Cinnamon

Cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice, and even more than many foods.

 

You'll get as many antioxidants in one teaspoon of cinnamon as a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries.

What is an anti...antioxi...antioxidant?  That's a mouth full!

"Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection."

http://www.healthcastle.com/antioxidant.shtml

 

Simply put antioxidants are good for us. 

 

But this post is about cinnamon.  There are many health claims regarding cinnamon.  It has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, relieve diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, yeast infections, colds, flu, rheumatism and digestive problems. Today, the use of cinnamon has expanded to treating a variety of health disorders, including respiratory problems, skin infections, blood impurity, heart disorders, and diabetes.

 

The easiest way to accomplish taking atleast 1tsp daily is to add it to oatmeal or a smoothie.

 
But wait!  There is some bad news.  You can not buy the cinnamon you need at any grocery store.  Most cinnamon sold is cassia.  It is shown to be compariable to "true cinnamon" except that is has been shown to affect blood coagulation in an adverse way consumed in quanities to aid health.  The only "true cinnamon" you should take a daily quantity of is called Ceylon. 

Where can you get "true cinnamon" or Ceylon?  Try Mountain Rose Herbs, they also have great prices on vanilla beans.
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