So you have heard enough about the exotic flavour and aroma of cinnamon. And the spice’s health benefits have been a discussion point for decades now. Well, scientists have proved that now. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute, US, found that cinnamaldehyde, the chemical compound that gives the spice its flavour, is capable of reducing obesity by burning energy in our fat cells. Scientists took adipocytes (human fat cells) from volunteers from different ages, ethnicities and body mass indexes and treated them with cinnamaldehyde. The cells went through a process called thermogenesis, and that's when they started burning energy. Cinnamon increases the amounts of Ucp1 and Fgf21, metabolism regulatory proteins which help in thermogenesis. Here are some amazing health benefits of cinnamon that you should know of:
Regulates blood pressure
When you have moderate amounts of cinnamon as part of your diet, it helps regulate your blood pressure levels. A study by the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada found that the consumption of the spice significantly reduced the systolic blood pressure in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Has anti-bacterial properties
The ancient science of Ayurveda prescribed cinnamon for a reason. This spice comes with amazing anti-bacterial properties that helps fight harmful microbes such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The bark of the cinnamon has strong antibacterial properties. A study by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Kiel, Germany, found that cinnamon oil can also help treat a number of common as well as hospital-acquired infections.
Helps those with diabetes
Cinnamon is a rich source of polyphenols, which are known to affect blood glucose and insulin resistance. A study by the Department of Nutrition, University of California-Davis, US, found that those suffering from prediabetes and type 2 diabetes saw a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar when they added cinnamon to their diet.
Helps fight Parkinson's disease
Scientists at the Rush University, US, found that when you consume cinnamon, you can reverse the biomechanical, cellular and anatomical changes that occur in the brains of mice suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, says that the liver metabolises cinnamon to create sodium benzoate, which enters the brain, stops the loss of the genes Parkin and DJ-1, protects neurons, normalises neurotransmitter levels and improves motor functions in the mice.
Reduces blood cholesterol
Cinnamon not only reduces the amount of triglycerides by 23 to 30 per cent, but it also increases the amounts of HDL-C, commonly known as good cholesterol, in the body. A study by the Thames Valley University, UK, found that even people who do not suffer from diabetes benefit from cinnamon's effect on cholesterol.
Cinnamon love
This exotic spice, which we Indians treat as our own (no, cinnamon is not an Indian spice, if you thought differently you are in for a surprise), can be incorporated in your cooking in several ways. Don’t think it is new in the spicy scene either, what is with having a mention in the Old Testament. It’s also news to us that cinnamon was one of the most prized and sought-after spices in the earlier days for its preserving qualities. No wonder then this luxury spice plays a significant role in European cuisines as well.
This spice, taken from the inner bark of cinnamomum trees, is used to spike up both sweet and savoury dishes. Take cinnamon buns for instance, who wouldn’t trot to bakeries to experience the mouthwatering fragrance and the delicate flavour of the cinnamon exuding from them? A cinnamon stick in your coffee makes such a difference in taste that you crave for its aroma every time you have one. For us Indians, cinnamon is inimitable, period. Imagine not having garam masala in your paneer mutter or a hint of cinnamon powder in your butter chicken. It will never be the same. Let’s talk about how you can incorporate cinnamon into your daily cooking as well.
Cinna-sweet!
Unlike other spices, cinnamon has many sweet dishes named after it. There’s even a brand dedicated to making signature cinnamon buns, which has today, become a universal favourite. Sprinkle cinnamon powder on your sweet dishes to give it a spicy twist. Take a big bite of an apple crumble pie and tell us what strikes you more than the apple—yes, you are right, cinnamon. Cinnamon can contribute so much to jams, waffles, cookies, crisps, puddings, wines and even juices with its delicate flavour and tantalizing aroma.
Cinna-spice!
For Indians, cinnamon is a staple ingredient, no matter what you are cooking. It is one ingredient that goes well with all kinds of dishes—be it a rich gravy or simple vegetable side. This indigenous ingredient not only was mentioned in the Chinese scriptures dating back to 2000 BC, but is also a star in the Chinese five-spice powder. A hint of cinnamon can easily enhance soups and curries. Make your own garam masala at home by dry roasting and grinding cinnamon sticks along with cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom, peppercorn, cloves, mace, bay leaves and nutmeg. This homemade masala will add a depth of flavour to your cooking.
… And all things nice!
We’ve mentioned cinnamon-stick coffee already, haven’t we? How about tea? Cinnamon tea is known for its multiple healing properties. Do you know that there are more than 100 cinnamon tea recipes that are popular across the globe? Forget teas and try a hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick instead. All you need are apple cider and a cinnamon stick. There are many cocktails and mocktails with this fragrant spice as their main ingredient. Coupled with honey, cinnamon also makes a great base for mocktails such as Winter Berry Punch (blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with juice, vodka and a cinnamon stick) and Apple Delight.
