Cinnamon: Nutrition, Benefits, Types

The bark of several tree species in the Cinnamomum family is used to make the spice cinnamon. In terms of nutrition, cinnamon is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently used in baking and cooking as well as in conventional medicine. It also has trace amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin K, among other vitamins and minerals.

Types of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that is obtained from the inner bark of several trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum. The bark is harvested and dried and then used for its sweet and warming flavour and aroma. There are several types of cinnamon that differ in flavour and aroma, primarily due to their different species, country of origin, and methods of processing.

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)

Also known as “true cinnamon,” this is the traditional cinnamon that is commonly used in Europe and the United States. It is lighter in colour and has a delicate, sweet, and citrusy flavour.

Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia)

This is the most commonly used cinnamon in the world, particularly in Asia. It has a stronger, more pungent flavour and aroma than Ceylon cinnamon and is darker in colour.

Chinese Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Aromaticum)

This cinnamon is similar in flavor and aroma to Cassia cinnamon and is grown primarily in China.

Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Loureiroi)

This cinnamon is stronger and sweeter than all other cinnamon varieties and is mostly used in desserts.

Korintje Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Burmannii)

Grown in Indonesia, this cinnamon is similar in flavor to Cassia cinnamon, but has a reddish-brown colour and is slightly sweeter.

Nutritional Value of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has 8 grams and 19% of the recommended daily intake of calories in one tablespoon. The most important nutritional fact about cinnamon is that it has no fat or sugar. Cinnamon has an 8% calcium content and 68% manganese content per tablespoon. Iron content in cinnamon is 4% per tablespoon. Daily consumption of one tablespoon of cinnamon is thought to result in numerous beneficial alterations to the body. It is a go-to condiment for dishes like flavourful biryani.

Flavour, Aroma, and Taste

The bark is pounded to make some amazing oils. An aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5 to 1% of cinnamon's composition gives it its distinctive flavour. By roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in seawater, and then swiftly distilling the entire mixture, this essential oil can be made. It has a golden-yellow colour, the recognizable aroma of cinnamon, and a scorching, aromatic flavour. About 90% of the essential oil in the bark is cinnamaldehyde, which gives it a pungent taste and smell. As it ages, oxygen reactions cause it to darken in colour and produce resinous compounds.

The oil from the leaves or bark of cinnamon trees contains about 80 aromatic compounds, including eugenol, which is one of the constituents of cinnamon.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Spices like cinnamon have a lot of health benefits −

Abundant in Antioxidants

Large amounts of antioxidants can be found in cinnamon. The properties help the body's cells from forming free radicals. It slows down the body's aging process. Cinnamon has the highest antioxidant content of any herb and ranks seventh among spices in terms of antioxidant content. The spice contains significant amounts of flavonoid and phenolic acid, two substances that together reduce stress.

Reduces Inflammation

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon helps reduce the risk of developing diseases like high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. It has been discovered to improve good cholesterol in the body and lower bad cholesterol. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon supports the lungs and can prevent damage to body tissues.

Solution for Toothache

Makes for a perfect home remedy.

Plaque accumulation and other dental diseases are caused by the bacteria that grow in the mouth. If taken regularly, cinnamon has strong antibacterial properties and protects the health of the teeth. It has been discovered that using two drops of cinnamon oil on an aching tooth and nearby areas can lessen tooth pain and tooth decay.

Eliminate Type 2 Diabetes

The ability of cinnamon to increase insulin sensitivity aids in the reduction of metabolic resistance and type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is regarded as an anti-diabetic food because it helps people lower their blood sugar levels. Cinnamon slows down the digestive system's breakdown of carbohydrates after they enter the bloodstream, lowering blood sugar levels. Therefore, cinnamon can occasionally benefit those who have diabetes.

Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

Cinnamon has been shown to benefit and comfort patients with neurodegenerative diseases. According to a study, cinnamon blocks two substances that cause Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The growth of tau protein in the brain is further slowed by cinnamon consumption. This protein has been identified as a crucial component in the development of Alzheimer's. Cinnamon has been shown to protect neurons and motor sensory functions, which benefits Parkinson's disease patients as well.

Food Poisoning Natural Treatment

Salmonella is an intestinal bacterial infection, and cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that aid in battling it. Food poisoning is the medical term for the condition that salmonella causes.

Therapy for Infertility

Cinnamon is a known natural aphrodisiac that has been shown to boost sexual desire. Infertility treatments also make use of it. The function of cinnamon in the treatment of infertility is to enhance male sexual desire, thereby raising sperm production.

Glowing Skin

Cinnamon has been found to increase the body's ability to produce collagen, which helps to keep the skin firm and youthful. Cinnamon is used to exfoliating skin and the scalp, which keeps the skin and scalp nourished.

Conclusion

Some people have been found allergic to the use of cinnamon, so they should avoid consuming it. Cinnamon is the cause of the common allergic condition known as hives. Cinnamon allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, nausea, chest congestion with phlegm, running nose, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these after consuming cinnamon, you should seek medical attention right away.

Pregnant women, those with liver disease, those who have recently undergone surgery, or anyone taking large doses of cinnamon supplements is not advised to do so. If one is planning to use cinnamon oil, one can apply it on the skin and wait to find out if there are any allergic reactions, and then only use oil.