Cinnamomum zeylanicum a.k.a Cinnamon and Your Health

It's that time of year again where the temperature is beginning to drop and we start to become reacquainted with our fuzzy socks, warm blankets and holiday treats. When people think holiday treats, we tend to think of treats with spices like nutmeg, anise and cinnamon. Cinnamon (hands down) is one of my top favorite spices used during the holiday seasons. Even when it is not the holiday season, I find that I choose the cinnamon flavor over a lot of other flavors. Candies such as red hots, cinnamon jolly ranchers, or even healthier foods like apple cinnamon, and oatmeal cinnamon, put the foods in front of me and I will probably devour it without a second thought. I will surely be using this ingredient in as many holiday delicacies as I possibly can. In addition to it's tasty, delightful aroma and flavor, cinnamon is a wonder spice that has many health benefits. 

• Cinnamon is a natural spice found inside the bark of Cinnamomum trees. It is an excellent source of fiber, iron, calcium and manganese and can be used as a natural preservative because it stops bacteria from forming on foods.
•  Though there is more research going on about it, Cinnamon is believed to be able to fight certain cancers and regulate the blood sugar of people with Type 2 diabetes. 
• Cinnamon is also known to thin the blood and lower Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well. 
• It is also believed to improve circulation, energy levels, and improve intestinal problems. 
• It is also used to get rid of colds. 

As with all good things, this wonder spice shouldn't be consumed in obsessive amounts; however, it is not a bad idea to add it to your diet especially if you have any of these problems. They always say the things that taste the best are never the best for you. I think this proves them wrong :-) 


Enjoy! 
xo