Photo: Europa Press
(Caracas, April 20. News24) .-Cinnamon is one of the oldest species of spices in the world, whose consumption brings benefits to the health of the people, which we show below.
It is one of the spices, already mentioned in the book of the Exodus. In fact, in China, it was already used in 2,500 BC. The Arabs used it to aromatize meats, since cinnamon contains a essential oil rich in phenol, which inhibits the bacteria responsible for its putrefaction. In the Middle Ages, it was used to improve the taste of wines and aromatize various foods.
Specifically, Cinnamon is extracted from cinnamon, or better known as & # 39; Canelo & # 39 ;, which in its wild state can reach 10 meters in height. It is a perennial tree. The cinnamon spice corresponds to the inner bark which is extracted by peeling and rubbing the smaller branches and which, once separated, is again separated and returned to the bark.
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According to the Spanish Foundation for Nutrition (FEN), the crusts are rolled together to form bars approximately 1 meter in length, which are left to ferment. After 24 hours, the rougher outer layer of the peel is separated and the inner layer is allowed to dry. During the drying process, it is rolled up to form the so-called "cinnamon sticks".
There are more than 100 varieties of cinnamon, but there is hardly any difference in taste between them. It is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, although it is also grown in Brazil, Burma, Indonesia and islands of the Pacific Ocean. In general, as shown by FEN, it is grown in hot countries whose winters are cold, and is collected in rainy seasons because it is easier to decorticate.
It is 100% edible and, according to the specialist in Family Medicine and Nutrition specialist, Dr. Ana Bellon.
Benefits of Cinnamon
1.- Nutritional value: It is a good source of iron, calcium, fiber, vitamins C and B1 and selenium. In addition, it has essential oil, which gives it antioxidant and antimicrobial power, which prevents the development of germs.
Of course, it warns that although it is a safe food, you should not abuse it, which means & # 39; to abuse & # 39; of the daily chewing of the cinnamon stick, as it can have side effects like burning, sores or mouth ulcers, that is, it can become toxic in large quantities.
2.- Do not fatten. As required, a pinch of cinnamon is equivalent to an amount ranging from 0.5 to 1 gram. One teaspoon of cinnamon has 6 calories, so a pinch has a negligible caloric intake within a healthy diet. Therefore, it is "highly recommended," in the opinion of the expert, add it to your dishes to enhance the taste without fear of gaining weight.
3.- The enormous utility of cinnamon infusions. "Cinnamon or cinnamon ginger infusions have expectorant properties, clear the nose and relieve respiratory problems. They are also indicated for gastrointestinal discomfort and to stimulate appetite when you lose your desire to eat," he says.
4.- It is good for people with high glucose. This helps to lower blood glucose, so it is recommended for diabetics. "There are several studies with laboratory animals that have proven that cinnamon may be effective in treating type 2 diabetes, but there are still no results in human patients," he adds.
5. It is beneficial for cholesterol. Cinnamon helps control the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides and also helps lower blood pressure.
6.- Help the blood. It has anticoagulant properties, due to coumarin, the compound containing cinnamon, That is why people who take some type of anticoagulant medication should not consume cinnamon very often.
7. It's good for the brain. Several studies indicate that cinnamon may stimulate brain functions, especially in older adults. It improves areas of the brain dedicated to attention, visual memory, recognition, and speed of response.
8.- Help to relax. "In addition, when we inhale the cinnamon scent we aspire to linalool, a substance that lowers the levels of some cells in our blood that trigger when we are stressed, "Bellón adds.
With information from Europa Press