Cinnamon

Every housewife knows about the fragrant spice – cinnamon, which gives dishes and drinks a special taste. However, cinnamon is not only a spicy seasoning in cooking, but also an effective remedy and a piquant ingredient in perfumes. In ancient times, because of this spice, wars were started, countries were ruined and enriched. Ancient people learned how to extract cinnamon at the dawn of the first civilizations. Now this seasoning takes pride of place in the culinary of many peoples of the world, and it is well deserved.

History

Cinnamon was first mentioned in Chinese manuscripts about 5 years ago. From the story of Herodotus, in order to find the spice bark, one had to go through many obstacles ^[1]. Arab merchants invented these stories to increase sales of the spice. That is why in Europe for a long time cinnamon was considered inaccessible, accessible only to the elite.

This spice is also mentioned in the Bible. The Old Testament says that God told Moses to take cinnamon with him from Egypt. ^[2]. The ancient Indian treatise Ayurveda states that cinnamon is a sweet spice with a spicy taste. In ancient times, whole caravans were sent with this spice. In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was equated with gold. In the Middle Ages, the spice was used more as an aromatic spice. Venice was the main supplier of cinnamon to Europe, which purchased the spice from Alexandria. There is also mention of this seasoning in the Russian medical book “Cool Helicopter”.

Characterization

Cinnamon is an evergreen tree of the Laurel family. In addition, dried tree bark is also called cinnamon. Since ancient times, two types of this spice have been distinguished: real (Ceylon) cinnamon and Chinese, or cassia. Among the distinctive features of the first variety, dark brown color, rich aroma and pungent taste, as well as the fragility of the sticks, are noted. Cassia, on the other hand, has a light brown color, a less intense taste, and in the form of sticks, it breaks hard.

Real cinnamon is made in India and Ceylon from the bark of cinnamon trees. The very best stick-shaped spices are quite thin (as thin as a sheet of paper). Because of their thinness, the spice sticks are nested inside each other. The tree is grown for two years, and then cut to the root. Many young shoots grow from it, from which a thin bark is cut. For sale, the sticks are cut into 5-10 cm in length. Local chefs add fragrant cinnamon leaves to soups instead of bay leaves. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best. Today, the spice is grown in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Brazil, India, Indonesia and other countries.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

The chemical composition of cinnamon includes tannins, resins, gums, phenolic acids, vitamins and minerals. Ceylon cinnamon also contains the volatile compound eugenol, which gives the spice a pleasant and rich aroma. Cassia contains starch and coumarin, which are harmful to health. In real cinnamon, these substances are present in small doses.

Useful Properties

The healing properties of cinnamon have been known since ancient times. Modern research confirms that the use of this seasoning has a positive effect on the body, improves tone, strengthens the immune system and helps to overcome many diseases.

To date, cinnamon has been proven effective in the treatment of diabetes. ^[4]. Half a teaspoon of spice a day regulates blood sugar levels and prevents the development of inflammatory processes in the body. Some experts claim that with the help of this spice you can fight cancer. ^[5] Cinnamon is widely used as an antiseptic. It effectively cleanses the choleretic system and liver, removes excess fluid and salt from the body.

For school-age children, cinnamon will be effective as an antiviral and antibacterial agent. In addition, the spice increases concentration and improves eyesight.

For women, cinnamon is indispensable during painful menstruation. It relieves pain, improves overall tone and removes irritability. In addition, regular use of the spice enhances sexuality.

In men, the use of cinnamon helps to increase potency. The aroma of spices significantly enhances the sensitivity of erogenous zones and stimulates sexual desire.

This spice is known to protect against heart attacks, lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots. ^[6]. It also helps to normalize blood pressure, improve memory and has a positive effect on the body with insomnia and depression.

Cinnamon effectively helps with cough and severe sore throat, as well as toothaches.

The spice helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system of the body and protects against heart disease.

With the help of spices, bad breath can be eliminated. To do this, chew a small piece of cinnamon. Additionally, it is recommended to gargle in the morning with a solution of one teaspoon of honey and spices.

Cinnamon prevents the growth of various bacteria, which has a positive effect on the work of the stomach. In addition, the spice significantly reduces the level of acidity, eliminates diarrhea and nausea.

Spice oil stimulates creativity and new ideas. The smell of cinnamon activates the cognitive function of the brain, increases alertness, and also relieves blues and anxiety.

Противопоказания

Spice in reasonable doses has a positive effect on the body. However, excessive use of spices can provoke a breakdown, severe headaches and a depressed state. ^[7]. In addition, high doses of coumarin in cinnamon can damage the liver and kidneys. Considering that Chinese cinnamon (cassia) contains a hundred times more coumarin than the Ceylon variety, doctors strongly recommend that when buying, specify where the spice came from ^[8].

In addition, it is not recommended to use this spice for people taking medications. This is due to the fact that when interacting with an antibiotic, it affects its chemical composition.

The spice is contraindicated in the following cases ^{[7] [9]}:

• age up to three years;
• pregnancy (affects uterine contractions, which can lead to premature birth);
• breastfeeding (affects the taste of breast milk);
• poor blood clotting (blood thinning);
• peptic ulcers;
• high blood pressure and high temperature;
• chemotherapy;
• individual intolerance to the spice and an allergic reaction to it.

Proper storage

The spice must be stored in a closed glass container in a dry and dark place. This will save the beneficial properties of ground spice for six months, and sticks – for a year. ^[10].

If the spice has lost its smell and freshness, it means that it is devoid of nutrients and unhealthy.

It is recommended to buy ground cinnamon in small quantities. When choosing a product, you need to smell it and understand how stable the aroma is. To test the spice, you can take a solution of iodine and add it to a portion of the powder. If its color turns dark blue, then it is cassia; if there are no obvious changes, then you have purchased Ceylon cinnamon ^[11].

Treatment

Cinnamon can be used to cure many ailments. External use of the spice oil is popular in massages and rubbing. To prepare aroma oil, take 10 ml of vegetable oil and mix with 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil.

With weakness, delayed menstruation, impotence, colds, diarrhea and flu, a drink made from spice oil, honey and herbal tea will be effective. For preparation, use 1-2 drops of oil and a teaspoon of honey, adding these ingredients to herbal tea. For inhalation of the upper respiratory tract, use a few drops of spice oil with hot water.

With flu or hypothermia, it is useful to drink a drink of hot wine and cinnamon, as well as hot water, honey, lemon juice, one clove and a pinch of spice. An excellent prevention of influenza is a drink of half a teaspoon of spice, a pinch of ground black pepper and honey. It is recommended to drink one glass every three hours. If the cold is initial, then it is recommended to prepare a drink of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. All ingredients should be brewed in equal doses of 1/3 teaspoon per cup of boiling water and drunk every hour. To get rid of a headache with a cold, prepare a gruel of spices and apply on the forehead for a certain time.

Scientists in Germany have conducted a number of studies that prove that cinnamon can eliminate some urinary tract infections. ^[12].

Weight Loss

The spice has been successfully used for weight loss. There are many ways to lose weight with cinnamon. Using the spice, you can lose up to 2 kg per week. Due to its ability to increase metabolism, it effectively burns fat. Food in the body begins to be processed faster, without remaining in the form of fat deposits. In addition, the spice regulates blood glucose levels and affects the body’s natural self-purification processes. This leads to getting rid of toxins, excess fluid and accumulated toxins. In addition, the smell of cinnamon reduces appetite. As a result, the spice leads not only to weight loss, but also to cleansing the body of harmful substances.

The most popular drink for weight loss is cinnamon kefir. To prepare it, you will need 1,5 liters of kefir and 1 tsp. spices. Mix the ingredients and put in the refrigerator. It is recommended to drink one glass of the prepared remedy during the day.

Cinnamon and ginger are also an ideal combination for weight loss. To prepare such a fragrant cocktail, you need to mix one glass of low-fat kefir, half a teaspoon of spice and ginger, and add a pinch of ground red pepper. Recommended to drink before bed ^[13].

To cleanse the body and remove the stomach, use a mixture of honey and cinnamon. For a month of taking this remedy, you can lose up to 7 kg of excess weight.

Recipes

In cooking, cinnamon is used in baking, fruit desserts, puddings and drinks.

Oriental Cinnamon Drink

One or two tablespoons of spices are poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for about 5-7 minutes. Then filter and add 1-2 tablespoons of condensed milk.

Wine with Cinnamon

Add a few spice sticks to the wine and heat over low heat. Drink warm.

Cinnamon toasts

Sliced ​​bread is toasted on one side. Put butter on the other side and sprinkle with a mixture of spices and sugar and fry until golden brown.

Cosmetic procedures

Cinnamon is widely used in cosmetic procedures. It is actively used to give hair a healthy shine and elasticity, for example, in the form of a mask with the addition of honey and olive oil. To prepare it, take 1 teaspoon of spice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and honey. The mixture is applied to wet hair for 45 minutes, then washed off with shampoo and rinsed with water and vinegar. This mask effectively helps with hair loss.

It is not recommended to dry hair after such procedures.

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