Cinnamon, undoubtedly is one the oldest, powerful,  and flavourful spice known to man. The benefits of cinnamon were known and it was used for centuries to prevent certain diseases. Its medicinal uses date back to ancient times and are still used almost in every household, across the globe. The Ceylon cinnamon is native to Srilanka and is often known as the true form of cinnamon, however, it is highly prized. The most found and used cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon. It is the one which is easily available in the market.

What are the benefits of cinnamon?

Here are some amazing benefits of cinnamon that make it such a useful spice to include in your diet:

1.It is rich in antioxidants

2.Has anti-fungal properties

3.It has anti-inflammatory properties

4.Has anti-cancer properties

5.Manages blood sugar levels

6.Prevent Alzheimer’s

7.Promotes a healthy health

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants:

Antioxidants help the body fight off diseases and commonly found in fresh fruits,  vegetables, and spices. Cinnamon is one such spice which is power-packed with antioxidants like polyphenols. Polyphenols help protect the body from oxidative damage from free radicals.

Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties

Cinnamon has a component named Cinnamaldehyde, which helps it fight various fungal infections. Many people also use cinnamon oil to treat respiratory infections.

Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is a natural sign of the body indicating that it is fighting off infections. However when inflammation becomes chronic then it is directed against your own body tissues. Cinnamon helps the body fight off inflammation due to its high content of antioxidants.

Cinnamon has anti-cancer properties

Cancer is a fatal disease, characterized by uninhibited cell growth. It helps by lessening the growth of cancer cells and the creation of blood vessels in tumors. Cinnamon seems to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.

Cinnamon manages blood sugar levels

Cinnamon offers an array of medicinal properties, one of them being its ability to manage diabetes. Studies have confirmed that taking just 1 gm of cinnamon every day can help increase your body’s insulin sensitivity as well as control your blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon helps prevent Alzheimer’s

A compound named cinnamaldehyde found in Cinnamon has been found to be effective and safe for the treatment as well as prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cinnamon for heart health

Studies have indicated that cinnamon can help reduce the risk of heart diseases. It has been found that regular users of this delicious spice experienced a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol — that is the bad kind of cholesterol, which can put you at risk for a serious heart condition — and triglycerides, which are fats stored in the body due to excess intake of calories from sugar, alcohol and various junk food.

Cinnamon Tea Recipes

In order to enjoy the benefits of cinnamon try adding it to your daily regime. The aromatic spice can be added to your diet through different kinds of tea recipes. Cinnamon tea can be used like any other herbal tea that you can have almost any time of the day. The ingredients used are simple and easily found in your kitchen. Here are some wonderful cinnamon tea recipes:

1. Cinnamon  Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

½ tsp grated Ginger

1 tsp Lemon Juice

4-5 freshly ground black peppercorns

1 tsp honey

1-2 Cups of Water

1 medium cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon powder

Set the water to boil on a stove. Switch off the flame the moment it starts boiling. Now quickly add the cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns and close the pot with a lid. Let it steep for 5-6 minutes. Strain in a cup. Add honey and lemon juice, mix, and the drink is ready.

Benefits

This drink is my personal favorite. I often drink this tea post my meals. It tastes yummy and the ingredients included are not only good for digestion but also help weight loss. The piperine in the peppercorns have a thermogenic effect and help kick start your body’s metabolism. Cinnamon is a great aid for those suffering from insulin resistance. The combination of these ingredients in a single tea makes it an excellent choice for weight control.

2. Cinnamon Turmeric Tea

Ingredients

½ tsp grated ginger

½ tsp grated fresh turmeric or organic turmeric powder

4-5 freshly ground peppercorns

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey

2 cups of water

½ tsp ground cinnamon powder or medium-sized cinnamon stick

Bring water to a boil in a pot. Reduce the heat and add turmeric, peppercorns, ginger, and cinnamon. Now let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Strain tea into a cut. Add honey and lemon juice.

Benefits

The medicinal properties of turmeric make this drink the first choice to go to during cold and flu season. Lemons add a dash of the much-needed vitamin C. The piperine present in black pepper helps the absorption of curcumin -a compound of turmeric, hence make sure that it is always added whenever you are using turmeric in your tea. Turmeric is also known to be a spice used for cancer prevention.

3. Cinnamon Tulsi Clove Tea

½ tsp Cinnamon powder or medium-sized cinnamon stick

1-2 cloves  

½ tsp grated ginger

5-6 Tulsi (holy basil) leaves

1 tsp honey

2 cups of water

Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add cloves, tulsi, ginger, and cinnamon. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a cup. Add honey and drink it up.

Benefits

This is an excellent drink for persistent cough and mild fever. It is also known to control your stress levels, as it lowers the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. Tulsi is well known in Ayurveda for its ability to fight respiratory illnesses.

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Including cinnamon in any form will benefit you in not just one but many ways. It is a storehouse of wonderful medicinal properties. Choose a way that you can include it regularly in your diet. Make sure not to overdo cinnamon. Take small quantities but take it regularly and it will help you stay away from a doctor.