Cinnamon is one of the oldest know spices derived from the bark of a small variety of trees which are found to grow abundantly in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt and Brazil. The bark is dried well and sold either in the form of rolled sticks or in the form of grounded powder. Cinnamon has about four chief varieties but only Ceylon and Cassia varieties which are derived from different species of cinnamon trees are more commonly sought after. Of these two, the Ceylon variety is said to be the true cinnamon but the Cassia variety is the one that is commonly sold in North America. Cinnamonaldehyde is an essential oil found in this spice that gives it its characteristic aroma and flavor. The various cinnamon health benefits that have been discovered suggest that this is more than just a spice and that it has very good medicinal properties which are scientifically approved.
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This medicinal spice is known to possess high anti-oxidant action and its oil is found to possess powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics. It is also found to be a very good source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron and calcium. Daily consumption of about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon can effectively decrease LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Cinnamon’s regulatory effect on the levels of blood sugar has been reported in numerous studies. This proves that consumption of cinnamon in prescribed amounts would be highly useful for patients suffering with Type 2 Diabetes. In few other studies, infections by medication-resistant yeast could be stopped by cinnamon’s remarkable medicinal capabilities. U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland has published a study conducted by its researchers in which cinnamon was shown to have controlled the proliferation of cancerous cells in people with conditions like leukemia and lymphoma. This amazing spice is also known to possess anti-clotting action on blood. It can also provide notable respite from pain due to arthritis. This property was displayed by a study conducted at Copenhagen University where patients with severe arthritis pain were daily made to consume half a teaspoon of powder of this spice mixed with a tablespoon of honey. Just within a week the pain was relieved and within a month they were able to walk with no complains of any pain. Cinnamon is also an excellent natural preservative of foodstuffs as it can stop food spoilage by hindering growth of bacteria. Researchers working at Kansas State University reported that cinnamon restricted E. coli growth in juices that were not pasteurized. An inquisitive study regarding cinnamon reports that cognitive function and memory capacity are boosted by just smelling it.
Cassia cinnamon is prescribed for flatulence, colds, diarrhea, nausea and painful menstrual periods by traditional medicine in China. They also believe that this spice improves vitality, energy and circulation which are very helpful for persons who have cold feet but feel hotter in the upper part of the body. Ayurveda prescribes cinnamon for people of kapha type and as a remedy in cases of diabetes, common cold and indigestion. The various cinnamon health benefits have made it a popular spice.
