Ah, cinnamon ~ its delightful aroma and warm, spicy flavor are synonymous will calm, peaceful, relaxing moments. Personally, I love that cinnamon is also chock full of benefits for your health and overall wellness.
It’s the essential oils found in cinnamon bark that foster the wellness and medicinal properties. Cinnamon is anti-microbial, meaning it can help stop the growth of bacteria, including Candida, often associated with yeast. It can also help blood flow more freely by releasing arachidonic acid, which has anti-inflammatory actions. Inflammation is clearly an enemy of your body and cinnamon helps fight against the inflammation damage free radicals are trying to inflict. Type 2 diabetics are encouraged to work it into their diets if they enjoy the flavor, as it is effective in stabilizing blood sugar. Better brain function, colon health and protection against heart disease can come from consumption of cinnamon as well.
Now don’t go out and ingest huge amounts of cinnamon in a day, based on its health benefits, because you’ll be turned off from it forever. Enjoying small amounts 3 or so times a week will certainly allow you to garner all its fabulous wellness offerings and still enjoy the delicious flavor. Try a bit sprinkled on a green apple slice or added to your plain or vanilla yogurt. Fresh berries are another great choice for a sprinkling of cinnamon. Skip the sugar and go for plain cinnamon it in its natural state. That’s the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Who knew that one of our favorite spices had so much to offer in relation to our health and wellness? I am even more mesmerized with cinnamon now, knowing that it boasts great taste and great health benefits.
Laura Carson Miller is a freelance lifestyle writer in Atlanta.
Photo Credit © Olena Turovtseva | Dreamstime.com
