Ceylon cinnamon a better choice than the more common cassia cinnamon, say experts

Related research published in the journal The Annals of Family Medicine observed similar benefits with regard to lipid levels. Researchers from Western University of Health Sciences' College of Pharmacy found that cinnamon intake helps lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, two substances commonly associated with heart disease.

"The consumption of cinnamon is associated with a statistically significant decrease in levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, and an increase in HDL-C levels," wrote the authors.

So will just any old cinnamon do? An increasing number of experts say no, as cassia cinnamon, the most common variety in North America and Europe, contains high levels of coumarin. Though the jury is still out on whether or not coumarin is actually harmful, sticking with  Ceylon Cinnamon, a more rare yet more potent cinnamon variety, can provide optimal benefits with minimal risk.

Often referred to as "true" cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon contains much higher levels of cinnamon oil compared to cassia varieties. At the same time, cassia cinnamon contains upwards of 200 times more coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon, containing up to 8 percent coumarin by volume. Comparatively, Ceylon cinnamon contains a mere 0.04 percent coumarin by volume.

As far as their general medicinal value, both cassia and Ceylon cinnamon have been found to aid in gut health and free radical scavenging. Science has shown that cinnamon may also be beneficial in preventing stomach flu, improving digestion, alleviating the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), guarding against candida infections, treating arthritis and even preventing and treating cancer.

"Several studies have indicated that cinnamon has the ability to fight off bacteria," writes Kevin Gianni of RenegadeHealth.com. "One animal study found that a particular component in cinnamon impaired the proliferation of cancer cells and slowed tumor growth," he adds.

Ceylon Cinnamon is available from SpiceAndTea.com

Cinnamon, or Cinnamomum ceylon, is a medicinal spice harvested from an evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka, a region formerly known as Ceylon, which is the basis for the spice's botanical name. Cinnamon ceylon possesses a sweeter, more delicate flavor than Cinnamon cassia, the other main variety of cinnamon that is less valuable and more commonly sold in the United States, according to Botanical-Online. Cinnamon has long been used as a medicinal spice and has roots that go as far back as ancient Egypt. Using spices medicinally can be effective for fighting health disorders, however, a physician should always be consulted prior to using them.

CellularClean.com     StreamZones.com     AnyCalculator.com    FineTunedUniverse.com

ExactWeather.com    GooToYou.com         Kale Shake

Consuming cinnamon may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The spice's mechanism of action is not known, however, it is thought that components in cinnamon may increase insulin receptor sensitivity, which can increase the body's ability to remove glucose from the bloodstream and store it in the body's tissues, according to magazine "Eating Well." The recommended dose is approximately 1/2 tsp. of powdered cinnamon mixed with water per day.

Cinnamon is widely used to treat digestive disorders such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, appetite loss and indigestion. Additionally, cinnamon's essential oils aid in the dissemination of food particles and stimulate saliva and gastric juices, which helps with most aspects of digestion and nutrient absorption. To avoid indigestion when eating acidic foods, consider sprinkling cinnamon on the meal when appropriate. A recommended dose of cinnamon is an infusion of a 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 8 oz. of water consumed a half hour prior to meals.

Cinnamon's active compound, cinnamaldehyde, increases peripheral blood flow, which means the spice may be appropriate for treating poor circulation in hands and feet. Cinnamon may be particularly effective for treating the health disorder chilblains, which are ulcers of the fingers and toes caused by exposure to cold weather. Additionally, cinnamon possesses properties that help to remove obstructions in the blood vessels, such as cholesterol, which improves general blood circulation, according to the Epicentre. A recommended dose of cinnamon for vascular health is an infusion of 1 tsp. of cinnamon added to 16 oz. of water, consumed daily in two divided doses.

Try this refreshing Cinnamon Avocado Smoothie. But if want it to taste a little sweet add some honey or an Apple. The high fat Avocado and cashew will keep you satiated for hours and provide valuable Potassium and Magnesium.

Prep Time : 8 hours (for soaking)
Cook Time : 4 minutes
Serves : 1

INGREDIENTS


DIRECTIONS

  1. Soak 1 cup of raw cashew nuts in 2 cups of water, overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. After overnight soaking, rinse the soaked cashew nuts in cold water for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the cashew, 1/2 tsp of Ceylon Cinnamon powder, and 1 tablespoon of water to the blender and blend on your liquefy settings of your blender for 1 minute. Adding too much water will make it harder to blend the cashew into a smooth paste.
  4. Now add 1 Avocado and blend, slowly adding 2 cups of water as you blend.
  5. Add a dash of crushed ice and serve.
  6. If you wish to add honey or apples, add a little extra Ceylon Cinnamon, as Cinnamon will cut the sugar.

    CellularClean.com     StreamZones.com     AnyCalculator.com    FineTunedUniverse.com

    ExactWeather.com    GooToYou.com         Kale Shake