The benefits of cinnamon make this species, apart from being one of the most delicious you can find, an ingredient of obligatory consumption.
It has a characteristic flavor and it is quite common to find it in different desserts such as custard, in some ice creams or in rice pudding, thanks to that particular flavor it has.
In addition to this, it is also used for cooking in different recipes, so its use is not only limited to sweet. Also, we can take advantage of the benefits of cinnamon through different infusions that mix this ingredient along with others such as ginger, bay leaf, honey, etc.
Cinnamon is born from an evergreen tree originating in the island of Sri Lanka. Although this has been its natural environment, over time, it has been possible to introduce it in other locations, where for example it has been cultivated in India.
This tree has a size of between 10 and 20 meters and its collection usually occurs in the rainy seasons since it is easier to remove the bark.
To do this, what is done is to peel the bark, discarding the outer layer of it and using only the inner layers, rolling with each other, forming a bar that dries in the sun and then bleaches, obtaining the much desired cinnamon.
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Properties and benefits of cinnamon
In addition to its unmistakable and pleasant taste and smell, the benefits of cinnamon increase its appeal as a spice of obligatory possession in our kitchens. Therefore, we are going to tell you some of the most important and that you possibly did not know.
Due to its properties, it is quite frequent find cinnamon in different infusions, not only as a flavoring or to achieve a special flavor, but thanks to the benefits it has.
Nutritional composition of cinnamon per 100 grams
Many of the benefits of cinnamon come based on its nutritional composition, although the real protagonists are the phytocompounds that are included, especially cinnamaldehyde.
- Energy: 44 kcal
- Proteins: 3.9 grams
- Fats: 3.2 grams
- Calcium: 1228 mg
- Iron: 38.1 mg
- Magnesium: 55.6 mg
- Zinc: 1.97 mg
- Sodium: 26.3 mg
- Potassium: 500 mg
- Phosphorus: 61.4 mg
- Vitamin A: 25.8 mg
- Vitamin B1: 0.08 mg
- Vitamin C: 28.5 mg
Benefits of cinnamon for its phytocompounds
The main causes of the benefits of cinnamon are phytocompounds. Types of polyphenols, terpenes and tannins that have antioxidant capacity, free radical reduction and antimicrobial activity.
The essential oil of cinnamon is part of between 0.5-2.5% of the total dry weight, depending on the variety and the form of cultivation.
- Cinnamaldehyde
- Eugenol
- Trans-cinnamic acid
- Cinnamic acetate
- O-methoxynamic aldehyde
- Hydroxycinnamic aldehyde
- Coumarin
Improves digestion in heavy meals
In fact, many of these infusions are recommended for after the meal, because one of the properties of cinnamon is to help with digestion.
In this way, it is quite advisable to take an infusion of cinnamon after a heavy meal, to facilitate the digestion of it.
With this, we will also be able to reduce stomach upset and of course, get a pleasant taste.
Besides help with digestion, cinnamon is a powerful cleanser, so you don’t have to wait for a big meal to consume it.
It has a great disinfectant action
Cinnamon is one of the most important natural disinfectants we can find.
Although all the benefits of cinnamon may be a little more complicated to see, cinnamon can be of great help. if we have colds.
By means of a simple home remedy, it will be enough to mix half a tablespoon of cinnamon with one of honey for 3 times a day to help the cure of the rchilled. In this way, it is advisable not only to have cinnamon for cooking, but also to be part of a small first aid kit.
Regulates blood sugar levels
To finish with its properties, people who suffer from type 2 diabetes will also find this cinnamon especially interesting, because thanks to its consumption, it will help us reduce the peak of blood sugar.
Finally, it is also an interesting spice for those people who want to feel younger, since it will protect the skin from external agents.
In short, anyone can enjoy the benefits of cinnamon from young people to prevent acne, to more adult people to strengthen their bones or women to prevent menstrual cramps thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Therefore, it is one of the most complete spices that in addition to providing us with a special flavor, helps us with practically everything.
Benefits of cinnamon for weight loss
Cinnamon is not a natural anti-greaser and, by magic, we will lose localized fat with moderate consumption.
However, by virtue of the previous point where sugar levels are controlled, in collaboration with moderate sports activity and a healthy diet, it can contribute to lose weight in a faster way than without its contribution in our body.
Recipes with cinnamon
Enjoying cinnamon in a lot of recipes is a good way to take advantage of the benefits of ground cinnamon. If you want to enjoy cinnamon, it is important to remember that it is not only common to find it in sweet dishes such as desserts.
Although it is perhaps the best known, its use is not unique, let’s see a few savory dishes that incorporate it.
For starters, ground cinnamon is quite prevalent in the most game dishes. Likewise, you can also enjoy cinnamon in some rice dishes and in other recipes such as chicken with apple and cinnamon.
Cinnamon is also perfect for fish, which together with meat, can create an amazing combination. An example of this would be meatballs with cuttlefish and cinnamon.
Finally, the most frequent, which are desserts, cinnamon serves as a complement to custard, rice pudding and also for a large number of cakes. In some cases, it is used as part of the base, while in others, it is simply sprinkled on top to leave that special flavor.
Likewise, it is also common to use it in cookies in the same way, as if it were a sugar coating on top, so that it is much better when dipping it in milk.
Benefits of cinnamon infusion
An easy and dynamic way to enjoy the benefits of cinnamon is through an infusion or tea.
The cinnamon infusion it is easy to prepare, very refreshing and retains the full potential of the natural extracts of this bark.
To prepare the cinnamon infusion, we have the following simple option.
- 1 liter of water
- 4 cinnamon sticks sticks
Preparation option
Place the liter of water in a pot and let it boil for 10 minutes. Before the boiling begins, place the 4 cinnamon sticks on a stick and let it slowly leave its properties in the water.
After 10 minutes of cooking, let cool and filter in case we have solid remains.
The cinnamon infusion will be ready to serve and take. We can drink up to 3 teas a day, especially one after lunch or dinner to promote digestion and avoid blood sugar spikes.
You also have to know that you can complement the cinnamon infusion any other species or medicinal plant, such as adding a little ginger root or mint or peppermint leaves.
Infusion of cinnamon and ginger
In this case, we also take advantage of the properties of ginger to add it together with cinnamon. It changes the flavor for those who find ginger pleasant, since it gives it a somewhat spicier touch compared to the sweetness of cinnamon bark.
Ginger can be used as a complement on many occasions, and it is a good way to use it if we do not have much imagination when using this well-known raíz.
For the preparation of the infusion of cinnamon and ginger, we follow the same steps above but add 50 mg of fresh ginger cut into slices.
To relieve its flavor, if we are of more sensitive palate, we can add some honey, but keep in mind that we are adding sugar to our infusion.
Mercadona cinnamon infusion
For more comfortable option, we also have the option of buy the cinnamon infusion in the Mercadona.
Its specific name is tea Ceylon cinnamon, where he mixes the properties of black tea with Ceylon cinnamon extract. It contains 75% black tea and 25% Ceylon cinnamon.
It is quite healthy since it does not contain additional additive substances, so it is a healthy bet in case we do not have time to prepare our own cinnamon infusion.
As it contains a high concretation (75%) of black tea, it is advisable not to take it at night, since its theine content can harm us when it comes to falling asleep.
However, it is fully recommended to take it at noon and after the main meal.
Infusion of cinnamon and bay leaf
Something not so well known in the world of teas is to incorporate the mixture of a product that we use commonly in the kitchen, but for savory dishes.
We talk about the infusion of cinnamon and bay leaf, a combination a priori strange, but that you will love for the mixture between the deep and slightly spicy flavor of the bay leaf and the sweetness of cinnamon.
For each liter of water, add a couple of large leaves (or 3 if they are small) of bay leaf, as it brings a lot of flavor to the mixture. Bay leaf contains many medicinal properties, as it can be used to reduce cold symptoms.
Infusion of cinnamon and honey
One of the most common preparations is to sweeten the final result with the infusion of cinnamon and honey. Although it is advisable not to abuse this ingredient, due to its sugar content, in small amounts it offers benefits for our body and replaces other sugary sources of lower value.
For each infusion of cinnamon, no more than one tablespoon of honey coffee is usually provided, since it can act as a sweetener.
The infusion of honey and cinnamon is usually quite used by the public since, although cinnamon is associated with the sweet taste, the infusion only with it is not very sweet.
Contraindications of cinnamon infusion
Although the benefits of cinnamon are more than supported by the scientific community, for people allergic to the compounds present in this bark, it can have mild or moderate consequences and it is necessary to know them.
The main compound of cinnamon, the cinnamaldehyde, can be a substance that causes allergies to various people. In the allergy test it is easily detected since it is within the active substances to be tested.
It can cause skin irritation, airway obstruction, and inflammations that can be, in some cases, serious.
If you have never experienced any problems related to what has been described, you are not allergic to any component of this tree and you can easily take advantage of the benefits of cinnamon.
In addition, there are also contraindications of cinnamon for other types of groups of people.
- People Diabetic they need to know the maximum dose of cinnamon they can ingest.
- Coumarins can affect medicines with anticoagulant activity.
- People suffering from chronic stomach pain, sensitive intestine or intestinal ulcers should consult with a specialist beforehand.
- Patients with liver problems they can suffer inconveniences due to the safrole and coumarin content of cinnamon.
- The cinnamaldehyde content of this crust can activate the formation of Gallstones in sensitive patients.
How much cinnamon is excessive?
Cinnamon is generalSafe mind to use when used in small amounts as a spice. However, eating too much can cause potentially dangerous side effects.
The maximum daily intake of coumarin is 0.1 mg per kg of body weight. This is the amount of coumarin you can eat in a day without the risk of side effects.
All this depends on the coumarin content, since Ceylon cinnamon does not contain as much amount, unlike Cassia cinnamon.
Can I use cinnamon during pregnancy?
One of its active ingredients, methyl-hydroxychalcone, acts as a powerful sweetener, hence it is also used as a substitute for refined sugars that produce more negative than positive effects.
Using the maximum daily amounts, the cinnamon is not abortifacient. In fact, it has always been linked to fertility. However, we should never go overboard, since it is stimulating the uterus and can cause the contraction of its smooth fibers. Use it in moderation (to spice up a drink or dessert in small quantities) and check with your doctor beforehand.
As long as it is a moderate use, cinnamon can be used without problems during pregnancy.
Do you know more benefits of cinnamon?
