Cinnamon, commonly associated with the winter months, is available all year long to sprinkle on any food. Cinnamon comes from the interior bark of evergreen trees that are native to Asia. One of the oldest spices known and long-used in traditional medicine, cinnamon is currently being studied for its beneficial effects on a variety of ailments.
In one study of sixty patients with Type II Diabetes, it was found that after only forty days of taking approximately one half teaspoon of cinnamon daily, fasting serum glucose levels were lowered by 18 to 29 percent, triglycerides by 23 to 30 percent, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by 7 to 27 percent, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent. Additional health benefits include:
- Antibacterial – the essential oils in cinnamon are able to stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the common yeast Candida.
- Cinnamon has also been shown to be effective in fighting the E. coli bacterium.
- A recent fascinating study found that just smelling cinnamon increased the subjects’ cognitive ability and actually functioned as a kind of “brain boost”.
Cinnamon in your life:
- Sprinkle cinnamon, a few raisins and walnuts, and a bit of honey, if desired, on a cored apple and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until soft for a healthy dessert.
- Make cinnamon toast: drizzle some honey and sprinkle some cinnamon on toasted whole wheat bread.
- Simmer (don’t boil) non-dairy milk with a teaspoon of vanilla and a cinnamon stick for a few minutes. Drink the warm milk with a bit of added honey or pour over hot oatmeal.
- Combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 cup yogurt. Serve as a dip for sliced fruit or as a dressing for fruit salad. Spoon a dollop on top of hot oatmeal, whole-grain pancakes, waffles, or granola.
The next time you’re in the mood for a healthy, sweet snack, reach for some cinnamon!
Source: www.superfoodsrx.com
Contributor: Dr. Gregg Baron
The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. None of the information presented is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
