“Cinnamon” has a close relationship with humankind from the very early stage. Ancient people used its aromatic, medicinal and preservative elements for various uses. Early and late Biblical records states that cinnamon has used for ointment preparation as well as fragrance. It was clearly mentioned in the Bible under articles related to “Mosses” as well as King Solomon’s songs.
Ceylon cinnamon is a major verity of cinnamon. This cinnamon is variety native to Sri Lanka, It was considered as a main trade spice in history. During the regiments of ancient Kings’, the best cinnamon was selected and traditionally trained workers only allowed involving in the peeling process. Even today the best cinnamon peeling secrets and techniques was inhabited from those generations and it is highly effecting for the quality of the Sri Lankan Cinnamon among other countries.
Mainly cinnamon has two verities depending on origin of the source. Both are from Lauraceae botanical family. The most recognized and valued verity is “Ceylon Cinnamon” – Cinnamomum verum / Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ). And the common and cousin verity is “Cinnamomum Cassia”. While Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, the cassia type is common in many countries do to the productivity of several countries.
Chinese Cassia – From China.
Indonesian Cassia – Especially Java & Sumatra regions of Indonesia.
Indian Cassia – North east part of India.
There are significant differences between these two varieties. Medicinal properties, aroma, taste as well as appearance are well recognizable if you know the characteristics of both varieties. If it is formed of sticks, Ceylon cinnamon is much more fragile and delicate while cassia is too hard and thick. Also cassia cinnamon is dark reddish in colour and Ceylon cinnamon is light in colour. The cassia type has a strong aroma and Ceylon cinnamon has a very sweet taste and pleasant aroma.
Comparing with cassia verity, Ceylon cinnamon has lots of medical elements which give a vast range of health benefits. According to recent research, it has lots of nutrients like Manganese, Calcium as well as Iron. Manganese is an essential nutrient for a healthy digestive system and bones and treatment for premenstrual complications.
Cinnamon has medicinal properties which can increase the insulin level; same time is good news for insulin resistance diabetic patients. In this case, Ceylon cinnamon plays a major part as cassia type is resulting more health complications in the human body from frequent use. Due to the low amount of Coumarin level, Ceylon cinnamon does not make negative effects on kidney or liver functions as cassia cinnamon. It is proved that, the type II diabetic patients can lower their blood sugar level from consumption of Ceylon cinnamon. Also, it is beneficiary for those who has a risk of future diabetics.
Ceylon cinnamon has food preservative elements. The anti-bacterial extracts of cinnamon are very useful for keeping food unspoiled after the preparation. Especially Asian cultures are wildly using cinnamon almost every food. It helps them to keep the food fresh without using refrigerators.
According to local Ayurveda categorization, Cinnamomum verum is considered as body heating spice. It is effect on your blood circulation and increase metabolism which is highly helpful in weight loss. Also researches states that the blood thinning aspects of Cinnamomum verum could give a positive effect in heart patients.
Cinnamon has medicinal properties which can fight against bacteria’s and yeast infections such as Candida. It is an ideal natural remedy for urinary tract infections as well as virginal Candida infections. Other than that it is active against oral infections and wounds. Cinnamon has natural compounds that help with rapid healing.
Instead of using medications with chemicals which caused lots of side effects, everybody can add some natural herb like Cinnamon into their foods and drinks which is healthier. But recognizing the “True Cinnamon” or the “Ceylon Cinnamon” is very essential in order to gain the exact health benefits from it.