A nutriciologist has named a spice that is good to add to food and drinks in winter

“Cinnamon can safely be called not only the most popular spice for most of us, but also the most winter spice: it is added to various drinks, baked goods and desserts. Therefore, it will be important to know that, in addition to its pleasant flavor, it also has significant benefits for the body”.

What are the benefits of spices?

Spices, herbs and savories have been used for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They not only enhance the taste, aroma and color of food and drinks, but also protect against acute and chronic diseases: their use for therapeutic and therapeutic purposes is increasingly being considered.

Studies show that spices have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, glucose- and cholesterol-lowering activity, as well as cognitive and mood-enhancing properties.

The spectrum of health benefits is attributed to the presence of biologically active components, including sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, alkaloids, especially flavonoids and polyphenols. Species such as cloves, rosemary, sage, oregano and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants due to their high content of phenolic compounds.

In addition, spices and allspice are the easiest and least expensive way to enhance the flavor of a product without adding fats, sugar, salt or industrial fats.

What is cinnamon and what are its benefits?

Cinnamon is a blend of nutrients commonly used as a spice. It has long been used as a traditional medicinal remedy with numerous biological effects on the body.

The positive properties of cinnamon include:

• The ability to control blood sugar levels by slowing the rate at which glucose enters the body. Studies show that consuming 1g of cinnamon per day is sufficient to accomplish this;

• lowering cholesterol levels;
• slowing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes;
• immune support. In addition to cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, ginger, cumin, basil, fennel and black pepper have this property;
• positive effect on the intestinal microbiome. This is due to polyphenols, natural antioxidants. These are metabolized by various microbes in the lower intestines and converted into digestible, healthy substances;
• helping to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of migraines;
• alleviating exacerbations of gout and arthritis.

Cinnamon and cassia: what’s the difference?

Not everyone knows that now you can buy both cinnamon and cassia, which is very similar to it in appearance, but not in properties.

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of a tropical evergreen tree. Although this sweet spice comes in four species, two of them are more popular: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, and Cinnamomum cassia, which is Chinese cassia or Indonesian cinnamon.

Of these two Ceylon species, cinnamon is sweeter and richer in flavor, it also costs more than cassia, which is more widely available.

How do I choose and store cinnamon?

When choosing cinnamon, it’s important to pay attention to its smell: when the spice is fresh, there are sweet notes.

Ground cinnamon will keep for about six months, while cinnamon sticks will keep for up to one year before they lose their luster. You should keep the spice in a dark place and airtight container.

What can be cooked?

Cinnamon is used in both desserts and regular dishes. It can be added to:

• rice pudding;
• charlottes;
• strudels;
• gingerbread;
• cookies and other desserts;
• soups;
• rice, carrot and pumpkin dishes;
• curry spice blend;
• salad dressings;
• savory sauces;
• jams;
• mulled wine;
• coffee;
• cocoa.

In addition, cinnamon goes well with apples, pears and plum.

What are the dangers of cinnamon?

It is important to know that cinnamon contains coumarin. In high doses, it can be harmful to liver health. Side effects also include headaches and diarrhea caused by high doses of its bioactive compounds. Ceylon spice has lower levels of the substance, making it a better option for regular consumption.

How much cinnamon can be eaten per day?

The exact dosage that provides the optimal effect of cinnamon consumption is still being debated. However, on average, the daily allowance equates to 0.5-1 tsp per day (approximately 2-5 g).

It is important to consider the type of cinnamon: as cassia contains a higher amount of the bioactive compound coumarin, from 7 to 18 mg per tsp, which can be toxic to the liver.

Cinnamon is not only a tasty and flavorful addition to dishes and drinks, but also an element of a healthy diet, which, when consumed in permissible amounts, will benefit the body.