Cinnamon is an indispensable ingredient in all of our kitchens. The aroma and taste that comes from adding a piece of cinnamon to tea, meat and fish stew, or dessert is wonderful, isn't it? But did you know that cinnamon is not just a flavoring agent, but also a herb that has many valuable properties for our health. In particular, today we are going to talk about "Ceylon Cinnamon" or Ceylon Cinnamon , which is considered the best cinnamon in the world, which is grown in our own country.
What is the difference between Ceylon Cinnamon and regular cinnamon (Cassia)?
You may not know, but what we buy at the store as "cinnamon" is not always the same type. There are two main types of cinnamon. Knowing this difference is very important for your health.
Simply put, one is the "true cinnamon" grown in our country or Ceylon Cinnamon. The other is the Chinese cinnamon called Cassia Cinnamon. This type of cinnamon is often cheaper in the market.
To understand the exact difference between the two, look at this table .
| Feature | Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) | Chinese cinnamon (Cassia Cinnamon / Cinnamomum cassia) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Thin, paper-like, many layers wrapped together. Easy to break. Light brown in color. | Thick, like a single hard shell. Hard to break. Dark brown in color. |
| Taste and smell | It has a soft, delicate, sweet taste and aroma. | It has a spicy, strong taste and aroma. |
| Coumarin content | Very low (0.004%). Therefore, it is safer for daily use. | Very high (about 1%). Taking too much can be harmful to the liver. |
The most important thing is the chemical called `(Coumarin)`. Since `(Cassia)` contains a lot of this, consuming it in excess on a daily basis can cause liver damage. However, our Sri Lankan cinnamon contains a very small amount of `(Coumarin)`. Therefore, if you are using cinnamon for health benefits, Ceylon Cinnamon is the most suitable .
Amazing health benefits of Sri Lankan cinnamon
Sri Lankan cinnamon is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. These fight harmful free radicals in our bodies and protect us from disease. Let's take a look at what these health benefits are.
Helps reduce inflammation
Inflammation is the cause of many of the pains and swellings in our bodies. It is also linked to many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. The compound cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon can control these inflammatory conditions.
Can lower cholesterol levels
Research has found that cinnamon can reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Surprisingly, this happens without significantly affecting levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).
Diabetes and Insulin Response
Cinnamon is a great thing for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes (insulin resistance). Adding cinnamon to your daily diet can improve the body's response to insulin. This can help control blood sugar levels.
May help fight cancer cells
This is still being researched, but preliminary research suggests that cinnamon extract may have some ability to control the growth and spread of cancer cells. However, this is not a cure for cancer. However, it is a good idea to include cinnamon as part of a healthy diet.
Helps control blood pressure
Some studies have shown that cinnamon can slightly lower blood pressure. Specifically, it has been shown that this benefit can be achieved by taking moderate amounts, less than 2 grams per day.
May help prevent Alzheimer's disease
There is evidence that cinnamon has the ability to control the accumulation of harmful proteins called ``amyloid beta plaques`` and ``tau tangles`` that damage brain cells. Also, since persistently unbalanced blood sugar levels also damage brain cells, cinnamon indirectly helps brain health by controlling sugar levels.
Nutrients contained in cinnamon
Cinnamon is a nutrient-dense food. It is particularly rich in the mineral manganese, which helps keep our bones healthy, aids in hormone production, and acts as an antioxidant.
A teaspoon of cinnamon (powder) contains:
- Calories: 6
- Protein: less than 1 gram
- Fat: less than 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: less than 1 gram
Cinnamon Supplements and Warnings
Despite the many benefits of cinnamon, you should not use it alone as a treatment for any illness. You should only seek treatment from your doctor for any health problem.
If you're considering taking cinnamon supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. There may be quality concerns about some of the supplements on the market. Additionally, some may contain heavy metals like lead.
These people should be especially careful:
- Pregnant mothers: It's okay to add cinnamon to your food as a flavoring, but avoid taking cinnamon supplements altogether.
- People with liver disease: Since `(Cassia)` type of cinnamon is high in `(coumarin)`, it can cause liver damage. Therefore, it is safest to use `Ceylon Cinnamon`.
- People taking other medications: Cinnamon can interact with some medications (especially cancer drugs), so tell your doctor about all medications you take.
Possible side effects of consuming too much cinnamon
Cinnamon is safe in moderate amounts, but taking too much can cause some side effects.
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Chest inflammation
- Headache
- Skin irritation (allergies)
If you suspect poisoning from cinnamon or anything else, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Ceylon Cinnamon is not only a flavoring agent, but also an herb with many health benefits.
- Compared to the commercially available ``Cassia`` type, Sri Lankan cinnamon contains much less ``Coumarin``, a compound that is harmful to the liver. Therefore, it is more suitable for daily use.
- Although they can help control diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure, they are not a cure for the disease.
- Like anything, cinnamon should be used in moderation.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking cinnamon supplements, especially if you are pregnant or taking medication for other conditions.
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