Almost any housewife has cinnamon in the kitchen. It is actively used in cooking as a fragrant seasoning. But not everyone knows about the beneficial properties of this wonderful spice.
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Cinnamon Overview
Cinnamon is a family of evergreen laurel trees. This is a tropical plant that loves a warm, humid climate. It grows in South India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the Asian tropics and the Seychelles.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and cassia. More common and useful in folk medicine is Ceylon spice. Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) grows mainly in southern China. It is slightly inferior in quality to Ceylon and is much cheaper.
Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate sweet taste and delicate aroma. Cassia has a more spicy taste and bright smell.
In addition to differences in taste and aroma, Ceylon cinnamon contains about 1000 times less coumarin. This is an important quality, because coumarin is quite toxic to the kidneys and liver, and when consumed in large amounts of cinnamon can even be harmful to health.
The most expensive and high-quality cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka. It has a delicious sweet-spicy aroma and a pleasant taste.
Before selling and processing, cinnamon grows for at least two years, then the bark is cut from the tree and dried. On sale natural cinnamon is presented in the form of twisted tubes.
The benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a unique plant and has many beneficial qualities. A daily intake of cinnamon extract lowers blood sugar. This is not a substitute for compulsory medication, but will make life easier for people with type 2 diabetes.
Due to the ability to reduce the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, cinnamon is considered an excellent stimulator of the brain. Adding it to the menu can reduce the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Cinnamon is a good helper for those who want to lose weight. Adding one tablespoon of cinnamon extract to the dish will improve digestion and slightly speed up the metabolism.
Also, the use of this seasoning has a positive effect on blood circulation.
It is very useful to use cinnamon essential oil. Natural plant oil has excellent antiviral, antibacterial and disinfectant qualities.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants and flavonoids, therefore, to strengthen immunity it is very useful to eat a spoonful of honey with cinnamon in the morning. The classic option is to dissolve them in a glass of warm milk.
In the cold season, you need to wet clean with a few drops of cinnamon oil in the water. Thus, you will not only have an aromatherapy session, but also disinfect the room.
For people suffering from fungal diseases of the legs, it is worth doing baths with cinnamon oil.
Cinnamon oil is also used to treat acne, colitis, flatulence, colds and as a light pain reliever for rheumatism.
Cinnamon is very useful for schoolchildren and students. Reception of two small pinches of this spice per day has a positive effect on concentration, improves memory, reduces fatigue and strengthens eyesight.
Many oral hygiene products include cinnamon essential oil. This is justified by the fact that the plant has active antibacterial properties and contributes to the healing of gums and the elimination of halitosis.
Cinnamon is also a powerful aphrodisiac. Not without reason, many contraceptives have an original cinnamon flavor.
In addition to medicinal properties, cinnamon has other useful qualities. For example, it is an excellent means to repel insects (ants, mosquitoes, moths). To do this, apply a few drops of cinnamon oil to the main places of accumulation of insects and "unexpected guests" will leave the house.
In household use, a cinnamon stick will help keep a fresh and pleasant smell in the refrigerator.
Contraindications to the use of cinnamon
Like any other plant, cinnamon has a number of contraindications for use.
Cinnamon is not recommended for consumption:
- with individual intolerance;
- it is strictly forbidden to use cinnamon during pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions;
- with breastfeeding;
- in acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
There are still no exact proportions and dosages for the safe intake of cinnamon. However, as a result of the tests, scientists recommend eating no more than 3-5 grams of spice per day.
Taking more than 6 grams of cinnamon per day is strictly contraindicated. Coumarin, which is part of the plant in large doses, is very toxic to the liver.
People suffering from allergic diseases should consider that ordinary cinnamon can cause rashes and redness in some people.
Cinnamon application
Most often, cinnamon is used in cooking. It is added to pastries, chocolate, meat and drinks. Cinnamon goes well with other spices: cardamom, cloves, coriander, black pepper.
In cosmetology, cinnamon is used as a perfume for perfumes for the production of shower gels, hair strengthening products, perfumes, soaps and other products.
Natural cinnamon essential oil is used in home and folk medicine, for cosmetic and household purposes.
Cinnamon oil is also widely used in aromatherapy and Ayurveda.
Large grocery stores scent cinnamon flavors for promotional purposes. Inhaling a pleasant and “tasty” cinnamon aroma, buyers create a feeling of comfort, celebration and tranquility, their mood improves and their appetite increases. As a result, people are more active in shopping.