Fragrant rich cinnamon spice is one of the highly prized spices, has been in use since biblical times for its medicinal and culinary properties. This delightfully exotic, sweet flavoured spice stick comes from the outer brown bark of cinnamomum tree, which when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as "quill."
The plant is small, evergreen bushy tree belonging to the family of lauraceae or laurel of the genus; Cinnamomum. This exotic spice is native to Sri Lankan island but is also found in many other countries Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, China, and Indonesia.
Different varieties of cinnamon-tree exists, however, Sri Lankan variety is regarded as "true cinnamon" and scientifically named as Cinnamonum verum. Traditionally, the inner bark is bruised with a brass rod, peeled and long incision are made in the bark. Its bark is then rolled by hand and allowed to dry.

It is the bark of the tree from where aromatic essential oil (makes up 0.5% to 1% of its composition) is extracted. Usually, the oil is processed by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in seawater, and then quickly distilling the whole. The oil features golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste.

The pungent taste and scent in cinnamon spice are due to compound cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamaldehyde in the oil.

Cassia also known as Chinese cinnamon is a different member of lauraceae family and named as cinnamonum cassia. Cassia is coarser, more spicy, pungent but less fragrant than cinnamon. It is usually substituted for the cinnamon in savory dishes

Health benefits

The active principles in the cinnamon spice are known to have anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-septic, local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative and anti-flatulent properties.

Cinnamon has highest anti-oxidant strength of all the food sources in nature. The measured ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value for this exotic spice is  267536 trolox equivalents (TE), which is many hundred times more than in chokeberry, apples etc.

The spice contains many health benefiting essential oils such as eugenol, a phenylpropanoids class of chemical compound, which gives pleasant, sweet aromatic fragrances. Eugenol has got local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties, hence; useful in dental and gum treatment procedures.

Other important essential oils in cinnamon include ethyl cinnamate, linalool, cinnamaldehyde, beta-caryophyllene, and methyl chavicol.

Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon-sticks has been found to have anti-clotting action, prevents clogging of platelets in the blood vessels, and thus helps prevent stroke and coronary artery disease.

The active principles in this spice may increase the motility of the intestinal tract as well as help increase the digestion power by increasing gastro-intestinal secretions.

This spicy bark is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Iron is required for cellular metabolism as a co-factor and in RBC's production. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

It also contains very good amounts of vitamin A, niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine.

The spice is also very good source of flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants such as carotenes, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthins.

Lowers blood sugar levels: Cinnamon has been proven to stabilize blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics by increasing the capability to react to insulin. It will so in part by slowing the rate from which the stomach empties after consuming as evidenced by the study by which individuals ate about a cup of rice pudding with and without about a teaspoon of cinnamon. Adding the cinnamon slowed the speed the stomach emptied from 37% to 34.5% and considerably slowed down the increase in blood glucose levels. Even less than the usual half of a teaspoon each day reduces blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

Cinnamon has got substantial advantages for those who have type 2 diabetes. It will help their body react to insulin, therefore normalizing blood sugar levels. Particular compounds in cinnamon promote insulin receptors and hinder an enzyme that inactivates them, enhancing the cells’ capability to utilize glucose. Frequently consuming less than one-half teaspoon each day decreases blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s simple to include in your daily diet. Just spread it in your morning oatmeal or even cereal, or include a small pinch in your evening coffee or tea.

Reduces Bad Cholesterol: Cinnamon is shown to assist reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol within the body, also known as the bad cholesterol, mile leaving the good cholesterol levels untouched. This will make it an incredible all natural treatment for high-cholesterol.

The reason it’s so essential to keep the cholesterol levels and check is because high cholesterol levels over a long time can result in more severe heart problems like stroke and heart attack.

Cinnamon alone may possibly have got a minor effect on your cholesterol levels, and that’s why it’s vital that you consider all the factors that go in the condition of high cholesterol. If you suffer high cholesterol levels you might need medication in addition to make several dietary changes.

The cinnamon factor: Cinnamon can be used as a part of an all-natural method of reducing your levels of cholesterol, but always check with your doctor and work with harmony with their recommendations.

Cancer Fighter: Cinnamon is shown to be efficient cancer fighting foods, and there are a lot of reasons for this, however the chief among them is cinnamon’s anti-bacterial property.

More research is required just before cinnamon can fully be provided with the green light and also viewed as a cancer fighting agent, but original signs point to its capability to control particular cancers, which makes it worth taking in case you have a family history of cancer or are merely attempting to avoid getting cancer.

Taking a cinnamon supplement could be the best way to ensure that you’re getting enough for cancer prevention. It can make it easy to take and eliminates the necessity to add it to your cooking or taking it directly in powder form.

The cinnamon factor: Of course you can’t prevent cancer simply by taking cinnamon, however when you combine the power of cinnamon with proper eating, physical exercise, along with a healthy lifestyle you provide yourself the very best possibility of avoiding it.

Antimicrobial: Cinnamon essential oil is probably the best anti-microbial ingredients ever made. It really is efficient towards many harmful bacteria, viruses, as well as fungi. This will make cinnamon tea a beneficial weapon against the cold and flu season and cinnamon essential oils an ideal way to sterilize and disinfect your house. Just dilute cinnamon oil in distilled water, shake, and spray. You simply need 1% cinnamon oil within this solution.

Anti-Fungal: The anti-microbial qualities of cinnamon allow it to be an ideal way to deal with candida, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and a whole lot. Cinnamon tea is a terrific way to boost your body’s natural resistance to candida. You may also utilize tea or diluted essential oils externally, yet prevent hypersensitive areas since cinnamon may cause irritation as well as burning up sensation. Dilute a few drops of cinnamon oil in coconut oil for the extremely effective management of athlete’s foot.

Food Poisoning: Cinnamon’s capability to kill several kinds of bacteria, which includes E.coli, turn it into an excellent method to fight food poisoning. Make a batch of tea once you start to feel symptoms.

Nutrition: A lot more than a spice, cinnamon is full of manganese, iron, calcium, and fibre too. By adding it to any recipe, you’re boosting your minerals.

Odour Neutralizer: Include a little cinnamon oil in your diffuser and also the warm, spicy fragrance will pursue away odour. Additionally, it kills any bacteria which may be resulting in the odour therefore it does not only cover up foul scents.

Alertness, Mood, and Memory: There are numerous essential oils that appear to have a revitalizing effect on our memory, cognitive function, focus, and alertness. Peppermint, rosemary, and cinnamon are among the best. Everyone knows that our sense of smell as well as memory are tied carefully together, however it seems we are able to utilize this to the advantage. Just a whiff of cinnamon boosts alertness and also enhances mood.

Antioxidant: Cinnamon is really an effective anti-oxidant, beating out most other spices within this category. It indicates cinnamon safeguards the body versus free-radicals that cause premature aging, cancer, along with other damage.

Weight Control:  Cinnamon boosts circulation, thins blood, and manages blood sugar levels. This leads to fewer sugar cravings which means you consume less food and may more readily moderate your calorie consumption.

Tooth and Gum Health: Cinnamon is a very common component in several chewing gums as well as mouthwashes for a good reason. The anti-bacterial nature of cinnamon assists protect gums and teeth from damage and enhances breath too. Try oil pulling with a drop of cinnamon oil in coconut oil or just sip gently sweetened cinnamon tea.

Insect Repellent: Cinnamon’s pest management capabilities don’t stop at the microbe level. It repels numerous insects too. Place a few cinnamon sticks within your closet to help keep moths away. Sprinkle a line of ground cinnamon in front of doorways to help keep pests from coming in. And spray 1% diluted essential oils onto clothing, hair, and also skin to repel mosquitos along with other biting insects. Make use of a 5% concentration in doorways, windowsills, as well as in front of garages.

Food Preservative: Since cinnamon repels pests and kills bacteria, it can make an excellent food preservative. Combine it with recipes you need to keep a bit more time within your fridge or even sprinkle just a little cinnamon dust in your bread bag to avoid mould. Cinnamon lined packaging is even just in the works.

Arthritis: Research indicates that cinnamon has got effective anti-microbial activity which decreases cytokines which are linked to arthritic pain. Furthermore, in the research carried out at Copenhagen University, the arthritic patients were expected to take a mixture of half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey each morning just before breakfast. These types of patients not just experienced significant respite from the pain after 7 days but in addition had the ability to move quite easily after one month.

PMS and Infertility: Manganese, which cinnamon is abundant with, decreases mood swings as well as cramps throughout PMS and cinnamaldehyde, an energetic compound in cinnamon, might help balance hormones.

Supports healthy blood clotting: Much studies have been dedicated to cinnamon’s effect on blood platelets that contribute to clotting. It will help thin the blood and stop undesirable clumping of platelets. It’s very effective just as one anti-coagulant that patients taking prescription blood thinners are warned not to take cinnamon in concentrated form such as supplements or extracts.

Fights bacteria and fungus: Ayurvedic medicine has long utilized cinnamon because of it anti-microbial qualities to aid the immune system and stop colds and flu. It has been established to assist stop the development of bacteria, fungus and also the common yeast Candida.  One research demonstrated that it is really an efficient option to chemical food preservatives and simply a couple of drops of essential oil of cinnamon added to refrigerated carrot broth avoided the development of food-borne pathogens for approximately 60 days.

Boosts memory and protects the brain: Chewing cinnamon flavoured gum or simply smelling the sweet spice has been discovered to enhance brain activity. Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented at the 2004 meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, Florida determined that cinnamon boosts intellectual processing and it was discovered to enhance test subjects scores associated with attention, memory and visual-motor speed when working at a computer.

Brain Function: Cinnamon enhances the activity of the brain and causes it to be an excellent brain tonic. It will help to eliminate nervous tension and memory loss. Research in the Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States has proven that the scent of cinnamon has the capacity to enhance brain activity. The team of researchers, led by Dr. P. Zoladz, discovered that individuals who were given cinnamon improved their scores on cognitive activities including attention span, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed.

Blood circulation: Cinnamon helps you to enhance the blood circulation because of the presence of a blood thinning compound inside cinnamon. This blood circulation helps you to considerably decrease pain. Good blood circulation also guarantees oxygen supply to the body’s cells, which results in greater metabolic activity. You are able to considerably decrease the possibility of struggling with a heart attack by frequently consuming cinnamon.

Pain Relief: Cinnamon is additionally an anti-inflammatory substance, therefore it assists in eliminating stiffness of the muscles and joints. Cinnamon is additionally appropriate for arthritis, and it’s also recognized to help in removing headaches which are brought on by colds.

Infections: Because of its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiviral as well as antiseptic qualities, it really is efficient on treating external in addition to interior infections. It will help in wrecking germs within the gall bladder and also the bacteria contained in staph infections.

Protects Against Heart Disease: Due to its numerous anti-inflammatory qualities, cinnamon is extremely good at guarding the heart as well as encompassing arteries from damage and infection. The numerous fatty foods that individuals snack on nowadays include cholesterol and unhealthy fats which are recognized to clog arteries. The plaque as well as toxins which eventually build up can result in cardiovascular disease as well as other threats to the heart. Cinnamon assists fight the ‘bad’ cholesterol, considerably lowering total cholesterol levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help recover inflammation in internal tissues and minimize the chance of heart attacks and disease.

Indigestion: Cinnamon is included in several ethnic recipes. Aside from including flavour to the food, additionally, it helps with digestion. Cinnamon is extremely efficient for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhoea and flatulence. Because of its carminative properties, it is extremely useful in eliminating excess gas from the stomach and intestines. Additionally, it eliminates acidity, fights diarrhoea and decreases the effects of morning sickness. Cinnamon is therefore often referred to as a digestive tonic.

Birth control: Cinnamon also helps in natural birth control. Regular usage of cinnamon after child birth delays menstruation and therefore helps you to steer clear of conception.

Breastfeeding: It’s also thought that cinnamon aids in the secretion of healthy breast milk.

Cinnamon is diuretic in nature and helps within the secretion and discharge of urine. Additionally it is widely used just as one aphrodisiac and is also considered to arouse sexual desire in males and females.

Improves Colon Functioning: Cinnamon is a superb source of fibre, calcium and also the trace mineral manganese. The mixture of calcium as well as fibre can enhance the functionality of the colon. Both calcium and fibre bind to bile salts and help eliminate them from the body. By eliminating bile, fibre aids in preventing damage that particular bile salts may cause to colon cells, thereby lowering the chance of colon cancer. The dietary fibre is also very beneficial in relieving symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome which includes diarrhoea and constipation.

Throat soother: Calm a tickly cough with a cinnamon-infused drink: Dip cinnamon sticks in cold water for many hours, then sip. This particular beverage consists of mucilage, a water-soluble fibre which coats and also calms the throat, says Lillian M. Beard, MD, author of Salt within your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies.

Improves Metabolism: Cinnamon frequently causes it to be onto the list of foods that you ought to be consuming in case you are attempting to lose weight. It has the capability to rev up the metabolism, which will help you slim down more efficiently, particularly if you have got a slow metabolism. Think about adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your smoothie for additional nutrients along with a method to take your metabolism in to a higher gear.

Other ways to speed up a sluggish metabolism: including lean muscle in your body, staying away from overeating in one sitting, and stick to foods which help boost metabolism, just like broccoli, apples, and foods full of calcium. Daily exercises are also a natural method of getting your metabolism going.

The cinnamon factor: So as to get the maximum quantity of benefit towards your metabolism, you’ll have to commit to supplement with cinnamon daily, at least a tablespoon every day.

Antibacterial Properties: Cinnamon serves as an anti-bacterial agent in your body, and with that for that reason it is extremely useful in treating an array of troubles. For this reason it is usually suitable for an upset stomach, since it might help clear harmful bacteria through the digestive system.

It’s also why you’ll see cinnamon like a treatment for acne, since it helps you to kill off bacteria onto the skin and help the blemish heal. It’s even been recognized for assisting to get rid of candida, which may be helpful in case you have an over growing of candida within your body, a condition referred to as candidiasis.

In order to sustain a healthy body overall, you’d have to consumer cinnamon every day, a tablespoon a day for many adults.

The cinnamon factor: Regularly ingesting cinnamon helps where the body of harmful bacterial organisms that may be affecting the way you feel.

Anti-Inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory nature of cinnamon implies that you can use it to assist with a variety of conditions brought on by inflammation. Cinnamon is probably the few spices and herbs suggested just as one anti-inflammatory. Others consist of turmeric, curry, and ginger.

Arthritis is certainly one disease that could be assisted by cinnamon along with other anti-inflammatory foods. Since there are a wide variety of diseases which are brought on by or worsened by inflammation, it seems sensible to utilize cinnamon along with other foods to assist reduce that inflammation and lower the pain and occurrence of other symptoms.

It’s difficult to imagine a spice just like cinnamon as being anything further than a flavoring agent, however it does include important substances, like cinnamaldehyde, that is currently being studied because of its benefits on several areas of the body.

The cinnamon factor: Utilizing cinnamon with an anti-inflammatory diet might help relieve the signs and symptoms of conditions induced or even worsened by extreme inflammation within the body.

Helps Balance Hormones: The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon might help balance hormones in females, which makes it an excellent all-natural remedy to test before turning to medication. Always talk to your physician and follow their advice, and obtain their approval before beginning on any supplementation. Although it’s an all-natural spice you will never know how you will respond to it, or if it’ll affect any other treatments you’re on.

Cinnamon acts to reduce the quantity of testosterone made by women, while boosting the quantity of progesterone.

Again, it’s the cinnamaldehyde which is accountable for this benefit. This happens naturally in cinnamon and provides it its exclusive colour and aroma.

The cinnamon factor: Cinnamon can behave as a hormone balancer whenever drawn in the appropriate quantities. To get these advantages of cinnamon you’ll have to take it as a supplement, since it demands greater doses than simply sprinkling it on food.

Clears the Digestive Tract: Cinnamon might help clean out your digestive system, which supports the body soak up the nutrients through the foods you consume more quickly. And also this means you’ll have fewer stomach problems which includes indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation? A clean digestive tract might help in the surprising number of ways, even enhancing the way you think. Harmful bacteria within your gut can in fact because you to more prone to get depressed, and evidence is pointing to the stronger link between gut health and mental health.

In a situation like this it often is sensible to make dietary changes just before science catches up. It is really an all-natural remedy with few negative effects and lots of advantages to be gained. Once the risk is low and also the potential advantages to be gained are high, it’s a good idea to be an earlier adopter.

The cinnamon factor: The anti-bacterial as well as anti-microbial qualities of cinnamon help clean out harmful bacteria from the digestive system, enhancing its capability to function.

Increases Circulation: Cinnamon features a heating effect on the body, and may help to improve blood circulation all through. There are many illnesses and scenarios which are brought on by poor circulation, so making plans to enhance that circulation can be quite advantageous indeed.

The main benefit of improved blood circulation is to the heart, as well as enhanced circulation should mean a decrease in your heart rate and minimize blood pressure.

Improved blood flow within the body might help enhance the sex drives of both women and men, since it helps blood circulation towards the reproductive organs. For males this means more powerful erections as well as for women this means elevated sensitivity of the clitoris and labia.

The cinnamon factor: Cinnamon by itself might not be sufficient to create a visible effect on your circulation, however when coupled with other steps and all-natural methods you can begin to discover signs and symptoms of noticeable improvement.

Improves Your Mood: You may use cinnamon like a sort of aromatherapy to assist enhance your mood. That’s because for this advantage of cinnamon you just need to smell it. The fragrance of cinnamon behaves to shift you to a much better mood. A lot of things can happen during the day to place us in the off mood, so it’s vital that you have got a variety of steps you can take to try and shake you out of the funk and get you back to feeling good.

If you’re ever feeling stressed or even confused you should use the odour of cinnamon to assist split up those feelings and introduce a much better way of thinking. It may be a part of your all-natural method of feeling your best the whole day.

The cinnamon factor: The mood altering potential of cinnamon causes it to be an excellent part of your daily routine. It’s an all-natural method to feel better without making use of a pharmaceutical solution.

Alzheimer’s Prevention: One of the more shocking cinnamon benefits is its capability to assist in preventing Alzheimer’s along with other cognitive problems. You will want to take a cinnamon supplement, or utilize a cinnamon extract to obtain a sufficiently strong dose to make a difference, and never rely on powdered cinnamon in cooking or baking.

It’s the substances found within cinnamon that account for its capability to assist in preventing the disease. Scientific studies are promising when it comes to cinnamon’s effect on the brain, enough in order that it could be smart to start taking it as a supplement if you think you’re vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.

It’s difficult to make the link between a spice just like cinnamon as well as a reduced probability of getting Alzheimer’s, but it’s important to remember that cinnamon intake alone just isn’t sufficient to avoid it. Taking a balanced approach is essential, which includes keeping the mind sharp with activities intended to encourage the brain, consuming a healthy diet, and maintaining fitness with exercise.

The cinnamon factor: Preventing Alzheimer’s along with other degenerative diseases needs a long-term view and daily consistency. Add cinnamon to your daily routine and you can be assisting to prevent this devastating disease.

Helps regulate menstrual cycles: Research conducted recently conducted by Columbia University Medical Centre shows that cinnamon can control the menstrual cycles of ladies with polycystic ovary syndrome, a complaint that plagues an estimated five million American women of childbearing age.

Tooth Ache: Cinnamon is known to relieve toothache pain. Just make a paste utilizing five teaspoons of honey combined with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Use a little bit of this paste directly on the painful tooth 2 or 3 times a day prior to the pain is treated. You are able to store any extra paste in a tiny container at room temperature.