Health benefits of cinnamon
Tge current eating habits of Ghanaians are as a result of emergence of pastry, coffee shops, and catering establishments that have introduced several interesting spices to the Ghanaian pallette.
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People have, therefore, acquired taste for some of these spices.
One of these is cinnamon.
It has become clear that most foods are incomplete without a sprinkle of cinnamon in the recipe and patrons appreciate its distinct taste.
Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam and Egypt. In Ghana, it is grown in the Western Region at the Bawdie Arboretum in Wassa Amenfi East for export and local use. It's one of the oldest known spices.
To prepare it, the bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, also called quills. Cinnamon can also be dried and ground into powder.
The characteristic flavour and aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound in the essential oil of the bark called cinnamonaldehyde.
Varieties
Although there are four main varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon are the most popular. Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes called true cinnamon. It is more expensive and has a sweet taste. The quills are softer and can be easily ground. Ceylon cinnamon is sold in speciality stores. In Ghana, Ceylon cinnamon comes already ground, although a few brands come as sticks.
Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in this part of the world comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon. It has a darker colour and the quills are harder. Unlike Ceylon cinnamon, it can't be easily ground into powder.
Manufacturers have found very creative ways of packaging cinnamon for patrons. Cinnamon can now be found in the form of powder and sticks, making it difficult for patrons to make a choice.
Currently, a sachet of cinnamon costs about GH¢2 on the average.
Health benefits
Taste and smell are, however, not the only reason to love cinnamon. There are several health benefits one can enjoy from this amazing plant.
Some of these health benefits are:
• Numerous studies show that cinnamon regulates blood sugar, making it a great choice for hyperglycemics (high blood sugar levels). That’s also great news for anyone who wants stable energy levels and moods. Caution: People who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without speaking with a doctor and a dietitian as it may cause blood glucose levels to dip too low. Improperly treated diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
• It reduces LDL cholesterol levels. LDL is also known as the harmful cholesterol. Reducing it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• It has natural anti-microbial activity. In studies, cinnamon has been effective against ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria and other pathogens. Cinnamon is one of the most effective E-coli fighters because of its anti microbial properties. Mix cinnamon oil with hydrogen peroxide and spray your cutting board and kitchen sink especially after you have cut meats. Spray it in your refrigerator. It’s safe and natural.
• It reduces pain linked to arthritis. Cinnamon has been shown in studies at the Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Korean Hospital, to reduce cytokines which is a chemical linked to arthritic pain.
• Research at the University of Texas, published in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer, shows that cinnamon may reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, holding promise for cancer prevention and sufferers of the disease.
• It contains fibre, calcium, iron,and manganese—albeit small amounts to the typical dose of ground cinnamon.
• It’s been proven effective for menstrual pain and infertility. Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones
• Cold, sore Throat and cough – At the first sign (within 5-10 minutes) of sniffles or an itch in your throat, take some cinnamon tea or cinnamon stick tea. It is said to stop an impending illness in its tracks. Again, this is related to the anti-bacterial and warming properties of cinnamon and its propensity to increase blood flow and thereby improve blood oxygen levels to fight illness. Chinese traditional medicine commonly recommends cinnamon for phlegm coughs.
Savouring its delicious taste
So the next time you are in a catering section of a mall or at a coffee shop enjoying food that contains cinnamon savouring its delicious taste, remember that your health is being improved as you enjoy your food. It is important to note that cinnamon can be enjoyed in various forms even as we take our morning tea and porridge (koko). About a teaspoon of the powder would do the trick.
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Why not try a few things with cinnamon by making a paste with honey and using it as a spread for children and adults (about a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of honey) or use it as a spice, in addition to others such as garlic or ginger, for seasoning fish, chicken and even in our stews and soups.
Remember not to over-indulge in its use to experience the benefits of cinnamon, as this may cause adverse health effects.
The writers are with the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana, Legon