While cinnamon is a fantastic spice that makes all your favorite dishes taste warm and sweet, there’s a lot more to cinnamon than what meets the nose.

It has been a favorite for thousands of years, not just for its delicious taste but also for its fantastic health benefits.

As humans search for more natural ways of improving their well-being, cinnamon has made its way into kitchens all over the world.

But what is so special about cinnamon in cooking?

Now that we know what nopales are let’s learn more about their history, health benefits, and the best ways to eat them.

What Is Cinnamon? A Brief Overview

Cinnamon is the bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genre.

There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia (Ceylon (or 'true cinnamon') ).

The difference between Ceylon and Cassia is that Ceylon cinnamon is softer and more delicate in flavor, whereas Cassia is thicker and bolder, more pronounced.

Cinnamon has been used as a spice and a medicine for centuries.

It’s prized for its unique flavor and its many potential health benefits.

Cinnamon is grown in tropical regions like Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia. Many people sell cinnamon either in sticks or as a fine ground powder.

Most people use cinnamon to bake sweet treats and to spice up their beverages, but that’s where its versatility ends.

Some can be added to savory dishes and stews scattered over sauces.

Cooking With Cinnamon: Health Benefits

But cinnamon's many health benefits could make this an excellent option for your dishes.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cinnamon also contains cinnamaldehyde, which is a potent anti-inflammatory compound (1).

Many diseases, like heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer,r are linked to chronic inflammation.

Cinnamon can also be added to your cooking and helps reduce inflammation, promoting good health.

Blood Sugar Control

Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels (2) for people with type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity, meaning the body uses glucose better.

Adding cinnamon to dishes like smoothies or oatmeal can help balance blood sugar and decrease spikes.

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants (3) that help to defend your body against oxidative stress.

Free radicals caused by oxidative stress can damage cells and add to aging and disease.

Cinnamon contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, keeping cells and people healthy and reducing the chance of developing chronic illnesses.

Digestive Benefits

For many years, cinnamon has been a remedy for indigestion.

It can alleviate nausea, reduce bloating, and help soothe an upset stomach.

A dash of cinnamon in your meals can improve digestion, easing a well-grated stomach after a meal.

Heart Health

Cinnamon can also help lower cholesterol (4) and blood pressure, promoting better heart health.

Research shows that cinnamon consumed on a regular basis may decrease "bad" LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and help maintain the body’s overall cardiovascular health.

Cinnamon may just be doing wonders for your heart in the long run.

Use Cinnamon in Different Ways in Cooking

But there are so many ways to use cinnamon in cooking.

Savory Dishes

You might know cinnamon as something used in desserts, but it can also bring an excellent depth of flavor to a savory meal.

Cinnamon can be tried in stews, curries, or raised meats like lamb or chicken.

Warm enough to complement root vegetables and slow-cooked meats.

Cinnamon complements cumin, coriander, and turmeric in dishes such as Moroccan tagines or Indian curries, enhancing the flavors to the point where it becomes the fragrant base of the dish.

Beverages

Not only is cinnamon great for beverages, giving them just a little comforting flavor, but it’s also good for you.

If you’re not keen on eating it, try adding a stick of cinnamon to your coffee in the morning or steeping the cinnamon in hot water for cinnamon tea.

Sprinkle a little cinnamon into smoothies, especially ones with apples, bananas, or pumpkin, for extra flavor and nutrients.

Baking

Cinnamon is one of the most common types of baking.

It's a staple in many baked goods, from cinnamon rolls to muffins, cakes, and pies.

The fantastic thing about cinnamon is that it pairs well with apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and any of your fall-inspired desserts.

Cinnamon is excellent for waking up because it adds flavor and imbues your kitchen with a warm, welcoming scent. 

Sauces and Dressings

Sauces and dressings can be given a twist by adding cinnamon to them.

If you cannot have cinnamon with your meals, try incorporating it into a tomato-based pasta sauce or a vinaigrette for salads.

It can also be added to marinades for pork, chicken, or lamb, where its sweet and spicy notes complement garlic, ginger, and honey.

Gooseberry cough candy and homemade cinnamon honey is one of my best recipes to try with cinnamon in cooking.

Here are a few recipes to use cinnamon in your cooking and some creative ways to get you started.

Cinnamon Spiced Stew

This is a hearty stew of tender chunks of beef or lamb scented with cinnamon, onions, garlic, and root vegetables.

The aroma of cinnamon warms the palate and marries nicely with the rich, savory flavor of the meat.

To soak up all the wonderful sauce, serve this stew with crusty bread.

Apple Compote Cinnamon-Infused

Cinnamon–infused apple compote is a simple, elegant dessert that lets you capture all fall flavors.

Cook apples with a cinnamon stick, a little sugar, and a splash of lemon juice until just simmered.

The result is a sweet and tart dish that plays very well with yogurt, ice cream, or, you guessed it, pancakes.

Cinnamon Honey Butter

This is such a good sweet and savory spread on toast, cornbread, or, better yet, roasted vegetables.

It’s as simple as mixing softened butter with honey and a pinch of cinnamon.

Quick and easy means to add flavor to your meals and snacks.

Spiced Cinnamon Tea

One of the most delicious ways to reap the health rewards of cinnamon is by drinking cinnamon tea.

It’s easy to make — just steep a cinnamon stick in hot water for a few minutes.

For an extra flavorful and healthful beverage, add honey or lemon.

Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables

Cinnamon is an excellent way of getting a unique twist on roasted vegetables.

Cinnamon is a beautiful, warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.

This is a simple, delicious side dish to roast the vegetables with olive oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.

Cinnamon in Cooking Side Effects

Of course, eating cinnamon has health benefits, but you want to take it in moderation.

Ceylon vs. Cassia

Coumarin can be harmful in large amounts, and Cassia cinnamon contains mort.

However, Ceylon cinnamon has only trace amounts of coumarin and is the safer bet for daily consumption.

If you think you will use cinnamon often, choose Ceylon cinnamon to avoid side effects.

Potential Allergic Reactions

Although supplemental cinnamon does not cause adverse reactions in most people, some may be allergic.

If you have an allergic reaction, you may experience skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing.

If you develop any of these symptoms after eating cinnamon, contact your doctor immediately.

How much cinnamon is safe to eat?

While cinnamon in small amounts is generally safe to consume (1⁄2 teaspoon daily), it’s still best to stick to about one teaspoon daily.

The coumarin is absorbed in staggered batches to ensure you can enjoy its benefits without consuming too much coumarin at a time.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon is not only a flavorful spice; it is also a powerhouse of health benefits that can enhance the flavor and healthiness of your food.

Whether you want savory or sweet, cinnamon can be easily incorporated into whatever you’re cooking daily.

Cinnamon is the go-to spice, whether you are trying to enhance your heart health, tame your blood sugar, or just crave a good taste.

Let’s experiment with cinnamon in our food and see how this simple spice can improve our cooking and our health.

🧑‍🍳 Spice up your kitchen adventures! Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is your go-to for adding warmth to any recipe.

FAQs

What happens when you add cinnamon to food?

Dishes are made warmer and have a deeper flavor with cinnamon. 

Also, it may have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects and blood sugar regulation.

What good is cinnamon for baking?

Baked goods come out sweeter and more aromatic flavored because of cinnamon. 

It also combines with fruits, such as apples and pears.

How to use cinnamon to cook?

Cinnamon can be sweet or savory. It is found in stews, curries, beef and other meats, smoothies, tea, and baked goods.

Could cinnamon help you lose weight?

Some studies have found that cinnamon regulates blood sugar and boosts metabolism (5), both of which help burn calories.

Is cinnamon good for your heart health?

Cinnamon can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce Cardiovascular disease risks! Yes!

Related Studies

1. Title: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cinnamomum Species

This review evaluates the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of various cinnamon species, highlighting their potential therapeutic applications in inflammation-related diseases.

Link: https://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-2249-en.html

2. Title: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum)

This study demonstrates that cinnamon extract maintains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects after digestion, contributing to its potential health benefits in conditions like arthritis and diabetes.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9914695/

3. Title: Antioxidant Activity of Cinnamon zeylanicum: A Review

This review discusses the antioxidant properties of cinnamon zeylanicum, emphasizing its role in reducing oxidative stress and its potential medicinal applications.

Link: https://asianjpr.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-11-2-7

4. Title: Cinnamon's Role in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Research indicates that compounds in cinnamon can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069

5. Title: Cinnamon and Its Impact on Metabolism and Weight Loss

Studies suggest that cinnamon may enhance metabolic rate and support weight management through its effects on insulin sensitivity and fat burning.

Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069