Spices are very important in making our dishes taste good and for them to last much longer. Not only that, spices are also necessary for making our foods very special. One spice that can make your heart melt is the cinnamon. Even just upon hearing the word ‘cinnamon’ it already pleases our mind. What more when we put it into our foods. Well, cinnamon is not just about its taste. Because of its ample amount of nutrients, it is also beneficial for the health. The health benefits of cinnamon are all good for the overall health. So if I were you, read on to this article and get to know what the cinnamon can do to your health.
Cinnamon: What is this spice?
Cinnamon is a spice that is actually obtained from the inner bark of some tree species in the genus Cinnamomum. Furthermore, cinnamon is mainly used as an aromatic flavoring additive and condiment in a number of cuisines, savory, and sweet dishes. Moreover, it may also be a good addition to traditional foods, snack foods, as well as in breakfast cereals.
In the actual fact, the term ‘cinnamon’ also denotes to the mid-brown color of the spice. Furthermore, cinnamon is actually the name for various species of the trees as well as the profitmaking spice products, which some of them yield. In addition, the aroma, as well as the flavor of cinnamon, come from its very own essential oil and its principal constituent, cinnamaldehyde. Together with a number of some other components, including eugenol.
Moreover, cinnamon is an average type of tree, which is characterized by oval-shaped leaves, berry fruit, and a thick bark. When ingathering the spice, the leaves, as well as the bark, are the main parts of the plants that are used. Furthermore, cinnamon is nurtured by growing the tree for about two years, and then coppicing it. For instance, cutting the stems at the ground level. In the succeeding year, approximately a dozen of new shoots from the roots appear, thus replacing the cut ones.
The stems of the plant must immediately go processing stage after harvesting. This is while the inner bark is still wet. Moreover, the cut stems will then be processed by scraping off the outer bark and then pounding the branch consistently with a hammer to be able to loosen the inner part of the bark, which will then be pried off in some long rolls.
Nutritional Facts of Cinnamon
A bit of cinnamon may go a long way already. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties are what makes it even more especially beneficial as an addition to the diet. The stronger the dose, the stronger the benefits on the body.
One ounce or 28 grams of cinnamon has:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| PRINCIPLE | ||
| Calories | 69.2 Kcal | 3% |
| Protein | 1.1 grams | 2% |
| Total fat | 0.3 grams | 1% |
| Sugars | 0.6 grams | – |
| Dietary fiber | 14.9 grams | 59% |
| Carbohydrates | 22.6 grams | 8% |
| Omega 6 fatty acid | 12.3 milligrams | – |
| Omega 3 fatty acid | 3.1 milligrams | – |
| MINERALS | ||
| Selenium | 0.9 micrograms | 1% |
| Manganese | 4.9 milligrams | 245% |
| Copper | 0.1 milligrams | 5% |
| Zinc | 0.5 milligrams | 3% |
| Sodium | 2.8 milligrams | 0% |
| Potassium | 121 milligrams | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 17.9 milligrams | 2% |
| Magnesium | 16.8 milligrams | 4% |
| Iron | 2.3 milligrams | 13% |
| Calcium | 281 milligrams | 28% |
| VITAMINS | ||
| Vitamin A | 82.6 IU | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.0 milligrams | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1.1 milligrams | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.6 milligrams | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 8.7 micrograms | 11% |
| Betaine | 1.1 milligrams | – |
| Choline | 3.1 milligrams | – |
| Folate | 1.7 micrograms | 0% |
| Niacin | 0.4 milligrams | 2% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.1 milligrams | 0% |
| Riboflavin | 0.4 milligrams | 2% |
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of cinnamon:
- Helps in fighting allergies: studies state that allergies may find relief from the benefits of the cinnamon compounds. In fact, the spice is beneficial in getting rid of common allergy symptoms.
- Gets rid of infections and viruses: the antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties of cinnamon is beneficial in boosting the immunity. This can be found in the essential oil the cinnamon has.
- May help in lowering the risk of cancer: this is one of the best health benefits of cinnamon. This is since the spice is so rich in antioxidant properties that help in protecting against any DNA damage, the growth of cancerous tumors, and cell mutation.
- Helps in fighting off diabetes: the spice is beneficial in lowering the blood sugar levels and also help in improving the sensitivity of the hormone insulin. This is an important hormone that is necessary for keeping the balance of blood sugar levels.
- Helps protect the heart: studies show that cinnamon is beneficial in reducing some of the most common risk factors for heart disease. This includes the high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and high triglyceride levels.
- Rich source of antioxidant properties: cinnamon is so rich in protective antioxidant properties. These help in reducing the free radical damage and slow down the aging process.
Cinnamon is not just a delicious addition to your dishes, its health benefits are astounding as well! Truly, the spices that we have in our homes are not just good in making our dishes taste awesome. But they also give some health benefits for us to live much longer.
