Cinnamon Chips Origin and Constructive Benefits
It would be surprising if anyone reading this has not tasted cinnamon sometime in his life.
Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, that, when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as a quill.
It is available in either its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder or chips.
Real cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) from where 10,000 to 12,000 metric tons are exported annually.
Oftentimes, both Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon (cassia) are labeled simply as cinnamon.
Most powdered cinnamon sold in the United States is actually cassia.
If you want to find the sweeter, more refined tasting Ceylon variety, you may need to shop in a spice shop.
The word cinnamon comes from the Greek kinnamomon.
It was mentioned in many ancient history books, including the Bible in Exodus 30:23 where it was used in a holy anointing oil, and in Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 4:14, and Revelaton 18:13 as a source of a fragrant smell.
Cinnamon gets this scent and flavor from a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde.
It is also mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as 2800 BC.
In Ancient Egypt and Rome, cinnamon was used in the embalming process.
The Egyptians also used it medicinally and as a flavoring in food and beverages.
In the Middle Ages, cinnamon was only affordable by the elite of society.
A person's social rank could be determined by the number of spices he owned.
Though most commonly used as a spice, cinnamon has many health benefits.
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
Other studies suggest that it may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
It has also been shown to stop some types of yeast infections.
The U.
S.
Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the spread of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
It also provides an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
At Copenhagen University, researchers found that in just one week cinnamon was effective in reducing arthritic pain.
It also inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Regular use of cinnamon also boosts cognitive function and memory, and fights the E.
coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
The combination of calcium and fiber can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells.
This helps prevent colon cancer.
Fiber also can help with the relief of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.
It has been used in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.
Its healing ability comes from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark.
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine, for its warming qualities.
It has also been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger.
Some suggestions on using cinnamon:
" Cinnamon is known to be toxic in large doses.
Nor does it replace needed medications.
Store cinnamon in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
A sweet smell indicates it is still fresh.
Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, that, when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as a quill.
It is available in either its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder or chips.
Real cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) from where 10,000 to 12,000 metric tons are exported annually.
Oftentimes, both Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon (cassia) are labeled simply as cinnamon.
Most powdered cinnamon sold in the United States is actually cassia.
If you want to find the sweeter, more refined tasting Ceylon variety, you may need to shop in a spice shop.
The word cinnamon comes from the Greek kinnamomon.
It was mentioned in many ancient history books, including the Bible in Exodus 30:23 where it was used in a holy anointing oil, and in Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 4:14, and Revelaton 18:13 as a source of a fragrant smell.
Cinnamon gets this scent and flavor from a chemical compound called cinnamaldehyde.
It is also mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as 2800 BC.
In Ancient Egypt and Rome, cinnamon was used in the embalming process.
The Egyptians also used it medicinally and as a flavoring in food and beverages.
In the Middle Ages, cinnamon was only affordable by the elite of society.
A person's social rank could be determined by the number of spices he owned.
Though most commonly used as a spice, cinnamon has many health benefits.
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
Other studies suggest that it may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
It has also been shown to stop some types of yeast infections.
The U.
S.
Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the spread of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
It also provides an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
At Copenhagen University, researchers found that in just one week cinnamon was effective in reducing arthritic pain.
It also inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
Regular use of cinnamon also boosts cognitive function and memory, and fights the E.
coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
The combination of calcium and fiber can help to remove bile, which prevents damage to colon cells.
This helps prevent colon cancer.
Fiber also can help with the relief of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.
It has been used in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.
Its healing ability comes from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark.
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine, for its warming qualities.
It has also been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger.
Some suggestions on using cinnamon:
- "Enjoy toast with a healthy twist.
Drizzle flax seed oil onto whole wheat toast and then sprinkle with cinnamon and honey.
- Simmer cinnamon sticks with soymilk and honey for a deliciously warming beverage.
- Adding ground cinnamon to black beans to be used in burritos or nachos will give them a uniquely delicious taste.
- Sauté lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks to create a Middle Eastern inspired meal.
- Add ground cinnamon when preparing curries.
"
" Cinnamon is known to be toxic in large doses.
Nor does it replace needed medications.
Store cinnamon in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
A sweet smell indicates it is still fresh.
