From the warm scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the spicy kick in your masala chai, cinnamon is one of the world's favorite spices. But more than its lovely smell and taste is a wealth of history, nutrition, and health benefits.

Let's dive into the world of cinnamon and discuss what it is, where it's from, how it benefits your body, and why it should find a home in your kitchen and wellness routine.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice produced from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. When the bark is plucked from the tree and dried, it forms rolls. Those are the cinnamon sticks or "quills" you find in the market. It's also ground into a powder for cooking and medicine.

There are two common types of cinnamon:

• Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum):This type of cinnamon is also known as "true" cinnamon. It is indigenous to Sri Lanka. It has a mild, sweet taste.
• Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia):This type of cinnamon is less expensive and more widely available. It has a more robust, spicier flavor. This is the variety most frequently sold in supermarkets.

Nutritional Profile of Cinnamon

Despite the small quantities used, cinnamon is quite loaded with healthy nutrients. A teaspoon of cinnamon powder contains:

• Calories: ~6
• Fiber: 1.4 grams
• Calcium: ~26 mg
• Iron: 0.2 mg
• Manganese: 0.46 mg (more than 20% of daily requirement)
• Antioxidants: polyphenols, flavonoids, and others

Cinnamon is sugar-free, fat-free, and protein-free. Hence, it is a guilt-free addition of flavor and nutrition to your diet.

Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• Rich in Antioxidants: Cinnamon is packed with strong antioxidants that protect your body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Some research indicates cinnamon's antioxidant strength is even greater than garlic's and oregano's.
• Anti-Inflammatory Action:Chronic inflammation is associated with most diseases. Cinnamon's active ingredients, particularly cinnamaldehyde, possess anti-inflammatory properties that assist in the reduction of swelling and healing.
• Facilitates Blood Sugar Regulation: One of cinnamon's most studied advantages is that it can help lower blood sugar and enhance insulin sensitivity. This is particularly useful for type 2 diabetics or those at risk of developing it.
• May Have a Positive Effect on Heart Health: Cinnamon can aid in lowering many factors that contribute to heart disease, including:
1. Reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol
2. Decrease in blood pressure.
3. Increase in HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Cinnamon is effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It's very good at killing Candida, an infection-causing yeast.
• Brain Power: Studies indicate that chemicals in cinnamon can enhance memory, guard brain cells against aging, and even prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Creative & Everyday Uses of Cinnamon

In the Kitchen: Sweet, Spicy, and Everything Nice

Cinnamon is very versatile in baking and cooking. Some common applications:

• Sprinkle on cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt.
• Mix into coffee, tea, or smoothies.
• Add to rice dishes, stews, and curries.
• Use in dessert forms such as cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and pies.
• Infuse into hot apple cider or mulled wine.

Home Remedies & Wellness Applications

Cinnamon is used in most traditional systems of medicine, like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is used to:

• Alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
• Soothe sore throats (frequently with honey)
• Enhance digestion
• Freshen breath
• Ease menstrual pain
• Beauty and Skincare

Certain individuals incorporate cinnamon into homemade beauty treatments for:

• Face masks (exfoliant or acne treatment)
• Lip plumpers (because it has a tingling quality)

Note: Make sure to do a patch test beforehand, as cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Caution: A Little Goes a Long Way

• Although cinnamon is safe and natural to consume in moderation, too much of Cassia cinnamon (the widely consumed variety) can be damaging because it is high in coumarin, a substance that can harm the liver when ingested in large quantities.
• Restrict yourself to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily.
• Use Ceylon cinnamon if using it daily.

Last Sprinkle: Why Cinnamon Should Have a Place in Your Life

Cinnamon is not just a kitchen staple. It's a tasty spice with a rich history, contemporary use, and a whole lot of potential for staying healthy. If you're using it to taste your food, boost your health, or to put the heat on your winter, cinnamon is proof that some of the greatest things in life do indeed come in little, lovely packages.

Visit Zaika on your next trip to Nainital and shop for the best quality cinnamon with us today!