Cinnamon
Anti-inflammatory. Diabetes prevention. Digestive support. Pain relief.
Cinnamon is an amazing spice. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and works wonders in the pancreas. Cinnamon refers to several plants native to Southeast Asia. The bark, rich in essential oil, is used as a flavoring agent and as a spice. Cinnamon has a long history of use as an herbal medicine.Research on the positive effects of cinnamon include: lowering blood glucose, antimicrobial, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, and potentially as cancer and heart disease prevention. Cinnamon also appears to slow the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, which evens out blood sugar highs and lows.
A study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care reported on people with type 2 diabetes who were given differing daily amounts of cinnamon (one, three or six-gram capsules). Regardless of the amount of cinnamon they received, the study group reduced their blood glucose levels by 18 to 29 percent compared to those receiving a placebo. They also experienced a reduction in their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
One compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, reduces inflammation. In addition, cinnamon contains salicylates (also found in aspirin), which can reduce pain and promote heart health by preventing blood clots.
More than 100 different varieties of cinnamon are cultivated today. “Ceylon cinnamon” and “Chinese cinnamon” are the most popular. Ceylon cinnamon – also referred to as “true cinnamon” – is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean. It is known for its relatively refined and subtle taste. Cassia cinnamon, produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia is less expensive and is the type most popular in North America. Coumarin, a naturally occurring blood-thinning phytochemical found in cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), and ingesting too much coumarin may lead to liver damage. There is little to no coumarin in “true” or Ceylon cinnamon (C. zeylanicum), but it is hard to tell the difference between the two in the marketplace so you need to be aware of the difference.