Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift fit for kings. These days, cinnamon is cheap, available in every supermarket, and found as an ingredient in various foods and recipes.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

• Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as "true" cinnamon.

• Cassia cinnamon: The more common variety today and what people generally refer to as "cinnamon."

Cinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed.

When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder.

The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde.

Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of the cinnamon's powerful effects on health and metabolism.

Types of Cinnamon

The cinnamon tree is grown around the world and approximately 250 species of cinnamon have been identified so far.

However, there are two main types of cinnamon spice used today: Ceylon cinnamon, which is sometimes labeled as true or real cinnamon, and Cassia cinnamon, which is more widely available and commonly used. They each have a notable spicy taste and fragrance which is due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde and both types also contain plenty of health benefits, but Ceylon cinnamon powder is actually considered to be more potent.

In addition to these two common types of cinnamon, some of the other varieties available include:

• Indonesian cinnamon

• Vietnamese cinnamon

• Indian cinnamon

• Malabar cinnamon

Cinnamon Nutrition Facts

A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way, and its antioxidant properties are what make it especially beneficial to include in your diet. As little as half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, digestion, immunity, and more. However, stronger doses are also extremely beneficial for improving heart disease risk and cutting your risk of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Cinnamon also supplies a wide variety of important nutrients and is especially rich in fiber and manganese along with several other vitamins and minerals.

In addition to the nutrients listed above, each serving of cinnamon also contains a small amount of vitamin E, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and copper.