CINNAMON- A NUTRITIOUS & HEALTHY SPICE

Introduction:

A spice obtained from the inner bark of tree species from the genus Cinnamomum commonly known as Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savory dishes, snack foods, teas, and traditional foods. The principal component for the aroma and flavor of cinnamon is its essential oil cinnamaldehyde, as well as eugenol.

Cinnamon extracts from the bark as well as leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of the cinnamon tree have also been used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of years.

Today we are going to discuss its species, health benefits, consumption, nutritional facts, and side effects.  

Species:

1. Cinnamomum cassia (cassia or Chinese cinnamon, the most common commercial type in the USA)

2. C. burmannii-Korintje, Padang cassia, or Indonesian cinnamon)

3. C. Loureiroi- Saigon cinnamon, Vietnamese cassia, or Vietnamese cinnamon)

4. C. Verum - Sri Lanka cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, or Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

5. C. citriodorum (Malabar cinnamon)

Health Benefits of Cinnamon:

• Good for Hyperglycemic patients - Lowers blood sugars

• Lowers Cholesterol

• Treats IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome)

• Help in Weight loss - Treats hyperinsulinemia by reducing Insulin Resistance, thereby decreasing weight.

• Heart Diseases

• Cancer

• HIV

• Infections

• Tooth Decay

• Allergies 

 The antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, show significant cure in :

Consumption:

Research suggests that 1 to 5 grams of cinnamon powder is significant for a recommended daily dose.

>6 grams may be toxic to individuals who develop sensitivity to its active chemical compounds.

Nutritional Facts:

A teaspoon of ground cinnamon includes trace amounts of vitamins and other nutrients:

• 6 calories

• 0.1 gram of protein

• 0.03 grams of fat

• 2 grams of carbohydrates

• 1 gram of fiber

• 26 milligrams of calcium

• 11 milligrams of potassium

• 3 mcg (micrograms) of beta carotene

• 8 IU (International Units) of vitamin A 

Common Side Effects:

Irritation and allergies - Heavy use could irritate your mouth and lips, causing sores. Skin allergy may occur as redness and irritation if you put cinnamon on the skin.

Toxicity - Coumarin in cassia cinnamon could be toxic to liver patients causing liver problems if consumed in higher amounts. 

Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

Lower blood sugar - Cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels so you might need to adjust your diabetic treatment.

Interactions - Talk to your doctor before you start using cinnamon supplements. It may interact with antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, and heart medicines.