Cinnamon

There are actually four types of cinnamon. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, more commonly known as “Ceylon,” is considered “true cinnamon.” The
others are relatives with the most popular being cinnamomum cassia, also known as Chinese cassia or Indonesian cinnamon. Both come from the
bark of an Asian evergreen tree. The bark is peeled off, dried, and allowed to form a roll—the common “cinnamon stick” that we know today.
Though close in taste, Ceylon has a slightly richer and sweeter taste. Most of the cinnamon bought in the United States is the less expensive cassia
variety.

Cinnamon has a long history. Ceylon cinnamon originated from the island of Sri Lanka. Chinese writings have documented use of cinnamon since
2700 B.C. Around 1000 B.C., West Asia, Europe, and Africa imported cinnamon from India and this began the spread of the spice. Cinnamon
became really popular in Europe during the Crusades and its popularity grew throughout the world.

Where Is Cinnamon Grown?

The main countries that produce Ceylon cinnamon are India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil. Chinese cinnamon (cassia) is mainly grown in
China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Why Should I Eat Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a source of manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber and contains cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, substances
that work as antioxidants in the body. Cinnamaldehyde reduces stickiness of platelets.

Home Remedies

The Chinese have believed that consuming cinnamon will improve your complexion and give you a youthful appearance. The people of India
believe that chewing on a cinnamon stick will help to regulate the menstrual cycle, and their midwives and physicians use the spice for pain relief
during childbirth. Gargling with a mixture of one teaspoon each of cinnamon and honey mixed into hot water has been used to battle bad breath.

Lifesaver!

ARTHRITIS: Researchers from Nanjing University in China evaluated 122 Chinese herbs for their effectiveness in reducing uric acid, the trigger

for gout and arthritis flare-ups. Cinnamon cassia extract proved the most effective of them all for inhibiting the enzyme responsible for producing
uric acid.

HEART HEALTH: Cinnamon has been shown to reduce lipids and have anti-inflammatory and platelet-adhesion properties. The results of a

study demonstrated that intake of small amounts of cinnamon per day (no more than six grams or one-fifth of an ounce) reduced serum glucose,
triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: In an animal study, male rats who were given an extract of cinnamon had lower blood glucose levels. A human study found

that giving cinnamon extract to type 2 diabetics significantly reduced their blood sugar levels.

BLOOD PRESSURE: In one study, rats were given a sugar solution to increase their blood pressure. Then they were given ground cinnamon,

cinnamon extract, or a placebo. The rats that were given the ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract had reduced blood pressure.

Tips for Using Cinnamon

SELECTION AND STORAGE:

• Cinnamon is available in ground and in stick form.
• To check for freshness, smell the cinnamon. Fresh cinnamon has a sweet odor.
• When buying cinnamon you need to be careful because Ceylon and Chinese cinnamon are often labeled the same. If you want the “true” Ceylon
cinnamon, try buying it at a spice store or at an ethnic food mart.
• Cinnamon should be kept in an airtight container in a dark place. Ground cinnamon will start to lose flavor after six months. Stick cinnamon will
last for one year.
• Though it may be tempting to buy the jumbo economy-size container of cinnamon, the optimal strategy is to buy small amounts to preserve
freshness, taste, and phytochemical content.

PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Cinnamon sticks can be ground by using a coffee grinder or a cheese grater.
• Use cinnamon in desserts such as rice pudding, pies, and cakes.
• Use the spice to flavor meats. Cinnamon, along with cumin, turmeric, and ginger are a classic combination for flavoring Middle Eastern and
North African meat and poultry dishes.
• Mix cinnamon with coffee and drink as a hot beverage.
• Top whole grain toast with a little bit of butter, cinnamon, and sugar on top. Yum!