Discover the healthy magic of cinnamon in your daily diet
As the weather turns colder, this spice becomes indispensable. We use it in coffee, oatmeal, winter tea, sautéed plums, and cottage cheese... It complements various dishes, including savory ones, always providing a wonderful warmth and a hint of exotic flavor. However, it's best not to overdo it.
3:22 PM EDT, October 6, 2024
Cinnamon is a very popular spice, renowned for its beautiful aroma. But that's not its only advantage. It's especially worthwhile to reach for cinnamon in the fall. It offers numerous health benefits, though there is a caveat.
Well-known and popular
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices globally, with about 39,000 tons produced annually. It is often referred to as "sweet wood" and is derived from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. The most popular types are Ceylon cinnamon (known as true cinnamon) and Chinese cinnamon (known as cassia), though there are nearly 250 species of this tree worldwide.
The best from Sri Lanka
Ceylon cinnamon is highly recommended because it contains about 250 times less harmful coumarins (which are toxic in excessive amounts) than Chinese cinnamon. The original variety comes from the area now known as Sri Lanka. When purchasing, choose Ceylon cinnamon and products containing this variety rather than the Chinese one. Although more expensive, this type of cinnamon offers greater benefits, both as a spice and for health.
Control the quantity
Despite its health benefits, consuming too much cinnamon can be harmful, especially cassia cinnamon due to its coumarin content. Regularly consuming large amounts may lead to liver or kidney damage and cause blood clotting issues in people taking blood thinners. Therefore, it's important to use cinnamon in moderation and opt for the safer variant—Ceylon cinnamon, which contains significantly lower levels of coumarin.
Not just for warming up
How much cinnamon is safe? Experts recommend not exceeding half a teaspoon of cassia cinnamon per day. A better option is always Ceylon cinnamon, which contains significantly less coumarin and can be consumed in larger amounts. If you use cinnamon daily, ensure you know its type. This spice not only warms you quickly but also helps regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory effects, and supports metabolism.
