Kitchen Confidential:
The power of Cinnamon
By: Bryan Francis
Modern science is recognizing today what native wisdom has known for centuries: the power of the kitchen cabinet. Open the doors of the cabinet and the array of spices and herbs within could be your guide on the road to perfect health. Beginning this month, this column will be taking a close look at the spice rack.
History
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as beverage flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent. It was so highly treasured that it was considered more precious than gold. Around this time, cinnamon also received much attention in China, which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C. Cinnamon's popularity continued throughout history. It became one of the most relied upon spices in Medieval Europe. Due to its demand, cinnamon became one of the first commodities traded regularly between, the Near East and Europe. Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean, while cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Health Benefits
Cinnamon does not only taste good, it also contains various health benefits comprising of: Anti-Clotting and Anti-Microbial actions, Blood Sugar control, it boosts Brain Function, it's Calcium and Fiber protect against Heart Disease and improve Colon Health, amongst other things.
Cinnamon's unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark. These oils consist of active constituents called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.
Anti-Clotting Actions
Cinnamaldehyde (also known as cinnamic aldehyde) has been well-researched for its effect on blood platelets. The cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. Cinnamon's ability to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an “anti-inflammatory” food that can be helpful in lessening inflammation.
Anti-Microbial Activity
Cinnamon's essential oils also qualify it as an “anti-microbial” food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to aid in the discontinuation of the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida.
Blood Sugar Control
Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Studies to confirm cinnamon's beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers of the Agricultural Research Service, showing that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are said to have found a reduction in blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol with the consumption of as little as 1 gram of cinnamon per day.
Cinnamon's Scent Boots Brain Function
Not only does the consumption of cinnamon improve the body's ability to utilize blood sugar, but smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity!
Calcium and Fiber Improve Colon Health and Protect Against Heart Disease
In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is significant as they can bind to bile salts and aid in removing them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Moreover, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can assist in lowering high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation and diarrhea.
Traditional Medicine has long claimed the efficacy of cinnamon and honey. Now all that needs to be done is to combine the two and watch it take on magical properties.
Heart Disease: A paste of honey and cinnamon powder instead of a daily dose of jam on your bread reduces cholesterol and in turn promotes heart health.
Arthritis: Twice a day (morning and night) take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Said to work on even chronic arthritis.
Hair Loss: Apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder on the scalp and leave for about 15 minutes before shampooing.
Cholesterol: Two tablespoons of honey and three tablespoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea lowers cholesterol levels.
Colds: To chase the sniffles away, take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with a quarter spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. Also helps with most chronic cough and clears the sinuses.
Upset Stomach: Honey taken with cinnamon powder can soothe the upset stomach and also help with stomach ulcers.
Working Cinnamon Into Your Diet
The sweet-spicy flavor of cinnamon enhances the taste of vegetables and fruits. For a fragrant pilaf, cook rice in cinnamon-flavored broth and stir in chopped dried fruit and toasted nuts. Cinnamon is also a perfect partner for chocolate; use it in any chocolate dessert or drink. Additionally, cinnamon could be used to mellow the tartness of apple pie.
Honey Cinnamon Butter
Try this on your bread.
3 tsp butter
1 tsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
Cream butter, honey and cinnamon together. Serve with any dessert bread.
Cinnamon Honey Dressing
Three-quarter cup vanilla low fat soymilk
12 ounces firm tofu
2 tbs honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs lemon juice
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well. Store in refrigerator. Serve over fresh fruit or tossed lettuce salad.
Note: It makes a delicious dip for fresh fruits.
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