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Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices to mankind and is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree which is mostly found in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam and Egypt. Cinnamon has been associated with mankind since the days of the ancient civilizations when it served as an important embalming agent for the Egyptians in addition to being used as a medicine as well as a flavoring agent for beverages. Cinnamon was also associated with the ancient Chinese culture because its presence has been acknowledged in ancient Chinese documents dated 2700 B.C. dealing with botanical medicine. In due course of time, cinnamon acquired phenomenal popularity in Medieval Europe and was thus one of the first commodities which were traded between the Orient and the West.
Cinnamon is available in four main varieties out of which the Ceylon cinnamon and the Cassia cinnamon are the most popular. Cinnamon as a spice is actually the bark of the cinnamon tree which is dried and rolled and is subsequently referred to as cinnamon sticks or cinnamon quills. When this bark is dried and ground into powder, then the product is the cinnamon powder which is used in many culinary preparations. Many of the unique properties of cinnamon such as the medicinal attributes, the aroma and the flavor are due to the presence of three compounds in the essential oil of the bark namely the cinnamonaldehyde, the cinnamyl acetate and the cinnamyl alcohol.
There are numerous health benefits of cinnamon, many of which are listed as follows:
Cinnamon acts as a good anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of cinnamonaldehyde which prevents the blood platelets from clumping together and forming a clot. The anti-inflammatory property of cinnamon arises from the fact that if it is added to food it reduces the inflammation within the body by reducing the release of arachidonic acid from the cell membranes.
It has been scientifically proven that half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder along with a tablespoon of honey if taken every morning before breakfast provides noticeable relief from the arthritis pain to the extent that the patient can walk comfortably without feeling any pain within a month of starting this ritual.
Cinnamon is widely used as a natural food preservative because it inhibits bacterial growth and as a result prevents food from getting spoiled.
As a spice, cinnamon is rich in manganese, fiber, iron and calcium and thus incorporating it as a part of daily diet ensures the intake of these minerals into the body.
Individuals suffering from diabetes are advised to consume cinnamon on a regular basis as it is known to improve the ability of the body to respond to insulin which in turn normalizes the levels of sugar in the blood.
The aroma of cinnamon is known to enhance the cognitive functions of the brain and is also said to improve the memory of the person. Due to this attribute cinnamon is being evaluated as a remedy for the elderly and for patients with illnesses which lead to an eventual cognitive decline.
The use of cinnamon in combination with tea for treating cold and flu is an age-old home remedy which is widely used by the Chinese due to the warming properties of this spice.
Cinnamon is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease and is capable of providing relief from constipation and diarrhea as well.
Since cinnamon is not known to contain any allergy causing component like oxalates, purines and goitrogens it is considered to be safe for consumption and has even featured in the list of World's Healthiest Foods Rating in the excellent category.
