I don’t know about you, but I love cinnamon. A dash of the spice can add a delightful warm aroma to your meal and a treat for your health. Cinnamon contains more antioxidants than oregano and garlic, so much in fact that it can be used as a food preservative. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which aid the body in fighting tissue damage and various infections. Cinnamon reduces the body’s cholesterol level, preventing potential heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world. Doctors even recommend that Type 2 Diabetics incorporate a gram of cinnamon into their daily diet in order to reduce their blood sugar. It helps fight various infections, and correlations have even been found between the intake of cinnamon and cancer prevention as well as neurodegenerative disease prevention. Overall, cinnamon is a great addition to a healthy diet, and you only need it in small amounts.
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
½ cup whole rolled oats
1 cup water
½ a medium sized apple, diced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ cup 2% milk
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granola
In a small saucepan, boil the water.
Add the oats, lower the heat to medium-low and cook covered for about 5-8 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed into the oatmeal.
In the meantime, heat a small saucepan on medium-low. Add apples and brown sugar, and caramelize until the apples are softened, stirring frequently.
This should take about 2 minutes.
Add apple mixture to oatmeal. Stir in the milk and cinnamon. Spoon mixture into a bowl and top with granola.
Serve immediately.
Cinnamon Fun Facts
Fun fact #1: Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a plant called a cinnamomum tree.
Fun fact #2: The wooden parts are taken out, and the remaining bark dries up, curls up into little rolls, and can be shredded into the powder we commonly see as cinnamon.
Fun fact #3: Cinnamon is amazing for your health and wellness!
You don’t have to go around eating tubs of cinnamon everyday, but adding a gram a day or a little more a few times a week can seriously improve several aspects of your health. However, if you want to get the most out of cinnamon, it’s best to consume the Ceylon variety, which is “true” cinnamon. It isn’t as sweet, but it’s definitely healthier. Mixing it into your sweetened yogurt or eating it with some fruit is a way to make it taste great.
Who knew that one of our favorite spices had so much to offer in relation to our health and wellness? I loved cinnamon before, but I’m even more mesmerized by it now. It’s a true treat for your health!
Recipe and photo via spicyspoonful.com
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