Introduction
Cinnamon rolls, Christmas cookies, chai tea, pumpkin spice latte - all these delicacies have one thing in common: cinnamon is the star ingredient in their preparation.
This aromatic spice, extracted from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, is not only pleasing to the palate, but also has a rich history and an impressive range of health benefits.
In this article, we'll delve into the world of cinnamon and discover all it has to offer.
History and facts
From ancient Egypt to imperial China, via the ancient lands of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), cinnamon has been used by Homo Sapiens for thousands of years. At the time, it was so valuable that some even considered it more precious than gold, and was once used as a currency of exchange! Portuguese and Dutch explorers travelled thousands of miles in search of this "brown gold", contributing to the boom in voyages of discovery.
The Egyptians offered it as a gift to the gods, while the Romans used it to perfume their homes and bodies. Today, it's the scientists who are making it their own, as research shows that beyond its bewitching taste and fragrance, cinnamon has numerous health benefits. Here are just a few examples.
The virtues
Powerful antioxidant
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, helping to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. This can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Controls blood sugar
Studies have shown that cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This makes it a beneficial addition for people with type 2 or pre-diabetic diabetes.
Antimicrobial properties
Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties, which means it helps fight bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It can also help strengthen the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Thanks to its active compounds, cinnamon reduces inflammation in the body, helping to relieve joint pain and inflammation-related symptoms.
Hair loss?
Cinnamon offers a number of beauty benefits, not least in the prevention of hair loss. By strengthening hair scales, it reduces hair fragility, helping to reduce hair loss.
In addition, cinnamon contains an enzyme called natural peroxidase, which has the ability to naturally lighten hair. Thanks to these properties, cinnamon also promotes faster hair growth.
Conclusion
Who would have thought it? A simple, fragrant bark, first used for commercial purposes and to garnish dishes, is now becoming a superfood celebrity offering pleasure and virtues.
Whether you use it to spice up your dishes or to take advantage of its beneficial effects, cinnamon is a spice not to be overlooked or underestimated in your daily routine.
Try it now!
Our Maitake cocoa containing cinnamon
Source
Hariri M et al. Cinnamon and Chronic Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2016;929:1-24.
Zhu R et al. Cinnamaldehyde in diabetes: A review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and safety. Pharmacological Research. 2017;
Costello RB et al. Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes? A Narrative Review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016;116(11):1794-1802.
Sharma UK et al. Medicinal attributes of major phenylpropanoids present in cinnamon. BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;16:156.
Blahová J et al. Assessment of Coumarin Levels in Ground Cinnamon Available in the Czech Retail Market. Scientific World Journal. 2012; doi: 10.1100/2012/263851.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-cinnamon/