Cinnamon - A Wonderful Spice - Fusion - WeRIndia

Cinnamon is the inner bark of trees of genus Cinnamomum which is extensively used in sweets and other savory foods.

There are mainly two types of cinnamon: Cinnamomum verumwhich is also referred to as Ceylon cinnamon and is widely used in the Western countries. This is considered as ‘true cinnamon’ by many people.

The other variety, Cinnamomum aromaticum is also known as Cassia or Chinese cinnamon which has originated from southern China. This is less expensive than the former type.

This is considered to be very beneficial for diabetic patients as it contains more Coumarin than the Ceylon cinnamon. It helps reduce blood sugar levels.

Yet, Coumarin is also found to be toxic and can damage liver in sensitive people.

That’s why western countries prefer to use Ceylon cinnamon as it contains less Coumarin.

Cinnamon is widely used as a spice in India. It is used in sweets and bakery products.

In Western world, cinnamon is used in chocolates, coffee, tea, soups, fruit juices and salads.

It is believed to be a natural preservative and is used in chutneys and other long-term foods.

Cinnamon – A Wonderful Spice

• Cinnamon is a wonderful spice which is beneficial for many health ailments. It is rich in antioxidants. It can control diabetes due to its hypoglycemic nature.
• Cinnamon helps in improving metabolic activities and thereby controls weight. It reduces LDL cholesterol and heart problems. Due to its antibiotic properties, cinnamon relieves ulcers.
• The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon helps in balancing progesterone and testosterone hormones and thus acts as natural remedy for low fertility due to imbalance of these hormones.
• Cinnamon improves the functioning of brain. Thus it helps in controlling Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and depression.
• Cinnamon tea gives relief from cough, cold and flu. Applying cinnamon oil can give relief from muscle sprains and other pains. This is even beneficial for arthritis pains.
• Cinnamon is a very popular remedy for tooth and gum problems. Due to its nature, cinnamon inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.  Hence, toothpastes, chewing gums and peppermints are made with cinnamon oil.
• Cinnamon is a rich source of fiber, iron, calcium and manganese. It improves the functioning of intestine and prevents cancer.
• All these benefits are associated with limited use of cinnamon. Health experts advise that wide use of this spice is not good for health due to its toxic nature. It is not recommended to be used by breast cancer patients, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers.

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