Proper nutrition speaks volumes about the overall health of a person. However, although you can sometimes try your best to do so, you might miss a label on the healthy product you’re using.
Today’s article focuses on cinnamon and how you can recognize its quality accordingly.
The original Ceylon cinnamon is nothing alike the variations found in stores, such as cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, or Saigon cinnamon. Although cinnamon is extremely healthy, there are some types of it that are packed with harmful additives that taka away from its beneficial properties.
Learning the difference
Real cinnamon derives from countries like Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, or the Caribbean. Often we find cheaper versions of cinnamon, mainly produced in China, Indonesia, or Vietnam.
The second thing to look at aside from origin is the way cinnamon looks or tastes. Store cinnamon is usually dark-reddish brown and has strong spicy taste, while the original cinnamon is brighter in color and has sweeter and easier taste, while still bringing a strong aroma.
Ultimately, the thing to keep in mind when buying cinnamon is whether it contains its bigger compound, coumarin. Ceylon cinnamon has around 0.017 g/kg, and the remaining cinnamon types offer 2.15–6.97 g/kg of coumarin.
This compound is a strong blood thinner and anticoagulant, thus people on Warfarin or similar medications are not advised to take it.
Many studies have shown that coumarin is toxic to the liver. To avoid this, the daily dose of it should be around 0.1mg/kg of body weight.
Finding top-quality cinnamon
When shopping, ask for cinnamon that has the following labels:
- True Cinnamon
- Ceylon Cinnamon
- Cinnamomum Verum
Stick to the organic varieties, since the others could be potentially toxic and contaminated. Make sure to pick out the light brown cinnamon which is more of a powder than the standard cinnamon package.
Original cinnamon is naturally a bit pricier but is beyond healthier as well.
Cinnamon benefits
Cinnamon provides a large number of health properties and has been used as medication and cooking ingredient for centuries back. It is packed with manganese that disposes of fats and strengthens the bones.
Furthermore, cinnamon offers a great value of fiber which stimulates the digestion tract and enhances the calcium production in the bones.
Additionally, cinnamon works as a wonderful anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent and can protect the immune system from impairments and illnesses.
According to various studies, cinnamon can be quite effective in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Also, cinnamon is proven successful when dealing with pre-diabetic conditions, Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or PCOS.
Only ½ tsp. per day will provide enough health benefits that will help you reduce the glucose levels and diminish the elevated blood pressure.
Recipes to get the most out of cinnamon
Here are some helpful recipes that will enable you to use cinnamon to the best of its advantage:
- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Turmeric & Cinnamon Latte
- Cinnamon & Cocoa Nib Cookies
- Crispy Cinnamon Banana Chips
- Cinnamon Walnut N’Oatmeal
- Sweet Potato & Apple Crumble
- Cinnamon Spice Overnight Quinoa Porridge
- Spicy Cinnamon Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Serving: 1
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, butter, or ghee
- ½ sweet potato sliced in squares
- 1 tablespoon of red or yellow onion diced
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne:
- Sea salt to taste
Preparation:
Start by heating up oil on medium heat. Next, place sweet potatoes, onions, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt in the pan. Stir well together while keeping pan covered for 5-7 minutes.
When everything softens, remove cover and sauté mix for one more minute. Serve and enjoy!
Topping ideas:
- Eggs — Scrambled, over easy, poached
- Nuts & Seeds
- Ground meat —Turkey, chicken, beef, bison. Don’t hesitate to use many herbs while preparing this!
Sources:
besthealthyguide.com