Cinnamon: beneficial properties and contraindications

The benefits and harms of cinnamon are an interesting question, since this spice is considered one of the most popular. To understand how and to whom it can be used, you need to study its features.

The chemical composition of cinnamon

The beneficial properties of cinnamon for the body are easily explained in terms of its chemical composition. Fresh Cinnamon Rolls and Dry Powder contain:

• aldehyde compounds and phenols;
• polyphenols;
• essential oils and tannins;
• potassium and magnesium;
• riboflavin;
• manganese, selenium and zinc;
• thiamine;
• iron, sodium, phosphorus and copper;
• calcium;
• vitamins A, K, E and C;
• folic acid.

The seasoning also contains vitamins B6, B3, B9, B1 and B2, coumarin and aromatic eugenol, which is responsible for the pleasant smell of the spice.

Nutritional value and calorie content of cinnamon

In terms of nutrients, the seasoning consists mainly of carbohydrates - they take up almost 80 g of the total. Fats and proteins are presented in approximately equal small amounts - 3.2 g and 3.9 g, respectively.

The calorie content of the spice is 261 kcal per 100 g.

How is cinnamon useful for the body

The valuable substances in the composition of the spice are responsible for the benefits of cinnamon for the human body. It is not customary to use the product in large dosages, but even in very small quantities, cinnamon:

• has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect;
• increases immune resistance and helps fight viruses and bacteria;
• lowers sugar levels - the beneficial properties of cinnamon for diabetes mellitus are highly valued;
• accelerates the digestion of food and prevents the accumulation of excess fat;
• dilates blood vessels and strengthens their walls, which contributes to the normal functioning of the heart and high-quality blood supply to the brain;
• lowers gastric acidity and improves the condition of gastritis, tendency to flatulence, colic and diarrhea;
• fights bad cholesterol, this is the benefit of cinnamon for the liver;
• has a beneficial effect on health in case of colds and accelerates recovery;
• positively affects the condition of the skin, relieves irritation and accelerates wound healing.

The seasoning is an effective natural antioxidant and is useful for cancer prevention and general rejuvenation.

For women

The benefits of cinnamon for a woman's body are undeniable. The product is not only pleasant to the taste, but also promotes the rapid conversion of glucose into energy, which means it accelerates weight loss. The mild pain relieving properties of the seasoning make it easier to endure critical days.

The beneficial properties of cinnamon for women are also the beneficial effects of the spice on beauty.The seasoning helps to take care of the condition of the curls and skin of the face and allows you to maintain youth and feminine attractiveness for longer.

For men

The main benefit of cinnamon for men is that it is a rich source of vitamin A, calcium and iron. Spice improves blood circulation and tone, which helps to improve potency. In addition, the product has antimicrobial properties and helps well in diseases of the genitourinary sphere, protects against the development of prostatitis.

For children

Cinnamon spice is also beneficial in children's diets - it stimulates brain activity, improves memory and strengthens immune resistance. But at the same time, for the first time, a spice can be offered to a child only from 4 years old and in small dosages. Particular care should be taken if the baby is prone to allergies, then the seasoning is likely to be harmful.

If no negative reactions have been identified, then by the age of 7 years, the daily rate can be increased to half the "adult" dose.

For the elderly

The healing properties of cinnamon are highly sought after by the elderly. The seasoning serves as prevention of heart attacks, protects against hypertension and blood clots, improves memory and reduces the likelihood of developing arthritis.

Condiment consumption has been shown to protect older people from developing Alzheimer's disease. It is recommended to add seasoning to food and drinks on a daily basis, it will not do any harm.

For pregnant and nursing

During pregnancy, it is better to completely abandon the seasoning - while carrying a child, the harmful properties of cinnamon appear. It belongs to the category of products that increase the tone of the uterine muscles and can be harmful, provoking a sudden miscarriage or too early childbirth.

But the properties of cinnamon sticks for nursing mothers will bring unconditional benefits. The seasoning will have a beneficial effect on lactation and, in addition, will help restore muscle tone faster after childbirth. But, of course, you need to use it only if the baby has no allergies, otherwise the product will cause harm.

Slimming cinnamon

The properties of cinnamon for weight loss are definitely useful - the seasoning speeds up the metabolic processes in the body and therefore helps to remove extra pounds. There are many recipes for healthy diet drinks using cinnamon.

Kefir with cinnamon

The simplest drink for weight loss is low fat kefir with the addition of cinnamon powder. A glass of kefir requires only 1 small spoonful of seasoning. You can drink a healthy cocktail in different ways:

• before meals three times a day - in this case, the drink will reduce appetite and allow you to do with smaller portions of food;
• after meal - the benefits of kefir with cinnamon will be that the cocktail will speed up the metabolism and promote the elimination of toxins;
• in the evening instead of dinner - the drink is easily absorbed by the stomach and eliminates the feeling of hunger.

The use of kefir and cinnamon should be combined with a healthy diet and physical activity, then weight loss will occur as quickly as possible.

Kefir with cinnamon, ginger and pepper

The properties of cinnamon with kefir will be especially valuable if you add other fat-burning condiments to a diet cocktail - ginger and red hot pepper. The proportions must be observed as follows - a glass of kefir requires only a small pinch of pepper powder, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and the same amount of ground ginger.

Drinking a healthy cocktail is best on an empty stomach; there will also be benefits from kefir with cinnamon at night.

Cinnamon with honey

Cinnamon with honey is beneficial for weight loss - the sweet aromatic drink saturates well and also promotes fat burning.In order to prepare the product, you need to dilute a small spoonful of cinnamon powder in a glass of hot water and insist for half an hour, and then add 2 tablespoons of honey.

The benefits of honey water with cinnamon will be if you drink it for up to 8 weeks in a row, in the morning before breakfast and in the evening before bed. Every day the drink needs to be prepared anew - its beneficial properties do not last long.

Cinnamon milk

The beneficial properties of cinnamon with milk contribute to the loss of excess weight - the drink turns out to be quite nutritious, but at the same time it does not lead to a set of kilograms. Usually, only 1/3 of a small spoonful of cinnamon is added to a glass of milk, and then the drink is heated on the stove. Milk with cinnamon at bedtime is especially beneficial - it not only contributes to weight loss, but also helps to fall asleep faster.

Cinnamon coffee

When losing weight, coffee with cinnamon is beneficial and harmful. The valuable properties of such a drink are expressed in the fact that it perfectly tones up and starts the process of burning fatty tissues, and also slightly muffles the appetite.

However, the drink can be harmful if you drink it too often. The benefits of cinnamon powder added to coffee in the amount of a pinch will be only with moderate use - no more than 2 times a day. Also, you cannot add additional ingredients to coffee - sugar, honey and cream, otherwise its beneficial properties will noticeably decrease.

Cinnamon tea

Cinnamon tea is very beneficial when consumed in combination with healthy foods and no sugary additives. It is brewed in a simple way - first, pour the usual tea leaves with hot water, then put only half a small spoonful of powder or a small cinnamon stick.

Tea is infused for about 5 minutes and drunk in normal dosages, best before meals or a couple of hours after breakfast or lunch. There will be benefits from green tea with cinnamon - you can use not only black tea leaves.

How to take cinnamon medicinally

The benefits and harms of ground cinnamon are manifested in the treatment of ailments - the seasoning is often present in home medicine recipes. Despite the fact that the product is not a complete medicine, for some symptoms its properties help very well.

With diabetes

Since the seasoning contains a lot of tannins, aldehydes and ether compounds, cinnamon can lower blood glucose levels. Also, the benefits of cinnamon in diabetes mellitus are expressed in the fact that it dilates blood vessels and increases insulin sensitivity, improves metabolic processes and prevents the development of obesity.

Tea with a cinnamon stick and any other dishes with the addition of this seasoning will benefit. However, it is necessary to remember about dosages - the benefits of cinnamon for a diabetic will manifest itself only when the product is consumed in an amount of no more than 3 g per day. If you use a healthy seasoning too often, it will harm your well-being.

For colds

At the first sign of flu, SARS or bronchitis, honey and cinnamon will be of great benefit. You need to add 1/4 of a large spoonful of seasoning to a large spoonful of honey, mix the product well and eat it with warm tea. The mixture can be used up to 4 times a day. Cinnamon and honey will quickly eliminate inflammation, help to cope with a runny nose and cough, and remove headaches.

From pressure

There will be benefits from cinnamon for hypertension - the product will not only reduce blood pressure, but with constant use will help to forget about its surges. In the morning before breakfast, you need to dissolve a small spoonful of cinnamon powder in a glass of heated water and drink on an empty stomach. It is also allowed to take several sips of the drug throughout the day - the daily dosage should still be equal to a glass.

In total, you need to take the remedy for about a week, during which time the result should appear.

With arthritis

The beneficial properties of cinnamon with honey have a powerful effect on arthritis. First of all, you can take the seasoning inside - half a small spoonful of powder is diluted in a glass of water and a large spoonful of honey is added to the drink. Such a remedy has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps in the fight against joint ailments.

Condiment compresses are also helpful. They do it like this:

• a small spoonful of honey is slightly warmed to give the product a liquid consistency;
• honey is mixed with a dessert spoon of table salt;
• add a small spoonful of cinnamon powder to the mixture.

The components are mixed, and then applied to a gauze bandage and fixed with a film and a tissue bandage on the sore joint. You need to keep the compress for about an hour, and it is best to do it in the evening, shortly before going to bed.

For the health of the heart and blood vessels

The medicinal properties of cinnamon are good for high cholesterol and heart ailments. A couple of large spoons of honey should be thoroughly mixed with 3 small spoons of cinnamon, pour the ingredients with 2 cups of warm water and drink a few sips three times a day.

Within a week of using the agent, the state of the vessels will significantly improve. And along with this, heart ailments will go away, often associated precisely with circulatory disorders.

For toothache

The seasoning has mild analgesic properties, so it can relieve discomfort with inflammation in the oral cavity. In case of toothache, it is recommended to dilute a small spoonful of the seasoning in a small amount of heated water so that a viscous paste is obtained. This paste is evenly distributed over the aching tooth and gums, and after a few minutes the pain becomes weaker.

To improve memory

When using the seasoning, blood circulation improves, and this has the most beneficial effect on the brain. Therefore, the seasoning is of great benefit for memory and concentration problems. Usually, for medicinal purposes, they use 3 varieties of healing cinnamon tea at once. Namely:

• in the morning, mix 1/3 of a small spoonful of seasoning with a pinch of cardamom and ginger powder, pour in warm water and drink after breakfast;

• in the afternoon, after lunch, use another remedy - 1/3 of a small spoonful of cinnamon powder and coriander are mixed with the same amount of anise and pour a glass of water;
• in the evening 1/3 of a small spoonful of cinnamon powder is diluted in water, the same amount of dry chamomile and a pinch of anise - you need to drink the infusion after dinner.

Within a few days, the body tone and brain activity will noticeably improve.

The use of cinnamon in home cosmetology

The properties of the seasoning are used in the cosmetic field. It is often added to homemade hair and face masks and helps to improve the appearance and slow down the aging process.

For facial skin

The ground condiment effectively cleanses and tones the skin prone to inflammation and acne. For example, for rashes and blackheads, you can make the following mask:

• a teaspoon of cinnamon is mixed with 2 large spoons of sour cream;
• add chopped pulp of half a banana;
• pour the ingredients with a large spoonful of lemon juice.

The mixture is distributed over the face in an even layer, and the product needs to be washed off after a quarter of an hour. The mask will have not only a cleansing, but also a tightening effect - wrinkles after its application will become less pronounced.

For the health and beauty of hair

The benefits of cinnamon for hair are that the seasoning improves blood flow under the scalp and thus helps to strengthen the hair follicles. In addition, the hair becomes shiny and manageable when using the seasoning, and the seasoning also has a slight lightening effect.

At home, it is useful to make such a mask:

• a large spoonful of cinnamon is mixed with a similar amount of honey;
• the components are diluted in olive oil so as to achieve a semi-liquid consistency;
• the mask is applied to the curls for 45 minutes, paying special attention to their roots.

For the best effect, it is recommended to wrap your head warmly with cling film and a terry towel. If desired, you can add 4 chopped cloves of garlic to the mixture, which will enhance the warming effect. Then the hair will need to be thoroughly rinsed to get rid of mask residues and pungent odors.

How cinnamon is used in cooking

Of course, the benefits of cinnamon sticks are not only in medicine and home cosmetology. The seasoning is actively used in the kitchen, and it goes well with almost all dishes. Add cinnamon:

• in fruit salads and fresh juices;
• in meat dishes and side dishes;
• in curd desserts;
• in baking dough and ice cream;
• in a wide variety of drinks, both cold and hot.

If you put the seasoning too early, then the heat will change its taste and give the dish only an unpleasant bitterness.

Harm of cinnamon and contraindications

There are not so many strict prohibitions on the use of seasoning. But of course, she is also capable of causing harm. In particular, it is not recommended to use seasoning for any purpose:

• with severe hypertension;
• at elevated temperatures;
• with strong nervous excitability;
• if you have an allergy;
• during pregnancy.

The correct dosages must be observed - if consumed in excess, cinnamon will be harmful. On average, it is recommended to take no more than 2-3 g of spicy spices per day.

How to tell a fake from real cinnamon

In shops and health food stores, you can find 2 main types of seasoning - Ceylon and Cassia. Many do not see the difference between them, but in fact they are very different from each other.

Only Ceylon seasoning can be considered real - it is made from the inner layer of the bark of a young cinnamon tree, it has the most valuable properties. And to create Cassia, old shoots of a related spice plant are used, and all parts of the bark are used. Cassia is not only less useful, but also harmful - it contains an increased amount of coumarin.

It is not difficult to distinguish the varieties of seasoning among themselves.

1. Real cinnamon is a fragile tube with many internal curls and a light brown color.
2. The fake seasoning is most often a rich dark brown color, is characterized by increased density, and has only a couple of curls.
3. Ceylon cinnamon gives off a stronger and more pleasant aroma, while Cassia smells rather weak.
4. The country of origin of the natural seasoning is Sri Lanka, but Cassia comes to the shelves from Vietnam, Indonesia and China.

Finally, you can distinguish a real seasoning by its price - it costs several times more than a fake.

How to store cinnamon

It is customary to store cinnamon sticks and powder in a cool, dark place in an airtight container so that the aroma of the seasoning does not fade away and does not mix with other odors. The tubes retain their properties throughout the year, as for the powder, its shelf life is half that - only 6 months.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of cinnamon are a matter of the correct use of the seasoning. In the absence of pronounced contraindications, the product will give a new taste to familiar dishes and, moreover, will help to improve health.

Reviews of doctors

Customer Reviews