Beneficial- delicious – nutritious
Featuring Cinnamon
While native only to the island of Sri Lanka, cinnamon trees are now naturalized in South East Asia. Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of a dozen species of trees. In Sri Lanka, cinnamon is known as KURUNDU. Cinnamon is harvested by growing the tree for two years then cutting the branches down at the base; and, the next year, about a dozen shoots will form from the roots again.
The bark must be processed immediately after harvesting while still wet. Once processed, the bark will dry completely in four to six hours. Its flavor is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5% to 1% of its composition. This oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, softening it in seawater, and then quickly distilling the whole.
Although there are four main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon are the most popular. Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in North America comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon. It has a darker color and the quills are harder. Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes called true cinnamon. It is more expensive and has a sweet taste.
Cinnamon and cassia are not obtained the same plant. They should be treated as separate foods, both from a nutritional and a health standpoint.
Scientifically speaking, there is only one true cinnamon, which is most commonly called "Ceylon cinnamon". It comes from the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum. An alternative scientific name for Ceylon cinnamon is Cinnamomum verum. Look for those names on the packaging of cinnamon you buy!
The term "cassia" never refers to Ceylon cinnamon but rather to other species of cinnamon, including Cinnamomum cassia (alternatively called Cinnamomum aromaticaum) and Cinnamomum burmannii. Cinnamomum aromaticaum being referred to as "Chinese cinnamon" or "Saigon cinnamon," and you'll find Cinnamomum burmannii being called "Java cinnamon" or "Padang cassia." The CASSIA does not have the health benefits the true cinnamon does.
Ceylon cinnamon is typically more expensive than any of the cassia versions, and it is also the cinnamon more closely associated with potential health benefits
(True) Cinnamon is linked to a several health benefits. A 2003 study at National Institutes of Health shows benefits of cinnamon in diet of type 2 diabetics. Cinnamon bark, a component of the traditional Japanese medicine, has been shown in a 2008 study published in the Journal of General Virology to have an antiviral therapeutic effect. Also, a 2011 study isolated a substance (in the cinnamon) which reduces development of Alzheimer's in mice.
In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Cassia cinnamon is used for colds, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. It's also believed to improve energy and circulation and be particularly useful for people who tend to feel hot in their upper body but have cold feet.
Chocolate Smoothie: under 300 cal
1. 1 tbsp Ceylon Cinnamon (cal – 19; fiber 4g – 19%; Iron 4%; manganese– 68%)
2. 1 tbsp ( 5 g ) RAW Cocoa power , unsweetened ( cal – 12; fiber 2g – 7%; fat 1g – 1%; Iron – 4%; copper 10%; manganese – 10%)
3. 1 tbsp ground Flax Seed (1 tbsp: cal – 37; total fat 3g, 5%; fiber 2g, 8%; carbs 2g, 1%)
4. 1 banana
5. 2 tbsp Shredded unsweetened Coconut
6. 1 tbsp raw almond butter (90 cal)
7. 1 cup of Almon Organic (no sugar added) or flax milk (50 cal)
As a bonus: Raw Cacao provides a powerful dose of antioxidants including polyphenols, catechins, epicatechins and flavanoids.
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