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Who among us has never come into contact with cinnamon? This plant, or rather its bark, is one of the flagship spices. Right alongside cloves, ginger, and cardamom, it is an ingredient in many dishes. Examples include a variety of warming drinks, Asian dishes, and even our local baked goods, especially Christmas cookies. Beyond its wonderful aroma and warming properties, cinnamon has much more to it than you might think. And this article is about these lesser-known properties.
Cinnamon tree - a handful of information
Cinnamonaceae is a fairly large plant family. However, of all this galaxy, the Ceylon cinnamon tree is considered the most noble species. In fact, it is a tree species belonging to the laurel family. Its natural habitats are the areas of present-day India, Sri Lanka, and Burma. Later, it was cultivated in Africa and Asia. It is now cultivated and widely known as a spice. Cinnamon bark is harvested 2-3 times a year. This usually takes place during the rainy season. After cutting the bark, it undergoes a special cleaning and drying process. Traditionally, this is done in the sun, as is the case with dried tomatoes, for example. Afterward, such a product is called cinnamon. Whether chopped or in popular sticks, it may be interesting to note that the cinnamon tree is mentioned in the Bible, more specifically in the Book of Ezekiel (27:19). Although it is not directly mentioned as such there, it was certainly used to make holy oil and perfume. This example shows how long it has been known and appreciated for its properties.
Nutritional values of cinnamon
Although we don't normally consume significant amounts of spices, it's still worth talking about cinnamon 's nutritional value. In 100 grams of this noble spice, we find 4 grams of protein, 1.3 grams of fat, and almost 81 grams of carbohydrates. Also worth mentioning is its enormous fiber content—up to 51 grams! Macronutrients aren't everything, though. Micronutrients play a key role in cinnamon. It contains a large amount of B vitamins, as well as vitamins C, A, E, and K. It also has a high mineral content, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. As for its active ingredients, it contains essential oils, which are responsible for its distinctive flavor and aroma. Like most plants, it contains many antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Interestingly, some of these are found almost exclusively in cinnamon and have numerous health-promoting applications. For example, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, cinnamic acid, and eugenol, which is a component of many perfumes.
Cinnamon for the digestive system
Cinnamon's soothing properties on our digestive system have been valued since the beginning of time. Thanks to its active ingredients, like most spices, it has the ability to positively influence our metabolism. Furthermore, it can aid in the more efficient digestion of fats. Cinnamon oil is a great remedy for digestive problems. It contributes significantly to improving food digestibility, which is especially helpful for indigestion. It also stimulates the secretion of bile and gastric juice. It can also relieve nausea in pregnant women and deacidify the body. Interestingly, cinnamaldehyde can help combat bad breath. It has powerful antibacterial properties. It's important to note that it can combat truly resistant strains of bacteria. Rinses are recommended for this purpose. Simply dissolve a few drops of cinnamon oil in a small amount of water and rinse your mouth with the prepared solution.
Cinnamon for the cardiovascular system
Ceylon cinnamon is effective in fighting atherosclerosis. This is due to its ability to reduce the amount of LD1 cholesterol in the blood. Thus, it reduces the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation. The same applies to reducing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can be helpful for people struggling with excessively high levels of this macronutrient. Interestingly, the substances responsible for this beneficial effect do not interact with medications intended for diabetics. Thanks to this, cinnamon can be a great addition to pharmacotherapy, but also play a protective role. It also affects proper blood circulation by reducing blood vessel permeability.
Anticancer properties of cinnamon
The active ingredients in cinnamon have anti-cancer effects. We're talking about cinnamaldehyde, which has been extensively studied in rodents. Researchers at the University of Arizona have shown that this compound can indeed be helpful in treating colon cancer. The study involved adding small amounts of cinnamaldehyde to the food eaten by rodents. The results were surprisingly good. It turned out that it not only accelerated the elimination of toxins from the body, but also accelerated the regeneration of damaged cells. Most importantly, it significantly increased their resistance to carcinogens, thus reducing the risk of this type of cancer. It should be added, however, that it is not entirely clear whether it affects the human body in the same way. Nevertheless, this project is very promising.
Cinnamon and neurodegenerative diseases
As in the previous case, cinnamaldehyde was used here as well. Another active ingredient in cinnamon deserves mention: epicatechin. These two substances have the effect of delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease. In some cases, they can even prevent it altogether. This is because these two chemicals can likely prevent the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which de facto determine the onset of this disease. Positive reports are also emerging in the case of Parkinson's disease. In this case, it is true that research has so far only been conducted on rodents. It has been shown that sodium benzoate, produced when cinnamon is broken down in the body, can easily penetrate the brain. Once there, it is capable of largely reversing the changes caused by Parkinson's disease in this organ. As it turns out, although every type of cinnamon decomposes into sodium benzoate, the type also matters. The one formed from Ceylon cinnamon has the highest biological activity.
Cinnamon for the skin
Cinnamon has also been used in the cosmetics industry. It's added to all kinds of masks, pastes, gels, and even shampoos. This isn't surprising, though, as cinnamon has a number of beneficial properties for our skin. It has a strong antibacterial effect, making it excellent for fighting various skin infections. It's an effective acne remedy. It also has anti-inflammatory, firming, and astringent properties. Thanks to this, we find it in all kinds of anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams. However, it's worth mentioning that people with couperose skin should be cautious when using this type of cosmetic. Cinnamon causes a significant dilation of blood vessels, which isn't always beneficial. Nevertheless, thanks to this property, it's a perfect addition to anti-cellulite or slimming products.
Contraindications to taking cinnamon and using products with its participation
It's worth noting that cinnamon itself doesn't have a specific toxic dose. This concern concerns coumarin, which is an essential component of cinnamon itself . However, a safe dose of one teaspoon of cinnamon per day is considered. In case of an overdose, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Despite its relative safety, there are some situations where its consumption is not recommended. First, pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit the consumption of cinnamon due to its blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. It's also highly allergenic and can irritate mucous membranes. Therefore, allergy sufferers and patients with, for example, stomach ulcers should also avoid its consumption. Diabetics, on the other hand, should consult a doctor despite its blood sugar-regulating properties.
Summary
Cinnamon is an unusual plant, to which we owe this spice. Despite its specific spice properties, it may surprise you. A number of active ingredients can become a cure for many ailments. However, let's remember that moderation and common sense should always prevail when using active ingredients.
