Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of several species of cinnamon plant belonging to the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon sticks have a red-brown top and a smooth, powdery feel inside. They have a particular fragrance and flavor due to the oily portion, which is rich in cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamon is available in various forms, including ground cinnamon(powdered), cinnamon sticks (also known as quills or bark), and cinnamon oil. Cinnamon sticks are made by drying the inner bark of the cinnamon tree and rolling it into cylindrical sticks. These sticks can be used whole in cooking, particularly in simmered dishes like soups, stews, and mulled beverages, to impart a warm and sweet flavor. They can also be ground into cinnamon powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
There are two main types of cinnamon:
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Also known as "true cinnamon," Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and is considered to be of higher quality and sweeter in taste compared to other types of cinnamon. It has a lighter shades and a more delicate flavor.
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): Cassia cinnamon is native to China and is also commonly grown in other countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. It is widely accessible and less costly than Ceylon cinnamon.Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, spicier flavor and a darker color compared to Ceylon cinnamon.
Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon is rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which function as antioxidants. These molecules help neutralize damaging free radicals in the body, decreasing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Cinnamon sticks contains anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of chronic illnesses connected with inflammation, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Cinnamon has been demonstrated to boost insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels by enhancing glucose absorption into cells and blocking enzymes that slow down insulin activity. This makes cinnamon possibly effective for regulating blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Improves Heart Health
Cinnamon may help decrease risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can also enhance circulation and lower blood pressure, adding to overall heart health.
Cinnamon for weight loss
Cinnamon stick may help enhance metabolism and lower hunger, thereby benefiting in weight reduction attempts. However, further study is needed to establish these impacts.
Antibacterial qualities
Cinnamon includes chemicals that have antibacterial qualities, which may help suppress the growth of bacteria, fungus, and other germs. This makes cinnamon excellent for preserving food and may also help fight illnesses in the body.
Improved Cognitive performance
Some study shows that cinnamon may have neuroprotective properties and might potentially improve cognitive performance, including memory and attention. These benefits are assumed to be attributable to cinnamon's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Digestive Health
Cinnamon has long been used to improve digestion and ease gastrointestinal pain. It may help relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion, as well as limit the growth of dangerous bacteria in the digestive tract.
Assist lower blood pressure.
Cinnamon can help reduce blood pressure. cinnamon is often viewed as a delicious spice rather than a major therapy for high blood pressure (hypertension),
Medical use
Anti-inflammatory
Cinnamon's antioxidants can help reduce inflammation. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Cinnamon may also assist with inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
Blood sugar
Cinnamon can benefit persons with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels from increasing considerably after eating. Cinnamon can also help the body utilize sugar in cells and manage blood sugar.
Cholesterol
Cinnamon helps decrease triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, which may help avoid heart disease.
Act as an antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal cinnamon is known to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities.Cinnamon has been used traditionally to fight fungal diseases. Compounds contained in cinnamon, particularly cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, have been proven to exhibit antifungal activity against numerous fungal species, including Candida albicans, which is responsible for yeast infections.
Improve colon function
Cinnamon is considered to give potential advantages for digestive health, which might indirectly contribute to enhanced colon function.
Improve blood circulation
Cinnamon includes chemicals such as cinnamaldehyde that have been believed to stimulate vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. Vasodilation can assist enhance blood flow by allowing blood to flow more readily through the arteries and veins. This might possibly boost circulation throughout the body, providing oxygen and nutrients to tissues more effectively.