Properties of Cinnamon: Origins, types and everything that this spice can contribute to our health
- 2019
"Anyone who gives you a fresh cinnamon roll fresh from the oven is a friend for life."
- Daniel Handler
Including digestive, antiparasitic and even aphrodisiac benefits, the properties of cinnamon totally exceed expectations. In this way, in addition to being an excellent seasoning, it is also a valuable tool to counteract different health problems.
Originally from the East, cinnamon has been used as a home remedy for thousands of years. Used in ancient Egypt as an embalming agent, becoming fifteen times more expensive than silver in the Roman Empire and demanded as a tribute in volumes close to one hundred thousand pounds a year in the Portuguese invasion in Sri Lanka . It cannot be said that he does not enjoy an interesting record.
Thus, the daily consumption of this spice that not only sweetens our palate, can be a great contribution to our well-being in general. Stay with us, in this article we will tell you more about the properties of cinnamon and the different benefits that can bring to our lives.
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Cinnamon Origin
Before talking about the properties of cinnamon, let's see how it is obtained. And is that many times we get used to eating certain foods, but we rarely wonder where they come from.
Cinnamon is extracted from a tree known as Canelo, although its real name is Cinnamomum . It needs a tropical, humid climate with an average temperature of around 26 ° throughout the year. This tree can exceed 10 meters high and has a beautiful hermaphrodite flower .
However, it is its bark that matters to us in this case. Peeling its branches we find the cinnamon we consume regularly. And so it is that once extracted, this layer of bark (called ' liber ') is subjected to a period of shade to dry. It is at this stage that it rolls over itself to achieve that aspect we know.
Those cinnamon fragments that break are destined to be powder or essential oils for perfumeries.
Properties of cinnamon
Well, let's go deeper now on the properties of cinnamon, which are numerous. In addition to that spicy and sweet taste, which we have learned to love, cinnamon has a very high antioxidant index . This makes it a perfect ally for the fight against aging. In fact, it is one of the foods with the highest index in antioxidants, so few can compete against it.
In addition, the essential oils that give it that characteristic aroma also have an anesthetic effect. That explains that many times it is included in dental treatments. Although there is also another property that makes it very precious for dentists, and that is also a good option to eliminate germs from the mouth.
We know of its powerful aphrodisiac qualities, but in addition women with irregular menstruation can also find a great ally in cinnamon to regularize their cycles and reduce menstrual cramps. It helps, therefore, to lead a more pleasant and healthy sex life .
The consumption of this spice also improves circulation, helping to eliminate varicose veins.
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Properties of cinnamon in tea
In addition to being consumed in a solid state, cinnamon is also very commonly ingested in liquid form, as an infusion. This way of consuming it acts quickly in our digestive system, helping us to dissolve and digest food more efficiently.
Both lack of appetite and slow metabolism are positively affected by the consumption of cinnamon . The consumption of cinnamon also helps us avoid swelling of the abdomen due to gas retention.
In addition, cinnamon brings great benefits in the treatment of diabetes, because thanks to its consumption radically lower blood sugar levels, and if that were not enough, even a small dose equivalent to half a tablespoon also reduces the index of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.
In fact, it is these properties of cinnamon to improve insulin efficiency in regulating blood sugar levels that make it a good option in weight loss diets. This also reduces anxiety levels in people and therefore, the need to consume sweets.
As if that were not enough, it also helps us reduce cold symptoms and headaches.
Types of Cinnamon
Now, the properties of cinnamon will vary depending on what type of cinnamon you are consuming. Several types of cinnamon are known to exist, although only four species are normally marketed.
These species are:
- Cinnamon Cassia: Harvested mostly in China, it is also known under the name of ' false cinnamon '. This is perhaps the most consumed, due to its low price. This type of cinnamon became popular for being part of the 50 fundamental herbs that are used in traditional Chinese medicine .
In this culture the cortex is used to work on the meridians of the heart, liver, spleen and kidney; and the branch to act on the meridians of the lung and bladder.
Excess consumption of this type of cinnamon can be harmful to the liver. - Ceylon Cinnamon: Harvested in ninety percent in Sri Lanka, this is cinnamon itself, and that experts recommend for its superior quality. It has low levels of coumarin, which makes it much less aggressive than the others and allows you to enjoy the properties of cinnamon without any risk.
- Cinnamon of Saigon: It is also known under the name of ' Vietnamese cinnamon ' because it is in this country where its greatest harvest is given. It is considered as the richest aroma and flavor.
It is one of the most recommended cinnamon for weight loss treatment . However, its consumption could be potentially harmful to the liver in people who have sensitivity to this component due to its high concentration of coumarin. - Cinnamon Korintje: Harvested mostly in Indonesia, it is perhaps the one with the highest antioxidant properties. This cinnamon is widely consumed especially in North America.
It is considered a variety of cassia cinnamon from China.
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How to consume cinnamon
If you want to enjoy the properties of cinnamon, you have different options for consumption.
One of the most used is cinnamon tea, which must be prepared during the day and can be left to rest inside or outside the refrigerator. For this, you can boil four cinnamon sticks in a liter of water for ten minutes. Then remove the cinnamon and let stand to lower its temperature. It is not advisable to drink more than three cups a day, one before each meal.
Another way of consumption is powder, so you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to coffee, tea or milk. It is also common to be added to lemon juice. Of course, the use of cinnamon is also celebrated in a wide variety of sweet desserts, usually combined with chocolate or cream.
Remember that its components are strong and consumed in excess can cause damage. That is why it is not recommended for pregnant women or children under six years.
Take care of your health, while enjoying the rich flavor of this exotic spice.
AUTHOR: Lucas, editor and translator of the great family of hermandadblanca.org
SOURCES:
- https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_verum
- https://www.cocinadelirante.com/tips/beneficios-de-la-canela-en-polvo
- https://www.biotea.es/como-se-obtiene-la-canela
- https://www.vix.com/es/imj/salud/2011/04/01/propiedades-de-la-canela-en-rama
- https://okdiario.com/salud/beneficios-propiedades-del-agua-canela-3117985
- https://www.tuasaude.com/en/canela/
- https://www.hola.com/estar-bien/20180607125261/la-canela-es-una-especia-llena-de-propiedades-beneficiosas/
- https://tedecanela.net/canelas/tipos-de-canela/
