Cinnamon has many health benefits that you may like to explore. This wonderful spice can reduce blood pressure and ease digestive discomfort. It also has a positive impact on diabetes management. Once upon a time, it was used as currency to exchange a product. But now it is widely used in cooking. Especially while it’s time to bake or prepare a curry. This household favorite spice has been using all over the world for centuries. It is popular for its pleasant flavor and warm smell.
This popular spice comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree. At first, the bark is peeled and laid in the sunray to dry. At this time, it curls up into rolls which are known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon thrives in tropical regions and available in different types. The Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka which is comparatively high in price and taste. The other main type is Cassia cinnamon which is low in price. The powder form of cinnamon is also available in the market. But to enjoy the maximum health benefits of cinnamon, you need to ensure the freshness of it.
It is believed that cinnamon has many medicinal and soothing properties. It is frequently used in Chinese herbal medicine. The distinctive smell that you find in cinnamon comes from the essential oil contained in the bark. This bark has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Cinnamon also contains polyphenol antioxidants which can help you to protect from many diseases. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects. Cinnamon also has prebiotic properties that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in our bodies. So by taking spices like cinnamon can help us to improve gut health. Cinnamon is also a good source of minerals like manganese and calcium.
Researchers found evidence that consumption of cinnamon is associated with short term reduction of blood pressure. It is also suggested that cinnamon can have a moderate effect on controlling blood sugar and managing diabetes. Besides, it can be used to reduce digestive discomfort.
You can easily store this wonderful spice in an airtight container. Keep it in a dark place to use it for a year. Whole cinnamon lasts for a year and you can enjoy the lovely smell without any problem. But the grounded cinnamon may lose flavor after a few months. So check your cinnamon regularly and use the fresh one to have a better result.