Cinnamon
Everyone knows the unmistakable aroma of Cinnamon, but did you know that Cinnamon has a long, remarkable history of promoting wellness?
Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tropical Evergreen tree. The two main varieties are known as Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum.
As an herbal addition to your health program, Cinnamon helps to support sugar and fat metabolism.
Cinnamon contains various terpenoids, which are believed to account for its many beneficial properties. The most notable among these terpenoids may be eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.
In a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial, 60 men and women were given 1, 3, or 6 g of Cinnamon daily or matching placebo for 40 days. After 40 days, those in the Cinnamon group had significantly improved scores in glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol metabolic parameters. There were no changes seen in the placebo group.
This trial demonstrated that all three doses of Cinnamon effectively supported sugar and fat metabolism, which can have implications in heart health.
It was found that Cinnamon was the most bioactive ingredient tested. The researchers concluded that Cinnamon's natural polyphenols and other components probably contributed to the beneficial effects.
A Pinch of Cinnamon: Will It Help Type II Diabetics?
A very small quantity of ground cinnamon -- less than a half-teaspoon a day -- helped volunteers with type II diabetes mellitus reduce their levels of blood sugar -- and reduce several cardiovascular disease risk factors, as well. That is according to a preliminary study of a small group of volunteers -- 60 men and women, all of whom had been diagnosed several years earlier with type II diabetes. ARS scientists at Beltsville, Md., and their university colleagues in Peshawar, Pakistan, conducted the 60-day study and reported their findings in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care (vol. 26, pp. 3215-3218).
Uses for Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used frequently today in desserts such as cakes, pies, puddings and the like, and it compliments spectacularly with chocolate, apples, sweet potatoes and pears. Kids like it in cereals. Epicureans savor its fine flavor when used in appetizers and main courses, such as curries and lamb or chicken dishes. It is also used in coffees, teas, aperitifs and other potent potables. You can even find it flavoring chewing gum and breath mints. And many people love the smell of it in candles and room fresheners, too!
Cinnamon is believed to aid in digestion and it can lessen the severity of food poisoning. It stimulates and heals at the same time. It has carminative properties (meaning that it can help to release gas from the stomach and the intestines), and it can be used to sooth cramps in that physiological region, too. It has been shown to be effective in alleviating some toothaches, providing well-needed relief to sufferers of these disorders.
Cinnamon can help combat flatulence, diarrhea and nausea and in the oil form of the spice, it chemically is a type of phenol, which is antifungal and antibacterial.
It's time to think cinnamon when preparing your next favorite meal.
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