Before beginning my articles, I like to explain from a reliable source, what something is and where it comes from. Thus, leading to Merriam Webster’s definition below.
The Definition of cinnamon
1a: the aromatic, dried bark of any of several tropical trees (genus Cinnamomum) yielding a culinary spice, oil, and flavoring; especially: a small roll or quill of cinnamon bark
b: the tan to dark brown spice that is prepared from cinnamon bark by powdering and has a somewhat sweet and spicy taste
Knowing now what it is and where it comes from, we can peel back the benefits layer, by layer. Starting with the basics, we’ll identify the benefits and which part of the cinnamon bark they come from.
Cinnamon oil is highly concentrated with antioxidants, which makes it effective as a natural digestive aid, blood sugar stabilizer, and circulation booster. It’s also commonly used to combat cardiovascular diseases and fight infections.
Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil – 1-3 drops Per Day. If you want the purest of Cinnamon distilled into an oil with high levels of cinnamaldehyde, then this is what you take. Start with just one drop mixed in 8 oz. of hot water, tea and brewed ginger. Then increase to 2 drops and then 3 drops only if necessary. At just 1 drop it adds a lovely flavor. Anything more depends on your personal needs. This oil is very powerful, hot, spicy and a little sweet. Too much and your blood sugar levels may drop leaving you light-headed and weak.
Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of the Cinnamomum tree. The inner bark is then extracted, and the woody parts removed from it. When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. The sticks can be ground to form a powder, Sri Lanka Real Cinnamon.
One tablespoon of ground cinnamon contains:
- 19 calories
- 0 grams of fat, sugar, or protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- 68% manganese
- 8% calcium
- 4% iron
- 3% Vitamin K
A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way, and its antioxidant abilities are what makes it especially beneficial to include in your diet. As little as 1/2 a teaspoon daily can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, digestion, immunity, and more. However, stronger doses are also extremely beneficial for improving heart disease and cutting your risk for diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Whether it’s the holidays or just a normal day, you can add cinnamon to your diet. Put it in drink form when you have a sore throat or just as a healthy start to your day. See below for a variety of recipes.
Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) powdered ginger
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
Heat milk on low until hot but not boiling. Stir in the cinnamon and ginger. Add honey to sweeten it.
Recipe from Lavender, Parsley, Peppermint and Sage by Shea Zukowski.
Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea is particularly soothing right before you go to bed at night when your throat hurts so much that you wonder how you’ll sleep through the night.
SPICED PERSIMMON TURMERIC TEA
- 8 cups/64oz filtered water
- One 3-inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
- One 3-inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh turmeric root
- 1 teaspoon fresh good quality peppercorns
- 6 good quality cinnamon sticks, preferably Ceylon cinnamon
- 2 small or 1 large Fuyu persimmon, thinly sliced (save a few slices for serving)
- Sweetener of choice (ex. honey or stevia) to taste
- Place the water, ginger, turmeric, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks and persimmon slices in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer (or pour through a coffee filter to catch sediment).
- Pour into cups or bowls. Add a few fresh slices of softened persimmons for garnish (optional) and serve. Add preferred sweetener to taste.
- Alternatively, you can cool the tea to room temperature and refrigerate for a couple of days and reheat as desired.
Recipe by Gourmande in the kitchen.
Banana and Cinnamon Toast
- 1 slice whole-wheat bread, toasted
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1 small banana, sliced
Prep 5 minutes
Ready In 5 minutes
- Spread toast with peanut butter and top with banana slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.
Pear with Cinnamon
- 1 medium pear
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Slice medium pear in half, scoop out seeds and sprinkle cinnamon over the top. For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream.
Now that you have recipes to get you started, there is no excuse left for not adding this wonder spice to your diet. I will be posting more articles later that focus on certain areas so check for those.
For now, Eat, Drink, and be Merry♥