Cinnamon (Cinnamomum velum or C. cassia) has long been considered the "miracle spice" in many parts of the world. Research also shows that the active ingredients such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol do have health benefits. Although research results show varying degrees of effectiveness, and its role in curing disease is still debated, cinnamon is quite efficacious for relieving gastrointestinal problems and disorders, as well as minor bacterial infections and flu.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Relieves Flu or Cold
Step 1. Use ceylon cinnamon
There are 2 main types of cinnamon, namely Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes referred to as "real" cinnamon, but it's not quite as easy to find in the grocery store as cassia cinnamon. Although rare, ceylon cinnamon is the best choice because of its lower coumarin content.
Regular consumption of coumarin is at risk of causing liver problems. Coumarins can also interfere with diabetes treatment, so talk to your doctor first to make sure cinnamon is safe
Step 2. Choose cinnamon as needed
You can buy cinnamon as a whole, powder, as a supplement, or even as an extract. Consider your intended use first before buying. If you just want to add cinnamon to your daily diet, the properties needed may be different from those for treating diseases. Try adding whole or powdered cinnamon to a variety of foods and drinks for added flavor.
- If you are adding it to food as a spice, choose ground cinnamon.
- Add whole cinnamon sticks to the pot while cooking the rice.
- If your doctor recommends taking it to help regulate blood sugar levels, buy cinnamon extract that no longer contains coumarin at a health food store.
Step 3. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to a warm drink to reduce cold or flu symptoms
Cinnamon is considered quite efficacious as an antimicrobial, so it can help the immune system fight colds or flu. Cinnamon can help the body inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Make a drink that can soothe cold symptoms and make you feel better by adding a spoonful of cinnamon to it.
Step 4. Make a hot cinnamon drink for cold relief
Hot cinnamon drinks can help with flu symptoms, especially colds. You can also add ginger to strengthen its properties.
Step 5. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the soup
Much like a hot drink, adding cinnamon to soup can add flavor to a dish as well as relieve symptoms of illness.
Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties are strong enough that it is often referred to as a natural preservative
Method 2 of 3: Healthy Digestive Tract
Step 1. Take advantage of ceylon cinnamon for digestive health
Opt for ceylon cinnamon if you want to add it to your diet to help improve digestive health. You can use cinnamon in any form. However, ground cinnamon may be easier to use and measure in teaspoons.
Cinnamon sticks are great for making drinks, but you'll have a hard time quantifying how much there is
Step 2. Add cinnamon as a condiment to high-carb foods
Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to a high-carbohydrate diet can reduce its effect on the body's blood sugar levels. After eating, blood sugar levels will rise along with gastric emptying. However, cinnamon can slow down this process and reduce the rise in the body's blood sugar levels. Scientific experiments have shown that a few grams of cinnamon added to desserts affects gastric emptying time.
- Even so, consuming too much cinnamon also has risks. So, limit your intake of cinnamon to 1 teaspoon per day, or the equivalent of 4-5 grams of cinnamon.
- Diabetics should first consult with their doctor about the effect of cinnamon on their blood sugar levels. Never replace insulin with cinnamon.
Step 3. Use cinnamon to aid digestion
In addition to adding it as a spice, you can also consume cinnamon after a meal to improve digestion. Cinnamon may help stimulate a weak digestive tract, and relieve burning sensations or indigestion. The oil content in cinnamon can help break down food and improve digestion.
- Try drinking cinnamon tea (by dissolving a teaspoon of cinnamon in hot water) after each meal.
- Or add half a teaspoon of cinnamon to your coffee after a meal.
Step 4. Improve colon function with cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in calcium and fiber. Both are very beneficial for your colon health. High levels of bile salts can damage colon cells, and increase the risk of colon cancer. However, both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body, thereby lowering the risk of colon cancer.
Fiber can also help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea
Step 5. Make cinnamon part of a healthy diet to lower cholesterol
Cinnamon has not been proven efficacious for lowering cholesterol. However, theoretically, because cinnamon can affect the metabolism of sugar and fat, the body's cholesterol will drop. However, this is only an estimate, so you should not consume more than 2-3 grams of cinnamon per day.
While cinnamon tastes great in cookie dough, adding it to fatty foods won't help lower your cholesterol
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Potential Risks of Cinnamon
Step 1. Consult a doctor first
There are various things that make cinnamon consumption not suitable for your condition, so consult your doctor first. You should also ask about the negative effects of using cinnamon along with other medicines you use, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
While some research evidence suggests that cinnamon can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, you shouldn't use it as a substitute for insulin
Step 2. Find out the exact amount and frequency of use
Cinnamon is an unproven treatment option, and there are no specific guidelines for how much to take for health. Recommended use varies between teaspoon to 6 teaspoons a day. If you are worried about the side effects, reduce your cinnamon consumption. Cinnamon in high doses is also toxic, so under no circumstances should take more than 1 teaspoon or 6 grams of cinnamon a day.
Similarly, you should consult a doctor before consuming cinnamon on a regular basis for health
Step 3. Know who should not take cinnamon as a health supplement
The use of cinnamon as a health supplement is still questionable, and under certain conditions, it is not recommended. Cinnamon should not be taken as a supplement by children and pregnant women. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid it.
Step 4. Avoid consuming too much cinnamon if you are taking blood thinners
You should not consume a lot of cinnamon while taking blood thinners. Cinnamon contains a small amount of coumarin, which can thin the blood quite a lot. The coumarin content in cassia cinnamon is higher than in ceylon cinnamon. Excessive consumption of cinnamon can also cause liver problems.
Step 5. Store cinnamon properly and keep it fresh
Store cinnamon in a tightly closed glass container, in a cool, dry, dark place. Cinnamon powder can still be used up to 6 months. Cinnamon sticks can be used for up to 1 year. You can extend the shelf life of cinnamon by storing it in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.
- Inhale the aroma of cinnamon to ensure its freshness. Make sure it smells sweet, which is a sure sign that the cinnamon is still fresh.
- Choose organic cinnamon to ensure it is not exposed to radiation. The content of vitamin C and carotenoids in cinnamon exposed to radiation is lower.
Tips
Cinnamomum velum is also known as native cinnamon and is widely grown in Sri Lanka, the Seychelles archipelago, Madagascar and southern India. C. Cassia, also known as cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon, originates from Southern China and is also grown in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. There are about 250 species of cinnamon or Cinnamomum known to date. The cinnamon that reaches the buyer may be a mixture of several species and varying degrees of purity. However, just like food, a higher price will provide better quality
Warning
- Do not take cinnamon supplements for at least 1 week before surgery to avoid complications due to blood thinning. The use of cinnamon as a cooking spice is still allowed, but talk to your doctor to clarify.
- Pregnant and lactating women should not use cinnamon as a health supplement.
- Intake of large amounts of cassia cinnamon can cause poisoning due to its high coumarin levels. On the other hand, coumarin is not contained in cinnamon of the Ceylon variety.
