Friday, May 10, 2013

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."
 

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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9 comments:

  1. Wow, I had no idea. I heard that cinnamon was good but didn't realize there was a certain type that I should buy. Thanks for sharing!

    Thanks so much for linking up to the "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party today! :)

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    1. I am so glad to link up each week with Mom's the Word!

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  2. Wow! I didn't realize I should check the variety. Off to look at my Costco jar in the cupboard.

    Thanks for linking up to Motivation Monday.

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    1. I am betting Costco doesn't carry the correct kind ;)

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  3. Angela, thanks for the info- I *almost* bought cinnamon in the supplements section today....SO glad I didn't, and that I found your post! Thanks!

    Thanks for joining us for Let's Get Social Sunday, and thanks for having our button on your blog!! :)

    Love, Joy @ Yesterfood.blogspot.com

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    1. Joy I am so glad you stopped by and that you learned something about cinnamon! I never knew either and made lots of honey and cinnamon this past winter for colds. I know now and just stoked up myself!

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  4. This is great info on Cinnamon and sure worth a try....Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week; I hope you’ll join us again!


    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  5. Ground cinnamon is usually cassia as are the thick cinnamon sticks. True cinnamon sticks (quills), are more often the thin layered rolls and are lighter in color than "cassia" which is a related plant species of the family "Cinnamomum".

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    1. Exactly Leigh!
      Have you tried Vietnamese Cinnamon? I hear it is favored by professional cooks for flavor over them all but Ceylon for medicinal purposes.

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