Since 2000 BC, Cinnamon has been coveted in China and Egypt and it is even mentioned several times in the Bible. It has been highly treasured as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest known spices, once it was even considered more precious than gold. So, what else is Cinnamon good for?
- Cinnamon lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar levels. Can be dusted on fruit, cereal or even drinks like coffee or tea! A daily dose is considered to be half a teaspoon - so worth adding to your daily diet.
- It contains a natural substance found in plants, called Polyphenals, which has insulin-like effects. It is also said that Cinnamon may help prevent colon cancer, as well as stemming the growth of lymphoma and leukaemia cells. It is currently being studied to see if it can actually reduce blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
- You can make Cinnamon tea by pouring 250-500ml of hot water over a 1-2 inch stick of cinnamon. Leave it to steep for ten minutes. Don't drink too much though, as taking more than four teaspoons of Cinnamon a day can have serious side effects! Cinnamon tea can be effective against nausea, cramps, indigestion diarrhoea and flatulence.
- Cinnamon is available in sticks and powder and is actually the inner bark of the Cinnamon tree.
- Cinnamon is also considered an anti-inflammatory, as well as helping to prevent or ease night cramps and period cramps.
- Nutritionally, one teaspoon contains Cinnamon contains 28mg calcium, 1mg of iron and 1g of fibre - the calcium and fibre can bind to bile salts and thus help remove them from the body. The body then has to break down cholesterol to in order to make new bile, whilst the fibre prevents the damage some bile salts cause to the colon.
- It is an excellent source of manganese which is good for healthy bones, skin and cartilage formation. Cinnamon is also considered an anti-inflammatory which makes it an excellent benefit to arthritis sufferers.
- Cinnamon bark contains cinnamaldehyde. This gives Cinnamon the warm flavour and is also a natural blood thinner.
- Cinnamon can be used as a natural insect repellent.
- In Chinese medicine, it is believed to improve energy, circulation and vitality.
If that isn't enough, sniffing or tasting Cinnamon is said to increase the brains cognitive ability to process tasks. It also inhibits the growth of food borne bacteria, so is a natural alternative to food preservatives.
Sarah PJ White is a freelance writer and life coach who specialises in self help and general interest articles. To find out more about her new ebook about Elderflower and Elderberries, entitled "The Little Book of Elder" check out her website at http://www.theelderbook.com
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