In this brief article, we will provide you with the answer to the question: “What part of the cinnamon plant becomes the spice?”, discuss the benefits of cinnamon consumption and ways of including cinnamon in your diet.
What part of the cinnamon plant becomes the spice?
The bark of the cinnamon plant becomes the spice. Cinnamon is a highly fragrant coating of a tree trunk. The tree’s bark is removed before digging a bit deeper to remove the second layer. It is then sliced into slivers, which naturally bend when dried in the sun to make the cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon trees that are more than two years old are frequently chopped down since the stump will regenerate into one or more new shoots. With this approach, you may “harvest” cinnamon twice a year.
What are the benefits of cinnamon consumption?
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice high in flavonoids including eugenol, hesperidin, and linalool, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Cinnamon helps to enhance physical and mental disposition by containing high levels of cinnamaldehyde, a chemical that promotes improved metabolism and increases focus. It also stimulates the burning of body fat, enabling weight reduction.
Assist with diabetes management
Cinnamon contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that preserve pancreatic cells and promote insulin action, reducing insulin resistance and diabetes.
Cinnamon includes cinnamaldehyde, a chemical that promotes weight reduction by stimulating higher metabolism and allowing the body to burn extra body fat.
Furthermore, this spice imparts a sweet flavor to dishes, making it an excellent substitute for sugar and a low-calorie diet.
Helps get rid of cavities and bad breath
Cinnamon includes cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, two chemicals having antibacterial capabilities that aid in the prevention and treatment of oral disorders such as cavities, gingivitis, and foul breath.
Helps to maintain mental health
Cinnamon contains antioxidants that protect the cells of the central nervous system from free radical damage, which enhances memory and helps prevent illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Prevents cardiovascular illness
Cinnamon’s antioxidant components assist in preventing fat cell oxidation, decreasing levels of “bad” cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in the blood, and aiding in the prevention of illnesses such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Furthermore, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, bioactive chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties, enhance arterial health and relaxation, aiding in blood pressure regulation.
Improves mood
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory qualities, reducing inflammation in central nervous system cells and increasing serotonin synthesis, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood, pleasure, and overall well-being.
Enhance digestion
Cinnamon promotes digestion and relieves bloating and excess gas by enhancing the function of enzymes responsible for food absorption.
Assist in cancer prevention
Cinnamon can help combat excess free radicals, limiting damage to healthy cells and consequently the development of some forms of cancer, because it includes cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, chemicals with significant antioxidant function.
Improve sexual health
Cinnamon is regarded as an aphrodisiac due to its stimulating characteristics and ability to stimulate blood circulation, therefore enhancing sensitivity and improving well-being, desire, and enjoyment.
How can I include cinnamon in my diet?
Here we will share some ways of including cinnamon in your diet:
Cinnamon tea
For this recipe, you are going to need:
- 1 liter water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- a few drops of lemon
In a saucepan, bring the cinnamon and water to a boil for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cinnamon sticks, set them aside to cool, and add a few drops of lemon juice before sipping. Drink 3 cups of this tea every day, before breakfast, lunch, and supper.
You may add ginger to tea, for example, to modify the flavor. If you can not drink the tea without sugar, try natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.
Cinnamon water
Cinnamon water may be made by soaking two cinnamon sticks in one liter of water for a few minutes.
To make it more flavorful, you may add lemon, orange, ginger, or apple pieces, as well as mint leaves. You may also make cinnamon tea and refrigerate it or serve it with ice cubes.
Dietary supplements
Cinnamon supplements are also available at health food stores and online. In these circumstances, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s advice; nonetheless, the recommended dosages often range between 1 and 6 grams daily.
Other FAQs about Cinnamon that you may be interested in.
What are the best cinnamon rolls in Dallas?
What happens when adding cinnamon to beer?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we provided you with the answer to the question: “What part of the cinnamon plant becomes the spice?”, discussed the benefits of cinnamon consumption and ways of including cinnamon in your diet.
References
“Cinnamon | Plant, Spice, History, & Uses | Britannica.” Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/plant/cinnamon.
Veja Saúde. “O que você precisa saber sobre a canela.” Accessed January 17, 2022. https://saude.abril.com.br/alimentacao/o-que-voce-precisa-saber-sobre-a-canela/.
Tua Saúde. “Água de canela ajuda a emagrecer e é ótima contra diabetes e colesterol alto.” Accessed January 17, 2022. https://www.tuasaude.com/canela/.
Charlotte brooke
Hi, I am Charlotte, I love cooking and in my previous life, I was a chef. I bring some of my experience to the recipes on this hub and answer your food questions.