Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka. Ceylon was an old name for Sri Lanka. Ceylon cinnamon is used in Mexico, Latin America, India, and other countries from South Asia.
 

Cassia is native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. It commonly used in the United States, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.

Both the cinnamon has antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Do you ever wonder, how come the whole cinnamon sticks are so beautifully curled?
The cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tree. The branches are removed, gathered and the barks are peeled off. After peeling, the inner barks are rolled like a cigar, and hung up to dry.
And this how they come looking like the beautifully curled cinnamon sticks we get….

Coumarin is a compound found naturally in cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon has high concentrations of coumarin compared to Ceylon cinnamon.
Even though Coumarin is a natural ingredient, being an anti-coagulant, it can damage liver and kidneys if consumed in large amounts. But the threat is only for individuals who eat the Cassia cinnamon daily in large amounts or for those who are sensitive to it.
The safe amount of Cassia cinnamon that may be consumed daily to avoid liver damage is less than 1-5 grams, or 1 teaspoon a day.
So, a pinch of cinnamon here and there daily won’t harm you, in fact it will help you in many ways…
Caution: Stay away from supplements which might unknowingly induce high doses of cinnamon and may provide a threat..

1. Cinnamon is a natural memory booster
When thinking of brain health and memory, cinnamon works like a miracle. Cinnamon is excellent in boosting short- and long-term memory. It is believed to slow down the progression and even improve some symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Not only memory but cinnamon improves cognitive abilities. In todays world of high-tech smart devices, we need improved visual-motor skills. This can be easily achieved with a pinch of cinnamon a day.

2. Cinnamon can help diabetes
Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Ceylon cinnamon on complex carbohydrates like oatmeal is excellent way to flavor as well as achieve the desired benefit.
According to the recent report from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service even less than ½ a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes.

3. A natural blood-thinner, anti-clotting
Cinnamon acts as a natural blood thinner, it stops blood platelets from clotting. You may wonder that, isn’t it necessary for blood to clot in case of wound. Of course, we need to stop bleeding.

So, how’s’ cinnamon’s anti-clotting property beneficial?
Frequent blood clotting isn’t good for health. These irregular blood clots can be deadly. For example, In the case of heart disease, the thickening of the blood occurs. Thick blood requires body to put more effort in circulating the blood. This can increase the patient's blood pressure. It takes a toll on circulatory system and might damage internal organs and arteries. Cinnamon being a natural blood thinner, thins the blood and prevents the clotting.

1. Add a dash of cinnamon to your morning coffee or tea.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to your oatmeal.
3. Boil a cinnamon stick on 3 cups of water. Reduce to 2 cups. Let it steep for few mins. Add honey and lemon and enjoy the refreshing cinnamon tea.
4. Add pinch of cinnamon powder in pancake or waffle mix.
5. Break cinnamon stick and add 2-3 strands while making rice or boiling pasta and enjoy the unique flavor and aroma.
6. Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to mashed sweet potatoes.