National Cinnamon Day

There is nothing quite like the smell and taste of cinnamon. Sweet, earthy, and spicy, cinnamon is the warm spice that helps usher in the fall and winter seasons. It is a versatile spice that can be used all year long in almost any dish, such as both sweet and savoy. It gives flavor to cinnamon rolls, apple pie, mulled wine, and is delicious in ground beef. Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift fit for kings. 

The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde. Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon’s powerful effects on health and metabolism. An astounding and exciting benefit of a daily dose of cinnamon is its impact on type 2 diabetes. It can help manage this condition by reducing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. Certain compounds in cinnamon can imitate the effects of insulin and help regulate blood sugar, a function which is crucial for those with diabetes.

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for the aging process and also the formation of some kind of illness and disease. Cinnamon has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamaldehyde is the amazing compound that gives cinnamon its odour and flavour, and it can also ease swelling and prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Its anti-inflammatory qualities don’t stop there; it can also block certain substances associated with abnormal cell growth and thereby lower the risk for diseases such as cancer.

There is a growing body of evidence that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. According to researchers, an extract present in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that may prevent symptoms from developing. Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques, and improvements in their ability to think and reason. If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract — but not necessarily whole cinnamon — may be useful in developing therapies for Alzheimer’s.

Private Home Care loves sweet cinnamon! It is used in Mary’s irresistible baklava to give it its special flavor. Cinnamon is easy to incorporate into your diet, whether it be in your coffee, a smoothie, or morning oatmeal, you can’t go wrong with cinnamon!