What Is Cinnamon ? Difference Between Ceylon And Cassia Cinnamon
What Is Cinnamon ?
It is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. It is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavoring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes etc. The aroma and flavor of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde.
How To Select & Store
It is available in either stick or powder form. While the sticks can be stored for longer, the ground powder has a stronger flavor. If possible, smell the it to make sure that it has a sweet smell, a characteristic reflecting that it is fresh.
It should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Ground cinnamon will keep for about six months. While cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about one year stored this way. Alternatively, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator.
Cassia & Ceylon Cinnamon
Health Benefits
Rich In Antioxidants
It is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and slow the aging process. The health benefits of cinnamon are attributed to the type of antioxidants called polyphenols, phenolic acid, and flavonoids. These compounds work to fight oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to disease formation when uncontrolled, especially as someone ages.
The health benefits include its ability to reduce many forms of oxidative stress, including the ability to limit nitric oxide build up in the blood and lipid (fat) peroxidation, which can both add to instances of brain disorders, cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. It can be also used as a natural food preservative.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, brain function decline, and more. Because it lowers swelling and inflammation, it can be beneficial in pain management.
Consumption of cinnamon can reduce both systemic and specific inflammation. Specific inflammation reduction means that consumption of cinnamon can help treat certain types of pain and headaches, as well as arthritis pain. It plays a double role in this particular type of pain. It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
Protects Heart Health
It reduces several of the most common risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure. It has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure, which is another threat for causing heart disease or a stroke.
It is a helpful blood coagulant and prevents bleeding by helping the body to form blood clots. It also increases blood circulation and advances bodily tissue’s ability to repair itself after it’s been damaged. This includes heart tissue which is in need of regeneration in order to fight heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke.
Cure Diabetes
It is known to have an anti-diabetic effect. It helps lower blood sugar levels and also can improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which is the vital hormone needed for keeping blood sugar levels balanced. People with type 2 diabetes can experience significant positive effects on blood sugar markers by supplementing with it’s extract.
Beneficial Effects On Neurodegenerative Diseases
It’s protective antioxidant properties is that they can help defend the brain against developing neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
It protects cognitive function and brain health is because it activates neuro-protective proteins that protect brain cells from mutation and undergoing damage. This further reduces the negative effects of oxidative stress by stopping cells from morphing and self-destructing.
What’s the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon?
Ceylon comes from trees grown in areas like Sri Lanka and Thailand that are rarer. Therefore ceylon is more expensive and hard to find in stores. Cassia comes from trees grown in China normally, is less expensive, and is more widely available.
Get Cassia Cinnamon
Ceylon actually has potential for having more health benefits than cassia. Ceylon also contains less of a compound called coumarins than cassia cinnamon does. Coumarins are believed to be potentially damaging to the liver when you consume a lot of them. Therefore Ceylon is the better option for producing cinnamon extracts that feature high doses of cinnamon. Ceylon is said to have a lighter and more citrusy taste than cassia, which has a deeper and spicer taste.
