pure bark, essential oils, powdered bark, extracts, and even capsules.
Nutritional Information
It is such a potent spice that just half a teaspoon a day can provide significant benefits. For example, it can help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in digestion due to its high fiber content, support the immune system, among others. On the other hand, higher doses are recommended when the goal is to reduce the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and even cancer.
Nutrients
It has a wide variety of nutrients, but we can highlight:
- Fiber
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin K
Benefits and Properties
Antioxidant Contribution
Cinnamon contains more than 41 antioxidant compounds that protect the body from free radicals and aging. The polyphenols, phenolic acid, and flavonoids it contains combat oxidative stress and help prevent chronic diseases. They also help limit the accumulation of nitric oxide in the blood and prevent the peroxidation of body fat, which could increase the risk of brain disorders, heart diseases, and other chronic conditions.
Anti-inflammatory
The antioxidants present in cinnamon, especially flavonoids, reduce and prevent inflammation, helping to prevent conditions such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and alleviating age-related symptoms.
Skin Health
Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties protect the skin from irritation, allergic reactions, rashes, and infections. Applying cinnamon oil to the skin helps reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, and redness. A recommendation is to combine honey with cinnamon to take advantage of their properties and use them against acne, rosacea, and skin allergies.
Heart Health
Cinnamon reduces risk factors such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, all of which are common in heart diseases. Furthermore, it acts as an efficient blood coagulant, preventing excessive bleeding, improving circulation, and aiding tissue repair.
Blood sugar control
Cinnamon is known to be one of the best foods for diabetics, helping to reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It also blocks the activity of enzymes, reducing sugar absorption after a carbohydrate-rich meal.
Immune support
Its nutrients and essential oils provide antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties that support the immune system. Cinnamon is used to combat infections and harmful viruses.
Natural sweetener
It has a natural sweet taste, reducing the amount of sugar added to certain recipes and minimizing the glycemic load. It is very effective in slowing down sugar absorption. It is an excellent option for sweetening coffee, tea, baked goods, yogurt, or oatmeal, reducing sugar consumption, calories, and combating candida, diabetes, and low energy.
Natural preservative
One of its lesser-known benefits is that, thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it can be used in many foods to prolong their shelf life naturally, without using chemicals or artificial ingredients.
For all these reasons, it is very interesting to incorporate cinnamon into our daily diet and routine. One easy way to do this is through Matcha & CO's Spicy Chai Tea. It is an organic powdered Chai, of high quality, with a slightly spicy flavor and a gentle spiced aroma. It contains a high amount of antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage, improve digestion, and promote weight loss. Additionally, it contains organic black tea, organic cinnamon, organic ginger, organic cardamom, organic inulin, and other spices.
