The bark of various cinnamon species is one of the most important and popular spices used worldwide not only for cooking but also in traditional and modern medicines. Overall, approximately 250 species have been identified among the cinnamon genus, with trees being scattered all over the world
CHEMISTRY
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomumfamily. It is native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia.
People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they regarded it highly. In medieval times as good for health.
As a spice, cinnamon is available in as pieces of bark or ground as a powder. People also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements.
There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. The two have different nutritional profiles.
There are many types of cinnamon, all of which come from the inner bark of several species of evergreen trees in the Cinnamomum genus. However, there are two varieties that you will most likely find commercially available for use in food products: Cassia and Ceylon.
This typically labelled as just ‘cinnamon’ in grocery stores, is Cinnamomum cassia, or Cassia cinnamon. It has a strong, rich, slightly bitter flavour that makes it an ideal choice for heavier baked goods and tends to be quite inexpensive. You might also come across Saigon or Korintje cinnamon, both of which are varieties of Cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum, also called true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, is a more expensive and difficult to find cinnamon variety. Ceylon has a lighter, sweeter flavour than Cassia. Historically, Ceylon was more common in Europe and North America, but changing trade systems have shifted favour to Cassia cinnamon. Most traditional recipes from Europe and Mexico that call for cinnamon use Ceylon cinnamon, and require this type for an authentic flavour.
It is difficult to tell the difference between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon visually when they are in powder form, but the cinnamon sticks look quite different. Cassia cinnamon sticks are one thick, firm layer of bark, rolled up, whereas Ceylon is several thin, soft layers of bark rolled together. Ceylon cinnamon also tends to be lighter in colour than Cassia.
Some studies have suggested that the compounds in cinnamon have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties, and that they might offer protection from cancer and cardiovascular disease, among other conditions. However, more evidence is needed to confirm cinnamon’s benefits.
Scientists have found evidence of some possible health benefits of cinnamon. These are NOT established and NOT approved. You should not take cinnamon without discussing with your physician
Improving fungal infections
Cinnamon oil may help treat some types of fungal infections.
A 2016 laboratory study found that cinnamon oil was effective against a type of Candida that affects the bloodstream. This may be due to its antimicrobial properties.
If further research confirms these findings, cinnamon oil could play a role in treating this type of infection.
Influencing blood sugar levels
Animal studies have shown that cassia cinnamon may reduce blood sugar levels, according to a 2015 review.It’s not yet clear if cinnamon is good for diabetess. Research findings have been mixed, and the American Diabetes Association has not approved it
Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It is also essential to transport from the blood stream to the cells in the boy
The problem is that many people are resistant to the effects of insulin.
This is known as insulin resistance, a hallmark of serious conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The good news is that cinnamon can dramatically reduce insulin resistance which is how it is believe to help in diabetes
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helping in Alzheimer’s disease
Some animal studies have suggested that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
According to researchers, an extract present in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that may prevent symptoms from developing.
Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques, and improvements in their ability to think and reason.
If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract but not necessarily whole cinnamon — may be useful in developing therapies for Alzheimer’s. Research is ongoing.
may have Protective efect against HIV
In 2000, a study of extracts of Indian medicinal plants found that cinnamon may help protect against HIV.
Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or cinnamon bark, and Cardiospermum helicacabum, which is the cinnamon shoot and fruit, were most effective in reducing HIV activity.
In a 2016 laboratory study, scientists found that an extract from cinnamon showed anti-HIV activity.
This does not mean that foods containing cinnamon can treat or prevent HIV, but cinnamon extracts could one day become a part of HIV therapy.
may help multiple sclerosis
Experts have tested cinnamon for activity against multiple sclerosis (MS).
In one study, researchers gave mice a mixture of cinnamon powder and water and ran some tests. It appeared that cinnamon could have an anti-inflammatory effect on the central nervous system, including parts of the brain.
Studies have also suggested that cinnamon may protect regulatory T cells, or “Tregs,” which regulate immune responses.
People with MS appear to have lower levels of Tregs than people without the condition. In mouse studies, cinnamon treatment has prevented the loss of certain proteins specific to Tregs.
Scientists have also found that cinnamon treatment restored myelin levels in mice with MS. MS occurs when the myelin coating on nerve cells becomes damaged.
MAY Lower the effects of high fat meals
In 2011, researchers concluded that diets rich in “antioxidant spices,” including cinnamon, may help reduce the body’s negative response to eating high fat meals.
Six people consumed dishes containing 14 g of a spice blend. Blood tests showed that antioxidant activity increased by 13%, insulin response fell by 21%, and triglycerides fell by 31%.
Treating and healing chronic wounds
Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection.
Cinnamon oil has been shown to be posssibly effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi.
It can also shown inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella
However, the evidence is limited and so far cinnamon has not been shown to reduce infections in any consistent basis
The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and odor and some people use cinnamon toothpaste though its medicinal value has not been clinically established
MAY reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system. Cinnemaldehyde, for example, lowered blood pressure in an animal study.
In a 2014 study, rats that received long-term treatment involving cinnamon and aerobic training had better heart function than those that did not.
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anti- tumor effects
The authors of one article note that cinnamaldehydes may have antitumor and anticancer properties.
In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of cinnamon and cardamom. Tests found lower levels of oxidative stress in the melanoma cells of the mice that received the treatment.
check with your doctor before taking cinnamon
So
However, according to the NCCIH, “Studies done in people don’t support using cinnamon for any health condition.”
NUTRITION
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon weighing 2.6 g contains:
- energy: 6.42 calories
- carbohydrates: 2.1 g
- calcium: 26.1 milligrams (mg)
- iron: 0.21 mg
- magnesium: 1.56 mg
- phosphorus: 1.66 mg
- potassium: 11.2 mg
- vitamin A: 0.39 micrograms
It also contains traces of vitamins B and K and the antioxidants choline, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and may help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, and many other conditions.
In food, people usually eat only a small amount of cinnamon. Therefore, the nutrients it contains will not play a significant role in the diet.
A person can also try these recipes:
side effects
Not all cinnamon is created equal.
The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. All cinnamon should have health benefits, but Cassia may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content.Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it’s much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety
Unfortunately, most cinnamon found in supermarkets is the cheaper Cassia variety.
Cinnamon contains coumarin. This plays a role in creating warfarin, the common blood-thinning drug.
Consuming too much coumarin can lead to liver damage and affect coagulation. so adding cinnamon or cassia to their diet if they:
- take anticoagulants or other drugs
- have diabetes which it may cause the blood sugar to go too low
- have a liver condition
Cassia cinnamon powder, a common ingredient in foods in the U.S., contains more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon powder.
A German study from 2010 found that coumarin content varies widely, even in samples of cinnamon from the same tree.
People should never use cinnamon in any form as a replacement for medical treatments for health conditions.
Cinnamon is available as a supplement, as well as a spice. Supplements may have an impact on health and disease. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate supplements, so there might be concerns about quality, purity, and strength. People should always ask their doctor before using supplements
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