What Is Cinnamon? Discover Its Origins, Benefits, and Uses
Cinnamon is one of the most beloved of all the world’s spices, celebrated for its sweet, warm flavor and uses.
Cinnamon has a long history derived from the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus.
In ancient times, it was highly prized as a precious commodity, once traded and used in celebrated rituals for its medicinal properties.
Cinnamon is still used today in kitchens, herbal remedies, and even skincare Routines.
In this guide, I’ll share with you exactly what cinnamon is, its fascinating origins, all of its amazing benefits, and how to use it every day.
What Is Cinnamon? An Overview
We know Cinnamon to be a spice derived from the inner bark of tropical evergreen trees.
When the barks are stripped, they form drinking quills, and when they dry, these quills curl, forming recognizable cinnamon sticks.
Then, it is ground into a powder or processed into essential oils for numerous uses.
There are two main types of cinnamon: True cinnamon from Ceylon, or 'true,' and Cassia, or the more familiar and robust cinnamon.
Although both can be said to be good, Ceylon cinnamon is a superior type due to its delicate taste and lower coumarin content.
The Origins of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is endemic to tropical parts of the world, especially Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and parts of China.
Ceylon cinnamon is such a popular spice that the island of Sri Lanka is widely known for its high-quality city stuff.
Cinnamon used to be a very sought-after spice along historic trade routes.
In some cultures, it was used as currency and was once more valuable than gold.
The Egyptians also used cinnamon for the embalming rites, whereas the Romans liked it as an exotic delicacy.
There is so much more about cinnamon than just that—it is a visual reminder and symbol of the connection (and some of the differences) between how people around the world live, eat, and celebrate.
How Cinnamon Is Made
The Bark of Cinnamomum trees that are carefully harvested is the beginning of a process to make cinnamon.
It’s grown by skilled farmers who strip the bark from young branches to ensure future growth.
The inner bark is dried, but the outer layer is removed.
It’s the bark that eventually curls up into those storied cinnamon quills.
These quills can be used whole or ground into cinnamon powder.
Cinnamon essential oil is obtained by distillation and is used in aromatherapy and as a natural cure.
Benefits of Cinnamon: Why It’s More than Just a Spice
A flavorful addition to food but a powerhouse of health benefits, cinnamon is not only that.
It contains antioxidants that help your body fight oxidative stress (1).
Some of the medicinal properties of the plant are attributed to its natural compounds, such as cinnamaldehyde.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
The presence of cinnamon has been thought to help regulate blood sugar levels, which makes it a great spice for people with diabetes (2).
It helps keep the heart healthy, improves blood circulation, and lowers bad cholesterol.
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, the spice will help reduce joint pain and swelling (3).
Being a natural choice for immunity boosting and fighting infections, the antimicrobial properties of cinnamon work well.
In addition, some studies also claim that cinnamon could help the brain and memory (4).
Cinnamon in Daily Life Usage
Cinnamon doesn’t just have culinary uses.
It's used in the kitchen world to add sweetness and spice to apple pies and spiced curries.
Cinnamon is brewed into teas in traditional medicine to soothe sore throats and improve digestion.
Cinnamon also happens to be a natural air freshener for many—people use it because the aroma is pleasant.
A popular ingredient in skincare products used for its antimicrobial and soothing properties is essential oil.
Is Cinnamon Safe? Precaution and Considerations.
Cinnamon is most often safe, but also in moderation.
The more common variety, cassia cinnamon, contains a substance called coumarin, which can be harmful in large amounts (5).
Too much of it may harm the liver or inhibit certain medications.
Ceylon cinnamon is a safer choice if the spice is used consistently.
Cautious should be taken when consuming large amounts of cinnamon by pregnant women, those with liver issues, or on blood thinning medication.
Types of Cinnamon: Ceylon vs. Cassia
True cinnamon calls it "Ceylon cinnamon" because it is lighter in color and has a more delicate, sweet flavor.
Sri Lanka is the only place in the world that grows it, and it is the preferred culinary and medicinal use.
On the other hand, Cassia cinnamon is darker and thicker but more intensely spicier than the cinnamon.
Less expensive and more available, it is used in many processed foods and in commercial products.
When you’re picking out cinnamon, think about what you need.
If you’re using cinnamon for health, go for Ceylon cinnamon as it has less coumarin content than cassia cinnamon.
How Can You Put Cinnamon in Your Daily Routine?
It’s easy and delicious to add cinnamon to your routine.
Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie for your starter.
Steep a stick in hot water to make a warm, comforting drink, and brew cinnamon tea.
Add a touch of cinnamon to your coffee or hot chocolate to spice it up.
Bake with cinnamon to add flavor to baking, from cookies to bread.
Cinnamon oil can also be diffused, with pronounced antimicrobial qualities and a soothing aroma.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon is not a spice, not at all; it is a bridge, a bridge between the traditional and the modern-day lifestyle.
Due to its unique flavor, health benefits, and versatility, it’s a great choice to add to any kitchen or wellness routine.
From adding depth to a recipe to helping you with better health or giving you a comforting aroma, there's something for everybody with cinnamon.
When you grab this humble spice again, think of its rich history and its power benefits.
Instead, today, you can explore how to incorporate cinnamon into your life in ways that will either add flavor or wellness without you even realizing it.
🌟 Spice up your health with cinnamon! Add a sprinkle to your day and feel the difference! 🌟
FAQs
What does cinnamon powder consist of?
Cinnamon powder is ground cinnamon made from the dried bark of either Cinnamomum trees in Southeast Asia, La Espanola in Cuba, or the Ceylon cinnamon of Sri Lanka.
What is cinnamon good for?
Cinnamon is good for flavoring food and helps with blood sugar levels, heart health, and immunity.
So, what’s the difference between Ceylon and cassia cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon (about as mild as what we use for Pumpkin Pie Spice) has less coumarin and is healthier, and Cassia cinnamon is stronger and more coumarin.
Is it safe to eat cinnamon every day?
Yes, in small amounts. But be careful as the excess can be eaten, especially with Cassia cinnamon.
How do I use cinnamon easily?
Place it into oatmeal, coffee, or baked goods, or use it in soups and curries for an added flavor.
Related Studies
1. Title: Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant
This review highlights cinnamon's potent antioxidant properties, demonstrating its effectiveness against oxidative stress and various health conditions.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4003790/
2. Title: Cinnamon Use in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
This study reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and finds that cinnamon consumption significantly reduces fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3767714/
3. Title: The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cinnamon Extract
This study investigates the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of cinnamon extract, showing its ability to modulate antigen-presenting cell functions and reduce inflammation in murine models.
Link: https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/cinnamon+extract+inhibits
4. Title: Cinnamon Converts Poor Learning Mice to Good Learners
This research demonstrates that cinnamon can enhance learning and memory in mice by stimulating hippocampal plasticity through its metabolite sodium benzoate.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5097886/
5. Title: Coumarin Content and Safety of Cassia Cinnamon
This study evaluates the safety of cassia cinnamon, focusing on its coumarin content and potential health risks associated with high consumption levels.
Link: https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/coumarin+content+cassia+cinnamon+safety
