Ceylon cinnamon (true, noble or real cinnamon) is an aromatic spice known everywhere. For some, its aroma reminds them of their mother’s apple pie, while for others it is a storehouse of beneficial properties.

Cultivated mainly on the island. Sri Lanka. The spice is obtained from the bark of the cinnamonum tree ( Cinnamonum). When dry, strips of bark curl into tubes. These are the same cinnamon sticks that we use in the kitchen.

It was popular back in Ancient Egypt and was considered a rare gift, available only to rulers and their entourage. Only the most influential Egyptian women had secret cinnamon-based beauty recipes for the face and hair.

It’s not for nothing that Ceylon cinnamon is called “true” or “real.” So, for example, its cheaper relative - cassia (Chinese cinnamon) contains coumarin- toxic chemical.

Unlike the Chinese “fake”, the real spice looks like thick paper rolled into a hollow roll.

Medicinal properties

The specific taste and aroma of this spice attracts not only fans of gourmet cooking, but also those who care about their health.

Just one teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains as many antioxidants as half a cup of blueberries. It is equally useful for both men and women. But before use, it is important to make sure that cinnamon is not contraindicated for you.

1. The spice is rich in antioxidants - polyphenols. One recent study tested 26 spices for their antioxidant properties. Cinnamon won, ahead of such leaders as and.
2. The spice has the property of increasing the body's resistance to insulin. Cinnamon is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Just 1 g per day has a beneficial effect on blood markers.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties: fights infections and restores damaged tissues due to the active component - cinnamaldehyde. The oil is used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. The spice prevents the growth of bacteria: listeria and salmonella.
4. The spice minimizes the risk of heart disease by reducing “bad” cholesterol. For the effect, 120 mg per day is enough.
5. Compounds in cinnamon reduce storage capacity in the brain tau protein- a biomarker of Alzheimer's disease. In the body of a person suffering from shaking paralysis (Parkinson's disease), the spice normalizes the level of neurotransmitters, improves motor functions and protects neurons from destruction.
6. Reduces the growth of cancer cells and causes their death. Cinnamon is toxic to malignant tumors.
7. Antiviral properties: fights the most common strain of the HIV virus. In a scientific experiment, out of 69 medicinal plants tested, it was cinnamon that showed the best results.
8. For irritable bowel syndrome, it eliminates discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Useful for bloating. Kills bacteria and treats gastrointestinal infections.
9. For arthritis and osteoporosis, a cup of cinnamon tea and a massage with cinnamon oil can relieve pain.
10. Antibacterial properties: gets rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth without damaging teeth and gums. Cinnamon oil is added to chewing gum, toothpastes and mouthwashes.
11. At the onset of a cold, it is recommended to eat a little cinnamon. It can stop the oncoming disease. The secret is in the antiviral and warming properties of the spice.
12. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women manifests itself in mood swings and painful sensations. Doctors have found a relationship with a deficiency of manganese, calcium, chromium and copper in the blood. Cinnamon contains all of these elements.
13. Impotence or erectile dysfunction in men is caused by: lack of self-confidence, cardiovascular diseases, stress, diabetes and high blood pressure. According to real reviews from men, this healthy seasoning helped them cope with the physiological problems on this list.

For weight loss

The dietary benefits of true cinnamon are supported by scientific research. Include this spice in your diet, and the results will not be long in coming.

• The composition includes natural esters that promote weight loss: cinnamaldehyde(key component of cinnamon oil), eugenol And hydroxycinnamaldehyde.
• The flavonoid proanthocyanidin improves the condition of patients with type II diabetes. This plant polyphenol stimulates insulin receptors in adipocytes (fat cells).
• Zinnzeilanin And cinnceylanol improve appetite, normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes the breakdown of fats.
• Increases insulin activity in the body. Even for people who do not have diabetes, high blood sugar is a serious problem that leads to obesity.

Fact: Including cinnamon in your diet reduces the glycemic index (GI) of your food by 18-29%. This is a good incentive to lose weight.

• Accelerates metabolism, including carbohydrates, preventing their conversion into fat. Dishes seasoned with cinnamon help you burn more calories.
• Abdominal or abdominal fat is the first thing that catches your eye when you see an overweight person. But much more dangerous is the one that surrounds our internal organs - the visceral one. By consuming cinnamon regularly, you force your body to burn it first.
• Slows down digestive processes. This is an important property for those trying to lose weight. With the support of spice, it is easier to endure until the next meal without additional snacks.

Interesting! Nutritionists say that dried cinnamonum bark reduces cravings for sweets.

Accelerates lipogenesis

During studies of lipogenesis processes, mouse fat cells are often used as a basis. Laboratory animals fed cinnamon were able to lose weight despite eating a fat-rich diet.

From Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Cinnamaldehyde, which is part of cinnamon, activates special enzymes. They, in turn, stop the accumulation of excess fat in the body.

From cholesterol and sugar

The spice can reduce the concentration of cholesterol and sugar in the blood.

From journal "Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics": Ceylon cinnamon increases sensitivity to insulin, stopping the accumulation of white adipose tissue (the culprit of extra inches and cellulite).

How to use

Here are some simple diet recipes:

• Add 1 tsp. ground spices for oatmeal, muesli and yogurt.
• Mix cinnamon, honey and hot water and drink instead of tea throughout the day.
• Black tea and coffee, fruit juices and protein shakes will taste better with this seasoning.
• Combines with fresh fruits, nuts and seeds.
• Freeze cinnamon in ice cubes to add extra flavor to your favorite drinks.
• Sprinkle the ground seasoning over fresh fruit.
• A pinch in a stew, bean soup, or vegetarian chili sauce won't hurt.

Use in everyday life

Insect repellent: The antimicrobial properties of cinnamon oil are used to exterminate ants, bedbugs, ticks, cockroaches and mosquitoes.

Disinfection: Oil diluted in water can be used to treat kitchen surfaces, sinks, refrigerators, door handles, toys and much more. This is true if the family has children or people with allergies who react poorly to household chemicals.

Food preservative: the spice prevents the growth of bacteria. That is why it is used in almost every dish in hot Asian countries.

Neutralizes odors: Cinnamon leaf oil not only masks unpleasant odors, but kills the bacteria that cause them.

Benefits for hair

In Sri Lanka, the spice has been used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy recipes for centuries.

Has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effects on the scalp, improves hair condition. Regular massage of cinnamon oil on the scalp, neck and temples causes blood flow to the follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.

Combine 2 tbsp. l. honey, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon and... Stir until paste-like. Rub into scalp, apply evenly to hair and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo. Preheating the oil will increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

This homemade mask can be made once a week.

We lose on average up to 100 hairs per day, but we usually don’t even notice it. Intensive hair loss begins with health problems. The undeniable advantage of cinnamon is that it affects the hair both from the inside and outside.

Use not only ground spices, but also natural oil. It contains substances beneficial for hair: eugenol And cinnamaldehyde, endowed with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Suitable for treating dry and brittle hair as it nourishes the hair follicles. The roots become stronger and hair loss is reduced.

Side effects and contraindications

Cinnamon contains a large amount of natural estrogens. Therefore, it is contraindicated during pregnancy, in the presence of a history of endocrine and oncological diseases, for example, breast cancer.

Due to the digestive stimulating properties of the seasoning People with peptic ulcers should be careful.

If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before adding spices to your menu.

Side effects:

1. Toxicity. Upper limit of safe dosage: 6 g per day for 6 weeks.
2. Premature birth. During pregnancy, the spice is contraindicated, as it can cause uterine contractions or even premature birth.
3. Harm to the liver. The high levels of coumarin in Chinese cinnamon can lead to liver failure if taken daily or in large doses.
4. Allergy. A runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, upset stomach, swelling of the face or hands, anaphylactic shock and nausea are the main symptoms. If you are allergic to cinnamon, taking it in any quantity is contraindicated.
5. In rare cases or in case of overdose increases heart rate.
6. Thins the blood, such as aspirin.

Cinnamon can be a wonderful assistant in the fight for health and longevity for men and women of any age, especially if you like fatty and high-calorie foods - they summarize the results of their research University of Pennsylvania employees.

I’m sure everyone is familiar with cinnamon and we use it exclusively as an aromatic spice. Do you know that it not only adds aroma and taste to the dish. The beneficial properties of cinnamon and its contraindications have been known since ancient times, using it for health and beauty.

Everyone knows the Greek goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite, whose charms neither mortal nor celestial could resist.

One of the legends describes that Aphrodite wore a belt, and it was in it that the power of her love lay. A magical aroma emanated from the belt; it contained so many charms that even the Great Hera borrowed it more than once in order to further captivate Zeus. Aphrodite sewed an aromatic spice - cinnamon - into this belt, and she herself went down to Earth to get it.

Cinnamon - beneficial properties and contraindications

Cinnamon is still considered the No. 1 spice for a romantic dinner, being the most powerful stimulant of women's charms. In order to attract attention and win over the chosen one, cinnamon has always been added to a drink or food. Apparently, in the Victorian era, in the language of flowers, cinnamon meant “My destiny is in your hands” for a reason.

Cinnamon was such a valuable spice that disputes over the ownership of the territory where it grew more than once spilled over into hostilities.

But I don’t think that wars would be fought just because of the romantic characteristics of this spice. In ancient times, poems were dedicated to her and she was accessible only to rulers and their entourage.

Why was aromatic cinnamon so valued and is still valued to this day? This is what we will talk about today.

Before we start talking about the beneficial properties of cinnamon and its possible contraindications, let's first figure out what kind of spice it is and what kind of plant cinnamon is.

Cinnamon - how it grows, how it is collected

Cinnamon is a plant, or more precisely, a shrub from the laurel family. Most often found in southern India and Sri Lanka. It has oblong-oval leaves about 18 cm long. Bunches of flowers form inflorescences and have a greenish tint.

One might assume that such a fragrant spice is made from flowers. But no, the flowers of this plant have an unpleasant aroma. To prepare the spice, the bark of this shrub is collected. But it's not that simple.

First, it is grown for 2 years, then it is cut off at the root, new shoots grow and the bark is taken from these shoots. But to prepare the spice, the entire bark is not used, but only the inner, thin layer, which is cut off and, when dried, curled into tubes.

The most popular are 4 types of plants and, accordingly, spices:

• Ceylon - aromatic, slightly hot with a sweetish taste, another name is cinnamon or noble cinnamon - the best and most valuable;
• Malabar - has a pronounced bitter taste;
• cinnamon - with a spicy taste and pungent odor;
• Chinese - not very fragrant, hot and sharp, another name for cassia or Indian.

Benefits of cinnamon for human health

The beneficial properties of cinnamon for human health are evidenced by its valuable composition, and now you will see this for yourself, read on.

Quite a high-calorie spice - 247 kcal per 100 g. product. The composition includes a large amount of carbohydrates, exceeding the content of fats and proteins.

Cinnamon is very rich in the presence of useful substances:

• Vitamins - A, group of vitamins B, C, E, K, PP.
• Mineral composition - iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, selenium.
• Cinnamon also contains a lot of fiber, tannins, gum, resin, pectin, coumarin, from 2 to 3.5% essential oil, consisting of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol.

Impressive, right? So let's find out what effect cinnamon has on human health and what its benefits are.

For people with diabetes, it helps lower blood sugar levels and activates insulin production. See the video for more details.

Cinnamon for hypertension

Cinnamon helps prevent cardiovascular diseases; it is indicated for the prevention of strokes, heart attacks and other circulatory disorders. It is a vasodilator, prevents the formation of blood clots. Reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

For health, it is enough for hypertensive patients to take less than a teaspoon of spice per day, but not in its pure form, but as an ingredient in healthy drinks and dishes. As a quick measure to normalize blood pressure in case of hypertension, it is recommended to drink the following drink:

Mix a pinch of cinnamon with a spoonful of honey and dilute it in a small amount of warm water.

This drink will prevent the development of a stroke and soothe headaches.

Benefits of cinnamon for women

In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial effects on the body, there is something that concerns women specifically:

• cinnamon helps during PMS and the menstrual cycle, reducing pain, normalizing hormonal levels; improving mood.
• in the first 2 weeks after the birth of a child, cinnamon promotes uterine contractions.

But it is precisely this property of cinnamon that makes it a product that should not be consumed by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage.

• For nursing mothers, tea with cinnamon and milk can improve lactation.

Benefits of cinnamon for men

Cinnamon also has a beneficial effect on the male body:

• Regular consumption of the spice not only prevents prostatitis, but also facilitates the treatment process.
• spice helps accelerate glucose metabolism, which increases the production of testosterone, which is so necessary for normal erectile function.
• With age, men's blood gradually thickens, and cinnamon can thin the blood, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and congestion in the pelvis.
• cinnamon is a natural and strong aphrodisiac that can tone and invigorate a man, increase his libido and sexual performance.

Benefits of cinnamon for weight loss

Cinnamon is also known as a means of helping with weight loss:

• this spice accelerates metabolism, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, preventing them from being converted into fat;
• cinnamon slows down the digestive processes in the stomach - this is an important property for those who want to lose weight - with the support of the spice, it is easier to wait until the next meal without additional snacks;
• the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet reduces the glycemic index of food by 18 - 29%, and this is also important for weight loss;
• cinnamon can increase metabolism;
• nutritionists claim that cinnamon reduces cravings for sweets and that losing weight with cinnamon is much easier.

Cinnamon is also in demand in cosmetology due to its healing effect on the skin of the face, body, hair, has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates metabolic processes in skin cells, all this thanks to the presence of antioxidants and tannins in cinnamon.

So the area of ​​application of cinnamon is quite extensive - cooking, traditional medicine, cosmetology, aromatherapy.

Cinnamon will be appropriate in fruit salads, cereals, hot drinks, good in baking, and can be used for home preservation due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

In aromatherapy, cinnamon is used to increase performance and improve memory.

In cosmetology to soften, lighten hair, improve skin condition.

In folk medicine in the treatment of colds, to strengthen the immune system, in the treatment of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and many other diseases.

A separate story is the benefits of honey and cinnamon - scientists from different countries, studying these two products, came to the conclusion that this combination - honey and cinnamon - has a beneficial effect on the entire body, strengthening it, slows down the aging process of the body, improves the quality of life and increases life expectancy.

Here it would be nice to move on to recipes, but there were so many of them that I decided to separate them into a separate article, so stay tuned to the blog.

But the topic is not finished yet, because we have not yet talked about the dangers of cinnamon and whether it exists.

Harm of cinnamon to human health

Despite so many advantages, there are also disadvantages, although they are much fewer. And despite its beneficial properties, cinnamon can also cause harm to human health, so you shouldn’t eat cinnamon with spoons, it’s still a spice and it only serves as an additive to our diet.

• Earlier I said that it helps with stressful situations and depression, but if you overdo it with the spice, the opposite effect can occur, apathy and depression can only intensify.
• A healthy person can use cinnamon without fear for their well-being, but as I said, within reasonable limits. There are no clear recommendations - how much - apparently it is assumed that it is quite difficult to overdo the spice. But some sources have information - no more than 1 teaspoon and not at one time.
• Doctors recommend using cinnamon carefully and not often for people with high blood pressure and people with heart problems, but you shouldn’t give it up at all, because it lowers cholesterol and reduces the formation of blood clots.
• Pregnant women should not consume this spice as it can cause uterine contractions and thereby cause miscarriage or premature birth.
• It is better not to give cinnamon to children under 3 years old, so it is prohibited for nursing mothers. Children under 12 years of age should use cinnamon with caution.
• It is recommended to exclude cinnamon from the diet for people with low blood clotting, as well as people with individual intolerance.

In any case, if you have some kind of chronic disease and are in doubt whether you can use cinnamon or not, it is better to consult your doctor.

There is one more disadvantage, but it does not apply to real Ceylon cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon). This minus applies to cassia (Cassia Cinnamon). No, cassia also has beneficial properties.

What's the matter then? But the point is only in one substance - coumarin, which is part of cinnamon. Coumarin is a useful substance and thanks to this substance, cinnamon reduces blood clotting and, accordingly, reduces the risk of blood clots. But excessive consumption of coumarin has a very unfavorable effect on the condition of the liver and kidneys.

For comparison, Ceylon cinnamon contains 0.004% coumarin, which is enough to make cinnamon a healthy product. Cassia contains much more coumarin - 5%.

The conclusion suggests itself - we buy Ceylon cinnamon, but... whether it is in our supermarkets is a big question. It is said that most of the cinnamon sold is cassia, as it is much cheaper and more readily available.

If you do not often use cinnamon, then cassia will not harm you, but if it is constant in your diet and if you want to use cinnamon for treatment, then you need to be more careful when choosing this spice.

How to distinguish real cinnamon from cassia

With cinnamon sticks it is somewhat simpler - Ceylon cinnamon sticks are usually tightly curled, as a thin inner layer of bark is used. The cassia stick has very few curls and is thicker in appearance. A Ceylon cinnamon stick can be easily broken by hand and ground into powder. Doing this with cassia is quite problematic.

But with ground cinnamon it’s much more difficult, but mostly we sell ground cinnamon. Then we look at the packaging - pay attention to the Latin name - “Cinnamomum zeylonicum” is Ceylon cinnamon, “Cinnamomum aromaticum” is how cassia is labeled. You also need to pay attention to the country of origin - if Ceylon, Sri Lanka, then this is what we need, but if China, Indonesia, Vietnam - then it is cassia. It is also not recommended to buy cinnamon from Germany, the USA, Israel, it does not grow there, but whether they will sell expensive Ceylon cinnamon is a question...

Already purchased cinnamon can be checked using iodine - you need to drop a few drops of iodine on the cinnamon and if it turns dark blue, then it is cassia; Ceylon cinnamon is practically not colored.

Another way that one cinnamon may differ from another is the price; Ceylon cinnamon will be many times more expensive.

How to store cinnamon

Cinnamon should be stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid away from light and moisture. Ground cinnamon retains its beneficial properties for six months, in sticks - for a year. If you want to keep it longer, then you need to keep it in the refrigerator.

Elena Kasatova. See you by the fireplace.

Cinnamon can be called the spice of the elite, since in ancient times it was used exclusively during the preparation of dishes for crowned persons. The spice is obtained from the bark of cinnamon trees - trees of the Laurel family. It can be found on sale both in ground form and in the form of tubes (rolled pieces of bark).

In Russian, cinnamon got its name because of its brown color.

Cinnamomum verum is an evergreen cinnamon tree whose bark produces cinnamon. To obtain the spice, take the inner layer of tree bark.

Appearance

Cinnamon trees are evergreen shrubs. Greenish cinnamon flowers have a rather unpleasant odor.

The fruits of the plant are purple berries. The leaves of the cinnamon tree are similar to bay leaves, but thinner and smaller.

Real or Ceylon cinnamon

The place where cinnamon trees of this species grow is not only Ceylon, but also Guiana, the island of Martinique, the states of Indonesia, Brazil, India and Malaysia. This cinnamon is valued higher than other types for its delicate smell and sweet taste. It is fragile.

In addition to Ceylon cinnamon, there are 3 more types that are much less valued.

Other types

Chinese (cassia)

It is also called fragrant, Indian or simple cinnamon. The well-known name for this type of seasoning is “cassia”. We wrote about it in detail in another article.

The trees from which this spice is extracted are grown in Indonesia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Burma. This spice has a less delicate aroma, it is sharper, tart and hot.

Spicy

It is also called cinnamon. This cinnamon is obtained from a bush that is grown in Indonesia and the Moluccas Islands. It is very fragile, with graininess at the break, a pungent cinnamon smell, and also a rather spicy taste.

Malabar

It is also called woody and brown. This cinnamon is extracted from the bark of trees growing in Burma and India. The difference between this spice and other types is its sharp bitter taste and dark brownish-brown color.

Where does it grow

The homeland of real cinnamon is Southern China. It is mentioned in Chinese writings dating back to 2800 BC. The taste of the spice was described by Pliny the Elder in the first century AD.

The highest quality cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka - it has a warm, sweetish taste and a very pleasant aroma. This cinnamon is obtained from the thin bark of trees. Also, the production of this spice is established in such places and countries as Brazil, Egypt, Western India, Vietnam, the islands of Madagascar, Sumatra and Java.

Method of making spices

The bark is removed from cinnamon tree shoots that are less than three years old (usually shrubs about two meters high). Copper knives are used to obtain the bark, since cinnamon is rich in tannins that oxidize other metals.

The bark is harvested from the same tree twice a year. Usually the collection is carried out after the rainy period - at this time the bark is easier to remove and its aroma is higher.

The bark is cut into strips 1-2 centimeters wide and up to 30 centimeters long. The outer skin of these strips is scraped off, after which the inner part of the bark is sent to dry in a shady place, waiting for it to darken and curl into tubes. Ceylon spice has a very thin bark, so after drying the wall thickness of the tubes can be up to 1 mm. Before sale, the tubes are cut into pieces 5-10 centimeters long.

Not only the bark is extracted from the cinnamon tree, but also unripe fruits, which are called cinnamon “buds.” They are collected immediately after flowering. In appearance, these “buds” are similar to cloves. They are less aromatic, but have a sweet and rather mild odor. These “buds” are especially valued in India and China.

To learn how real Ceylon cinnamon is made, watch the following video.

How to choose and where to buy

• Buy cinnamon powder in small quantities, as crushed spice quickly loses its aroma.
• The sticks have a more persistent taste, but they are quite difficult to grind.
• When choosing cinnamon powder, smell it - the aroma should be quite strong.
• You can check whether you bought cinnamon or cassia using an iodine solution. This test will have almost no effect on cinnamon, but cassia will take on a dark blue color.

Characteristics

• The Ceylon type of cinnamon has a delicate aroma, very unique.
• The taste of the spice is slightly hot and sweet.
• The structure of the seasoning is crumbly and not too dense.
• It goes well with other tart and spicy seasonings.
• You can add cinnamon to any dish that uses sugar.

Nutritional value and calorie content

100 g of cinnamon contains:

Chemical composition

Valuable substances in the bark of cinnamon trees are:

• essential oil (1-2%), consisting of cinnamaldehyde and tannins;
• fatty acid;
• alimentary fiber;
• minerals;
• mono and disaccharides;
• vitamins.

Beneficial features

Ceylon cinnamon itself and the essential oil extracted from it have the following properties:

• Strengthening blood supply and metabolic processes.
• Resistance to cellulite.
• Improvement of digestive processes.
• Relief from flu and colds.
• The warming effect makes the oil popular for massage.
• Help with nausea, dizziness or fainting.
• Eliminating bad breath.
• Neutralization of poisons entering the body from insect bites.
• Increased sexuality.
• Normalization of the menstrual cycle.
• Help with asthenia, fears, depressive, melancholic and anxious moods.
• Relief from seasickness.
• Normalization of blood sugar levels.
• Prevention of cardiovascular pathologies.
• Memory improvement.
• Strong antioxidant effect.
• Antimicrobial properties.

You can learn even more about cinnamon and its beneficial properties from the following video of the “1000 Little Things” program.

Harm

• Chemotherapy of cancer.
• Pregnancy (the spice stimulates uterine contractions).
• Increased individual sensitivity.

If you want to use the spice externally, you must definitely mix it with a carrier oil.

Eating cassia is harmful to health. Buy only real Ceylon cinnamon. To learn how to distinguish cinnamon from cassia, read another article.

Aroma oil

Both the aroma and taste of the spice are associated with the aroma oil in its composition. The tree bark contains approximately 0.5-1% of this oil. You can extract aroma oil from the spice by grinding the bark - it is soaked in sea water and distilled. The resulting oil has a yellow-golden hue, a burning taste and a characteristic cinnamon odor. These characteristics are due to cinnamaldehyde, which is the main component of cinnamon aroma oil. Gradually, the oil oxidizes, its structure becomes more resinous, and its color becomes darker.

Application

In cooking

Cinnamon bark is actively in demand in cooking:

• It is added to candies, chocolate and various desserts.
• Cinnamon sticks are used to prepare liquid dishes.
• With the help of cinnamon you can get an unusual taste of kefir and yogurt.
• The spice is added to marinades for meat, mushrooms or fruits.
• The spice in crushed (ground) form is added to dough and main courses.
• Cinnamon combined with sugar is often combined with cereals and fruits. It is especially often added to apple dishes.
• The cooking of Transcaucasia and Central Asia involves adding this spice when cooking lamb, other meat or poultry.
• This spice is included in various mixtures of dry seasonings.
• Adding cinnamon helps flavor drinks such as punch, grog or liqueur.
• Cinnamon goes well with salads made from carrots, spinach, young corn, and red cabbage.
• This spice can be added to fruit soups that are served cold.
• In England, cinnamon and sugar are sprinkled on crackers and served at tea parties.
• The French love to bake cakes with cinnamon.
• In some European countries, cinnamon is added to homemade beer.
• Cinnamon rolls make a great addition to pumpkin or tomato soup.
• Cinnamon goes great with coffee and cappuccino. You can stir the hot drink with a stick or sprinkle it with ground spices.
• In Thai and Indian cooking, cinnamon leaves are added to curries.

Adding spices to dishes is recommended at the end of cooking to avoid the appearance of a bitter aftertaste. The average amount of cinnamon per dish will be 0.5-1 teaspoon. spoon per kilogram of product or liter of liquid, although in oriental cooking this spice is used in much larger quantities.

Add 1-2 seasoning sticks and other ingredients to the wine to taste. Heat the liquid over low heat.

Toast the bread slices on one side, brush the other side (not toasted) with butter, then sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Fry on the other side until browned.

Boil fruits (apples, nectarines, pears, peaches) in syrup. Sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, then place in the oven and bake until golden. These fruits should be served hot, topped with sour cream.

Watch the following video from the TV show "1000 and 1 Spice of Scheherazade". From it you will learn a lot about cinnamon.

In medicine

• External use of the oil involves mixing it with a vegetable base oil. For 10 ml of vegetable oil, take two or three drops of aroma oil. The mixture is used for rubbing and massage.
• Mix one or two drops of oil with tea. a spoonful of honey and adding to herbal tea, this drink is recommended for delayed menstruation, myalgia, weakness, impotence, diarrhea, colds, and flu.
• A few drops of aroma oil are dripped into hot water and inhaled to help get rid of depressive mood and pathologies of the upper respiratory tract.
• By adding cinnamon to hot wine, this drink is recommended for flu-like conditions and hypothermia. Also, for the flu, you can make a drink by dissolving honey and lemon juice in hot water, and after adding a pinch of cinnamon and 1 clove, bring the liquid to a boil, then leave for 20 minutes.
• A preventive remedy for the flu is cinnamon brewed with boiling water, to which a pinch of black pepper and honey are added. Drink this remedy every three hours.
• If headaches occur with a cold, stir cinnamon with water until a thick paste is obtained and apply to the forehead.
• A strong infusion of cinnamon helps with diarrhea, meteorite and vomiting.

You can learn even more about the healing qualities of cinnamon from the program “Live Healthy!”

When losing weight

Cinnamon, due to its large amount of dietary fiber, prevents constipation (a common problem when losing weight) and stimulates intestinal function. Another advantage of consuming cinnamon when losing weight is its positive effect on mood and decreased appetite. It is also known that this seasoning has the property of accelerating the breakdown of sugar. You can use cinnamon for weight loss in different ways:

• Add this spice to tea and coffee as a sugar substitute.
• Massage against cellulite with cinnamon.
• Do wraps.
• Do fasting days, drinking kefir flavored with cinnamon all day.

At home

Cinnamon aroma oil is added to “oriental” perfume compositions.

Growing

Cinnamon trees are unpretentious and easily tolerate unfavorable conditions. Uncultivated trees can grow up to 6-12 meters in height, but on plantations that are cultivated, the plant is usually represented by low shrubs. After growing a tree for 2 years, it is pruned almost at the root, so that in the third year of cultivation new shoots are obtained (about ten of them appear), from which the bark is cut off.

Storage

To store cinnamon, it is important to seal the container in which the spice is placed. It is optimal to keep cinnamon in a glass container. Seasoning sticks can be stored for up to 12 months, and powder for up to six months. It is best to keep the spice in a cool, dark cabinet.

According to the testimony of Herodotus of the 5th century. BC, anyone who wanted to find the precious cinnamon bark had to go through many trials: fighting monsters, searching for it at the bottom of lakes and in the nests of huge birds of prey - these are not all the obstacles on the way to the most valuable spice. By telling such tales, Arab merchants promoted their business. That is why in Europe, cinnamon has long been considered an unattainable spice that only a select few deserve.

In Ancient times and the Middle Ages, cinnamon was used more as an aroma spice and incense. At that time, cooks most often used Indian laurel, which had a similar aroma, for food. But to give a special taste to honey cookies and sweet wine with spices, it was simply necessary.

Even more historical facts:

• Cinnamon and its properties were learned about in ancient times. It often served as a gift to high-ranking persons.
• The spice was brought to Ancient Egypt from China. The Egyptians used this spice for embalming.
• Cinnamon is mentioned in the Old Testament. From the lines you can understand that this spice was valued higher than gold.
• The ancient Romans considered cinnamon to be a plant of Jupiter, representing the element of fire. The Romans used this spice on funeral pyres.
• Until the 17th century, cinnamon was collected from wild trees. Later, trees began to be cultivated to produce spices.
• In the Victorian era, Austrian lovers gave each other bouquets of cinnamon, which was a symbol of love and tenderness.

Cinnamon (there are contraindications) is a spice in Chinese traditional medicine, which is considered one of the 50 most important medicinal plants. And, unfortunately, few people here know about cinnamon treatment.

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a tropical tree from the popular laurel family, which reaches 15-20 m in height if it grows in nature, but in cultivation only 3 m. There are 2 types of cinnamon: Chinese cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon has a specific and subtle aroma, unlike Chinese.

Spices sold in stores are simply ground into powder the bark of a tree - Ceylon or Chinese cinnamon.

Cinnamon is high in vitamin A, calcium, iron and manganese. Cinnamon is used for the production of liqueurs, perfumes, cooking, cosmetology and folk medicine.

Medicinal properties of cinnamon

Research has shown that cinnamon (with minimal contraindications) and its medicinal properties can prevent diabetes and improve the body's ability to respond adequately to insulin and normalize blood sugar levels. It also improves blood circulation. The aroma of cinnamon is believed to greatly stimulate brain activity.

Cinnamon greatly improves digestion, strengthens the stomach, and stimulates appetite. It is used as a tonic, stimulant and antiseptic for ischemic disorders. This is an excellent expectorant and diaphoretic for influenza and ARVI. It relieves muscle and tooth pain. Cinnamon stems reduce fever and relieve pain in renal and hepatic colic. They have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Treatment with cinnamon is used for flu, rheumatism, and delayed painful periods.

Cinnamon tea

Significantly alleviates the condition of patients with colds and severe viral infections. Preparation: Cut a thin strip of orange zest into a spiral shape. Pour boiling water over 1 cinnamon stick, covering completely, and leave for 10 minutes, covered. Add zest and tea to this water, bring to the first boil. Leave for 3 minutes.

Strengthening the immune system

If you take honey and cinnamon every day, the protective functions of the entire body will be strengthened and protection will occur against viruses and bacteria.

Cystitis

You should eat 1 tsp. honey and 2 table. l. cinnamon mixed in a glass of a little warm water. This effectively kills germs on the lining of the bladder.

For hair loss

You can lubricate the following paste at the roots of your hair: heated olive oil, 0.5 tbsp. lie honey, and another 1 tsp. cinnamon before washing your hair for 10 minutes. Then rinse your hair with not very hot water. And 5 min. will be enough for a noticeable effect.

For skin infections

Equal amount of honey and cinnamon applied to the affected skin particles cures fungus, eczema and other skin infections.

Stomach upset

Cinnamon and honey relieve stomach pain and heal ulcers.

Indigestion

2 tbsp. lie honey, sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken before meals. This way, acidity is reduced and even the heaviest food is digested.

Toothache

Cinnamon - 1 tsp. + honey - 5 tsp. applied to the diseased tooth. Do this until the pain subsides.

Hearing loss

If you take honey and cinnamon every day in equal proportions in the morning and evening, your hearing will improve.

For cancer

For bone and stomach cancer, take 1 tbsp daily. lie honey + 1 tsp. cinnamon 3 rubles/day for a whole month.

Heart diseases

Every day you need to eat a piece of bread for breakfast, spread with a paste of cinnamon and honey. This reduces the level of cholesterol in the arteries and partially saves a person from heart attacks. And sometimes it completely blocks the possibility of their occurrence.

Cinnamon: contraindications

Individual intolerance;

Hypertension;

Nervous increased excitability;

Bleeding;

Very high temperature;

In large doses for elderly people and during pregnancy.

This is such a wonderful spice - cinnamon. It has contraindications, but its beneficial, medicinal properties can help many from various diseases.