Cinnamon Benefits

benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon Health Benefits

Cinnamon is a tree generally found in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Brazil. Its inner bark is dried and widely used as a spice. It is generally used in savoury foods. It is employed as a condiment in some foods. It is also used as a natural food preservative. Cinnamon has very high health benefits than any other spices. It has anti- bacterial, anti- fungal and anti- parasitic properties. So it is widely used to remove oral yeast infections, vaginal yeast infections, head lice and stomach ulcers. It is used for getting relief from flu or cold because of its anti- inflammatory property. Cinnamon has the capability to reduce leukemia cancer cells with its anti – blood clotting property.

If you look at cinnamon benefits, It is an excellent source of calcium, iron and magnesium. Calcium and fiber content in cinnamon helps to remove bile, hence to prevent damages to colon cells. Its fiber content also gives relief from bowel syndrome and constipation. The active principles in cinnamon increases the gastro intestinal secretion thereby increase the digestion. Cinnamon is an antioxidant spice. Nowadays because of cinnamon health benefits, it is used by people all over the world. It is used for treating variety of diseases such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, and blood impurities and so on. Cinnamon is useful for diabetic patients especially for people who suffered from type 2 diabetics. It lowers cholesterol and increase blood glucose level in such people. Cinnamon is used as a mouth freshener and also used to treat the toothache. It is also used to reduce memory loss and to boost the activity of brain.

As it consists of calcium and fiber, it resists the heart diseases to a limit. It is used to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Cinnamon helps people who suffer high blood pressure and coronary artery diseases. It is found that cinnamon is also useful for women’s health because it helps them to get relief from menstrual cramping and many other problems. Regular consumption of cinnamon after child birth delays the menstruation and helps to avoid conception. And it helps to increase secretion of breast milk. Cinnamon offers beauty treatment also. It removes the blood impurities and hence used to remove pimples. The itching caused by insect bites is reducing by using a paste of cinnamon and honey. It contains vitamin A, niacin, pyridoxine and many other nutrients which help for various purposes.

Four varieties of cinnamon are available. But only two of them are popular and mostly used. They are Ceylon cinnamon (cinnamomum zeylanicum) and cassia cinnamon (cinnamomum cassia). The health benefits of these two don’t seem to be different. Ceylon cinnamon is also called “True cinnamon”. It is sweeter than cassia cinnamon and expensive. The quills of the Ceylon are softer than the cassia. Cinnamons are widely used in foods. It is used while the preparation of chocolate, some of the desserts, spicy candies and sweet dishes. As these dishes are preferable by most of the children, they get the valuable cinnamon health benefits by consuming it. Since cinnamon has high health benefits, try to include sufficient cinnamons in diet.

Why cinnamon sugar pecans dish is your favorite?

You must have tasted the cinnamon sugar pecans whenever you are at a mall. What were your feelings that came into your mind? Wasn’t the taste amazing and forced you to have more? It is quite obvious that you would simply love to have them whenever you feel like or see them in front of you. What you can do is, try out preparing and tasting the roasted cinnamon pecans at your home. Take a look below and learn how to prepare the sweet dish.

Take 2 tbsp of melted butter, 3 tbsp of syrup of light corn, 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon, 3 tbsp of sugar, ¼ tsp of salt, and 1 pound of pecans. First preheat the oven you would be requiring to almost 250 degrees. Stir the first five components and then add the pecans. Toss this entire mix together to coat. Then spread the nuts in a single layer just on any of the cookie sheets. As soon as you finish this, bake it for an hour or so and keep stirring for every 15 minutes. Let the entire mix cool and then store it in a sealed container. Make sure you keep the container at your store for at least two weeks or so. Such cinnamon sugar pecans make a great gift during the time of Christmas.

We all know that December is the month when people are engaged in preparing a variety of sweet dishes. It is the time when people mainly concentrate on making baked stuff. Every individual has his/her preferences of preparing dishes for their guests. Like others, you too might have the fascination on the desserts as gifts for the Christmas Eve. No wonder, such approach would add a personal touch to your creation and make your gift more special. If you have preferences towards cinnamon then making cinnamon sugar pecans would be an ideal pick. Those of you, who typically stick to candies and cookies, should try this new form of sweet dish in order to bring a change in your taste. Here below is the recipe for you:

Take ½ tbsp vanilla extract, 1 pound pecan halves, ½ tbsp water, 2 egg whites, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 cup sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Then preheat the oven at around 250°F and line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. In order to blend all these, take a huge sized freezer bag and then mix the vanilla extract, egg whites and water together. Next add the pecans in the bag with the above made mixture. Before you shake it altogether, make sure you seal the bag and keep it like that until the pecans get evenly coated. Now, shift the coated pecans to the container that has the sugar mixture. Again get the bag sealed and shake it as long as the pecans are layered with the sugar mixture. When it is done, spread the coated pecans on that prepared baking sheet. Bake it for one hour and make sure you stir for every 15 minutes. It is very important to cool the cinnamon sugar pecans before you serve.

Believe it or not such sweet dishes seem to be a wonderful treat to every sweet and chocolate lover. They are quite easy to prepare and are best for any kind of gifts or may be snacks. When you are mixing their ingredients at a time, your house or bakery shop will be entirely filled with great smell of roasting nuts and cinnamon. If you take interest in making such dishes for your family then decide today and surprise your guests as well.

A study on what is cinnamon good for

What is Cinnamon good for? This is a very common question that comes up every now and often. There are in fact a number of reasons for which cinnamon is good for.  It is mainly popularly known for its great contribution towards health. In traditional medicine, this particular spice has been used for several digestive ailments like stomach upset, indigestion, diarrhea, bloating and gas. Even the present medical research has come up with many stimulating results thereby making the spice well accepted all over. It’s anti-inflammatory and mild effect has the ability to slow down the spoiling of food. The most interesting part is such spice also has anti-fungal properties.

Did you know that even sniffing of cinnamon can result in improving the brain function? This truth was discovered by a team of researchers who loved exploring on the matter. The subject gradually became more interesting whenever the talk was on whiffs of cinnamon. In fact, the potential health benefits of this spice have been receiving most attention due to its positive effect on cholesterol and blood glucose. What is cinnamon good for? This question is still not answered unless you get to know about its effect on diabetes Type2 and the insulin resistance. No matter what, this has been one of the most exciting news for people those who responded to low-carb diets. There have been several studies, which revealed about the blood glucose control and improved insulin sensitivity. This was possible only because of the little intake of ½ tsp of cinnamon per day.

Study says that improvement in insulin resistance help in both decreasing the risk for heart disease and control weight in a balanced way. The preliminary studies have been somewhat a mixed bag, but the majority researches seem to be pointing its direction to the wide ranging benefits of cinnamon. If you still ask, what is cinnamon good for then, take a look at its contribution towards human health: It helps in improving your blood sugar level, improvements in LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides. Studies also showed that this particular spice has stopped medication resistant yeast diseases. Even in a study at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maryland, it was revealed that cinnamon has the ability to reduce the rise of lymphoma and leukemia cancer cells.

When asked what is Cinnamon good for researchers came up with several studies that highlights the benefits of the spice. A study at the Copenhagen University reveals that just a half tsp of Cinnamon powder when combined with tbsp of honey shows significant results to the arthritis patients. This mix brings relief in the arthritis pain within one week or so thereby allowing the patient to walk without pain within one month. You would also get to know that when the spice is added to the food, it would hold back the food spoilage and bacterial growth thereby making it an ordinary food preservative. It is even a great source of fiber, calcium, manganese and iron.

Treat Your Skin With Ground Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon is very good for your skin as it is believed to bring in the nutritional values that the skin might found wanting. It also helps dry skin to fight the growing issues of acne and add substantial nourishment to the scalp. However, it works the best when applied with a petroleum jelly or oil to negate the harsh effects that cinnamon has been examined to possess. A popular practice of plumping out the surface of the skin can be achieved after making a preparation of cinnamon and olive oil. In this beauty treatment, some drops of cinnamon oil is mixed with olive oil or sometimes petroleum jelly and then applied to the skin for nourishment.

This helps a lot in straightening the lines and thereby making them less visible to the naked human eyes. However, before you are trying this preparation on your skin, be sure that you are not applying it near to your eyes. Or else, this could cause a severe irritation that might need a medicinal help. The mixture is also equally good to be applied on the lips to prevent them from drying up in the winters. So, if you face this issue during the cold winters, apply this paste of ground cinnamon and petroleum jelly to enjoy a better effect. Both in terms of treating the plumping lips and also as lip gloss, this mixture is sure to act as a wonder.

Are you suffering from scalp issues? Do you want to get a relief from it? If for both the above asked questions, your answer is a dominant “YES” then you must turn to ground cinnamon. It acts as a great cleanser for the scalp and brings in substantial nourishment to it. It acts as a great exfoliating agent and increases the blood flow to the scalp thereby paving a way for its immediate rejuvenation. Therefore, if you are currently trying a paste that is made with cinnamon, olive oil, and honey these days, your scalp will surely find the necessary oxygen supply that is required for the nourishment and growth of the hair follicles.

Ground cinnamon, combining with honey can also be used to treat persons who have patches of eczema. This acts like wonders with positive outcomes showing up within a week. However, it is widely advised that you should not use the paste on little kids and to the affected parts over the face. This could affect the sensitivity of the skin greatly. To know whether the paste will be suitable to apply on your skin, you must apply the paste on a small test area. If you find a sudden irritation or some kind of any other discomfort in the area, wash it off immediately.

So, with all these varied range of benefits, you should try applying a paste of cinnamon to your skin. Only thereby you can enjoy the true gel of your skin over an extended period of time and all the skin related issues will then be permanently wiped off

Two Delicious Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipes

Studies have shown that cinnamon can improve the way antioxidants help the body to defend itself. This means cinnamon helps to strengthen your immune system. Other benefits of cinnamon include relieving congestion, lessening stiffness in joints and muscles, and boosting brain functions. This super spice stimulates circulation and gives a great taste and aroma to any food in which it is put. You can consider of putting cinnamon in your coffee. Then again, you can experience the rich taste of different types of cinnamon coffee cakes.

The recipe of cinnamon coffee ring given below has crunchy walnuts and aromatic cinnamon that lends this wonderful coffee cake a unique taste. You can serve a big slice of the cake with coffee or with a glass of iced tea.

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon (ground)

Method of Preparation: 1. Take 2 cups sugar, cream and butter in a mixing bowl. 2. Then, put in the eggs and beat well. 3. Add vanilla and then mix properly. 4. Mix the baking powder, flour, salt, and baking soda and then add it to the creamed mixture along with sour cream. 5. Take a third of the batter and put it into a floured and greased tube pan. 6. Mix the nuts, cinnamon, and the remaining sugar. 7. Dust over a third above batter. 8. Repeat the process twice. 9. Put it for baking at 350 degrees F for 65 minutes. 10. Check with a toothpick by inserting it so that it comes out clean. 11. Let the cinnamon coffee ring cool down for some time before you remove it from the pan to a plate.

Another recipe that you can surely try out is the Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake. This has an exclusive taste and you will simply love it when you eat it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (ground)
  • 1/2 c. hot water
  • 1 can apple pie filling
  • 2/3 c. sugar (powdered)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (ground)
  • 2 c. baking mix
  • 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts

Method of Preparation: 1. Heat the oven to about 400 degrees. 2. Combine the nutmeg, cinnamon, and pie filling. 3. Combine hot water and baking mix till the dough forms. 4. Dust the surface of the dough with baking mix and then roll it so that it is coated in baking mix. 5. Make into a (14X10 inches) rectangle and then shift it to an ungreased cookie sheet. 6. Spread the pie mixture over half the dough and moisten the edge with water. 7. Over the pie mixture form the rest of the dough. 8. With a fork crimp the edges and then bake for about 25 minutes till it becomes golden brown. 9. Let it cool down for 10 minutes. 10. Combine the milk and powdered sugar till it becomes smooth. 11. Spread it over the warm cinnamon coffee cake. 12. Lastly, sprinkle it with nuts.

Tasty Sugar Cinnamon Sticks Recipe Just For You

Cinnamon is a spice that is used in both savory and sweet foods. Cinnamon bark is used widely as a spice in cooking as a condiment. It is used in dessert recipes as well as in chicken and lamb dishes. It can also be used in pickling. It is one of the few spices which can be taken directly. With cinnamon sticks you can make some very interesting recipes. You will come across many recipes over the Internet if you like. You may even improvise on some of the recipes which you will find in magazines and online. However, for now you can try your hand at making this cinnamon sticks recipe which will turn out to be quite delicious.

This sugar cinnamon sticks recipe is quite interesting. You will love the zing of cinnamon mixed with sugar in this cookie recipe. You will take about 45 minutes to prepare and total time needed for making this dish would be around an hour.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup  sugar
  • 2-1/4 cups  flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt
  • 1 teaspoon  vanilla
  • 1/3 cup  softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon  shortening
  • 1 teaspoon  baking powder
  • 3 oz  chopped white chocolate
  • 1 softened ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup  decorating sugar(coarse)
  • 1/3 cup  crushed red cinnamon candies
  • 1-3/4 cups  ground and toasted slivered almonds

Method of Preparation: 1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Set aside large baking sheets. 3. In a mixing bowl beat the butter for about 30 seconds and then mix the sugar in and continue beating. 4. Mix in the cinnamon, salt, and baking powder along with vanilla and eggs. 5. Mix in the flour and almonds in a medium sized bowl. 6. Mix in the rest of the mixture. 7. While preparing this sugar cinnamon sticks recipe you need to roll the dough into (14×7-inch rectangle) on lightly floured surface. 8. Cut it into half and crosswise into ½ inch wide sticks. 9. Use a spatula and transfer them onto the baking sheets keeping a gap of 1 inch. 10. Bake for 10 minutes till it becomes firm and brown. Let them cool for sometime and then transfer to a rack. 11. Melt chocolate and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat and stir continuously. 12. In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and crushed candies then dip the sticks in chocolate first and then in the candy mix. Place them on waxed paper so that it sets.

This sugar cinnamon sticks recipe is extremely delicious and kids at home will simply love it. You can offer these sweet treats to children as well as adults. Whether you have them for breakfast or for a snack it does not matter because they are going to taste great anytime. You can offer these delicious treats at children’s birthday parties as a snack. You will surely receive a lot of appreciation if you consider of preparing this yummy treat for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your chef’s apron and gloves right away and prepare this lip smacking treat.

Mexican Cinnamon: A Hallmark of Mexican Food

In the 16th century, with their amalgamation with the Spaniards, the Mexican culinary delicacies have come to the forefront. Along with almonds, olive oils, grapes, citrus fruits, etc., the spices like that of anise, cinnamon, cumin, etc., too have found an eminent popularity. All these came together to recreate the magic of multi-layered, sophisticated flavors that have been the hallmark statement of fine Mexican food. It is because of this huge concentration of spices in the Mexican dishes that they are believed to import you to the wonder world of enticing aromas. Today, the Mexican cinnamon is found to have formed an integral part in popular culinary activities of the mouth watering Mexican dishes. Thus, no matter whatever you have ordered for, you will definitely find the exotic aroma of cinnamon in your Mexican delicacy. It is therefore hard to believe the existence of any Mexican food that does not make use of spices.

Even while you taste the Mexican chocolate, you will find a strong aroma of cinnamon therein. It is truly a heavenly culinary fusion of native dark chocolate and Mexican cinnamon that highlights the tastiness of the food product to a great extent. It is this unique flavor that has eventually gave in rise of ‘Mexican Chocolate’. Apart from making a different variety of spicy Mexican chocolate, cinnamon is even used in a wide range of dishes. The importance of cinnamon has been so all pervasive in Mexico that today this Latin American nation is hailed as the largest importer of Sri Lankan cinnamon in the whole world. So, if you are a non-Mexican who is trying his or her hand in Mexican cuisine for the first time, you should be prepared to taste the aromatic flavors of cinnamon in your plate. Even if you get hold of a cook book as compiled by a popular Mexican chef, you will definitely find the differences that differentiate a true cinnamon from a cassia. However, just a look is enough to point the differences.

Mexican cinnamon can be found in any market. You can recognize them quite easily due to their distinct aroma. Whenever you are passing by a stall that sells this well acknowledged variety of cinnamon, you will surely stop over there due to its strong fragrance. Sniff and you may eventually be enamored to buy the stuff. It is the long, aromatic stalks as known as quills that can be found in the spice markets towering over the others. It is lighter in appearance than cassia and appears just as what a bark of tree will ever look like. Usually you will find this type to be cut in a uniform shape and size to get them fit in a glass jar. Though cassia and cinnamon is more like each other in appearance and fragrance other than the color, they differ in taste. A true Mexican cinnamon is well known to possess a delicate and sweeter flavor to taste as compared to that of cassia.

Primary Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey

The magic mixture of honey plus cinnamon is known to have miraculous healing powers. The health benefits of this mixture helps you to get a strong immune system, healthy heart, good digestive system and healthy skin. It also gives you relief from arthritis and itching. There are several health benefits of cinnamon and honey. Below we have discussed a few health conditions that can be treated with the consumption of this mixture.

Treating Arthritis: Arthritic patients may benefit from consuming a combination of honey plus cinnamon. You can take every morning and nighttime 1 hot cup of water with 1 small teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 spoons of honey. If you continue consuming this on a regular basis then you can be treated to a great extent. A research that has been conducted by Copenhagen University has found out that with the consumption of the combination of ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder and 1 tablespoon honey before breakfast around 73 patients among 200 were relieved from the arthritic pain. This is one of the greatest benefits of cinnamon and honey that is known to common man.

Good for Heart Diseases: If you want to treat yourself naturally for your heart ailments then you can consume a combination of cinnamon plus honey. Make a combination of ground cinnamon and honey and apply it on your bread for breakfast. It helps to decrease cholesterol level and hence saves the patient from a stroke or a heart attack. Then again, if you already have had an attack in the past then you should consume this mixture daily to prevent any further attacks. The consumption of this mixture helps to strengthen your heart beat.

Dealing with Fatigue: Other benefits of cinnamon and honey include dealing with fatigue. Studies have indicated that the sugar content is helpful for the strength of the body. Elderly persons who consume honey plus cinnamon powder are more flexible and alert. Just ½ tablespoon of honey should be taken in a glass of water and sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon and then drink it in the morning and afternoon to increase body vitality. You will feel absolutely recharged whenever you take this mixture.

This mixture can also be taken to cure bladder infections. In lukewarm water just take 2 tbsp of ground cinnamon and 1 tsp of honey. It helps to destroy all the bladder germs. Other benefits of cinnamon and honey that you can avail are treating toothache. All you have to do is make a combination of 5 teaspoons of honey plus 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and then you can apply it on your teeth. You can apply this thrice a day till your tooth ache stops. Those suffering from common colds, upset stomach and gas can also be treated with this magic potion of honey as well as cinnamon.

So, if you are suffering from any medical condition and want to treat it the natural way then start taking this magic combo and get the best results in a short time span.

Benefits of Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon Essential Oil is extracted from an evergreen tropical tree bark which is local to Sri Lanka. You will find that the oil is a sweet, light brown liquid which is warm and spicy with a very powerful aroma. It is considered great for circulation and acts as stimulant for digestion. It relieves you of pains and aches and supports the immune system. However, this oil has often caused irritation to the skin and hence you should handle it with caution. You should consider of using this oil in aromatherapy for treating a person.

The oil is highly anti-bacterial and anti-microbial for different types of infectious bacteria. Studies have indicated that this oil have the strength to eliminate different forms of pathogenic organism. The essential oil is actually used for quick relief from bladder infections and digestive tract problems and also enzymatic deficiency. The essential oil also has high antioxidant properties too which will be beneficial for you.

According to Jeanne Rose, aroma therapist the essential oil works great as an anti-spasmodic. This means that use of this oil will help to reduce cramping. This property will surely benefit many individuals with different health conditions. You can use cinnamon essential oil for different health conditions like nausea, cramps, and even diarrhea. For treating these conditions you can include the oil in a warm compress or use it for massaging.

Cinnamon aids to stimulate the circulatory system of the body. It has pain relieving properties and hence beneficial for many people. The boost in circulation helps to give the person a warming effect. The analgesic characteristics make the oil a good selection for relieving joint and muscle pain. By using the oil in massages you will surely be able to get the best results for yourself.

The cinnamon essential oil also benefits individuals who are suffering from minor flu and cold. The oil have antibacterial and anti-viral properties. It works very well in clearing the lungs. You can add a few drops of the essential oil to steaming hot water and then inhale the vapor. The vapor will circulate through your respiratory system and help you in relieving your lungs and respiratory tract.

You should not use the cinnamon essential oil for more than 7 days. It should only be used for therapeutic reasons only. You must not inhale it directly from a diffuser because it can bother the nasal membranes. Even if you are using it then make sure that it is used in low concentration and is being mixed with other oils. If you are using it topically then you should dilute it considerably. If you choose to apply it then it would be better for you to test a small amount first.

Cinnamon oil is found in two different varieties. One which is taken out from the leaf and the other one is taken out from the bark. The oil taken from the bark must not be put on skin even in aromatherapy. High dosage of the cinnamon leaf oil can cause convulsion. The leaf oil should be avoided at the time of pregnancy.