Cinnamon – the Queen of the Spices

Today I want to talk about a spice I love - because it is tasty, because it smells amazing, because I can mix it into whatever I am eating, and because it has so many health benefits I wouldn't want to miss it.

It is Cinnamon.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for thousands of years throughout history. It is mentioned in Chinese botanical books from 2700 B.C., in biblical references and in Ancient Egypt scripts. It was so rare and valuable that it was often regarded as a gift fit for kings.

There are 2 types of cinnamon:

• -Ceylon Cinnamon ("True" Cinnamon): from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil or Caribbean regions. Considered the most powerful form and the one I recommend.
• -Cassia Cinnamon: from China, Vietnam or Indonesia. Contains more coumarin, which can be toxic at high doses - best not to exceed 2 tsp per day of this type.

Always store cinnamon sticks or powder in a glass container in a cool, dry place.

Rich in Minerals and Fibers

Cinnamon is particularly rich in fibers, calcium and manganese.

Just 1 teaspoon of cinnamon contains 22% of the Daily Recommended Value in Manganese - a trace mineral essential to the body. Manganese helps:

• -Strengthen bones and connective tissues
• -Regulate sex hormones
• -Coagulate blood properly
• -Metabolize fats and carbohydrates
• -Regulate blood sugars
• -Absorb calcium

Healthy levels of Manganese decrease the risk of diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy and even PMS.

Increases Insulin Sensitivity

Many people become Insulin resistant today because of poor food choices and an unhealthy lifestyle. Cinnamon is recognized for its anti-diabetic effects:

• -It decreases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream after meals by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract
• -One of cinnamon's compounds mimics Insulin in cells and improves glucose uptake in a much more gradual, controlled way

People can see benefits with just 0.5 to 2 teaspoons per day.

Boosts Brain Activity

Just the smell of cinnamon is very powerful - it boosts brain activity, memory, visual recognition and motor speed.

Two compounds in cinnamon inhibit the build-up of tau protein in the brain, which is one characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Cinnamon also helps protect neurons and normalize neurotransmitter levels, showing promise for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antiseptic

Cinnamon oil treats respiratory tract infections very well. It helps inhibit the growth of certain bacteria (like listeria, salmonella) and strengthens your immune system. It helps fight:

• -Sore throat and cough
• -Tooth decay and bad breath
• -Gum disease

Soak cinnamon sticks into water and drink it - the warming properties increase blood flow, increase blood oxygen and help fight infections.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory

Cinnamon is very rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals - protecting from premature aging and age-related diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a strong immune system booster that helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.

Decreases Risk of Heart Disease

Cinnamon can:

• -Improve cholesterol ratios by decreasing LDL and triglycerides levels (with just 120mg a day)
• -Decrease blood pressure
• -Have beneficial effects on blood markers for people with type 2 diabetes

Anti-Cancer Properties

Calcium and fibers in cinnamon bind to bile salts and help your body remove them. Certain bile salts can damage colon cells - by removing them, cinnamon helps decrease the risk of colon cancer. Some animal studies also show cinnamon decreases the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors.

Other Benefits

• -Weight management: Regulates blood sugar spikes, reducing hunger and weight gain
• -Focus and attention: Enhances motivation and performance, decreases frustration and anxiety
• -Digestive support: Helps with loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, flatulence

Always choose organic. Ceylon Cinnamon ("True" Cinnamon) should be your first choice. Mix it with your meals, smoothies, juices, coconut kefir, or add Cinnamon oil drops topically or under your tongue.

In Health and Happiness,

Stephanie