Cinnamon, which is called dalchini in Hindi, is one of the most widely used spices in the culinary world. It is used as a flavouring agent in both sweet and savoury dishes in various culinary traditions. The aroma of cinnamon is simply breathtaking. It takes us back to a bakery full of sweet treats and wintry delights including cinnamon cookies, hot chocolate and puddings that we just can’t resist! With its warm-sweet taste and fragrance that reflects its freshness, cinnamon can instantly delight your senses.
A spice that is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species of cinnamomum, cinnamon is one of the first spices to be used in the ancient world and was brought into Egypt as early as 2,000 BC. Isn’t that amazing how such an old spice can now be found stocked in our kitchen cabinets in the form of cinnamon powder and sticks?
But besides being a great ingredient in many curries and cups of tea, cinnamon offers umpteen health benefits as well. The humble spice is known to cure, as cinnamon has been used in Ayurveda for many years due to its healing properties. And the world has woken up to its health benefits in recent times. If the researchers at the University of Toronto are to be believed, cinnamon can reduce blood pressure levels, particularly in people with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Let’s look at some more benefits of consuming cinnamon.
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1. Cough and cold
Infuse some cinnamon in warm water and keep drinking all day to soothe that itchy throat and runny nose. Add a pinch of honey and you’ll have a wonderful cure. This is one of the best home remedies in Ayurveda, which says that cinnamon calms the vata and kapha doshas. Well, no wonder almost all Indian mothers and grandmothers have been giving their kids a cup of this wonderful drink since ages.
2. Digestion
An anti-bacterial spice, cinnamon heals infections in the gastro-intestinal tract while improving digestion and absorption. Upset tummy, acid-reflux or cramps can be easily relieved with a mix of cinnamon and yoghurt.
3. Diabetes
Cinnamon offers many medicinal properties and one of the most prominent ones is its ability to deal with the problem of diabetes. As per experts, cinnamon is known to stimulate cells for glucose consumption. Consuming cinnamon promotes the release of insulin from pancreas and boosts insulin sensitivity that helps in the processing of glucose. Experts also suggest that cinnamon can balance the glucose metabolism and facilitate satiety in our body, which further reduces the sudden spikes in blood sugar levels that we experience after a meal.
4. Immunity
Cinnamon comes packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and pro-anthocyanidins, which boost our immune system. The antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties present in cinnamon can also help in reducing the chances of various health problems like respiratory disorders and heart health issues.
Cinnamon isn’t just a healing spice but also a very versatile one. Its uses are not limited to sinful desserts, detox waters and teas but also across curries, fragrant stews, soups and rice-based dishes! Its pungent yet inviting aroma is one of its kind and chefs across the world cannot stop raving about it. Looking for some exciting cinnamon recipes to try? Click here to get started.