Is Cinnamon Good For You?

Hey there everyone!

It's a bright sunny day here in Massachusetts, albeit very chilly! I don't know about you but I find that eating and drinking certain types of foods and beverages really help warm me to the toes!

One thing I really enjoy is hot apple cider with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mmm! Cinnamon's one of those things I've always taken for granted. It's so easy to find and it's a nice way to add a woody, sweet taste to food.


Some Background

Back in the day, cinnamon was far from a common spice one just had tucked away in a cupboard. In fact, it was too expensive a commodity to be used like it is today. There was an element of mystery to it too. No one was quite sure where it was found!  This highly priced spice was a gift fit for kings in ancient times!

It was imported to Egypt for the first time in 2000 B.C. In Moses's time, God's people regularly offered up incense and cinnamon was in the recipe! In the Hebrew texts of the Holy Scriptures, cinnamon was mentioned in proverbs, as the scent with which lovers perfumed their beds. In Song of Solomon, the beloved is described as having the scent of cinnamon on her garments! Who needs Chanel? ;)

The "Real" Deal

What you may not know is there are several types of cinnamon. Usually what we purchase in the grocery store is not what would be considered "true" cinnamon. When you hear about the health benefits of having cinnamon, you should be aware that its the true or Ceylon cinnamon that's being referred too. The kind that we typically find in the grocery store is cassia, which contains a substance called coumarin. Taking coumarin regularly is not advisable because of the toxicity that can develop in the kidneys and liver.

Health Benefits

To name a few, true cinnamon can do all of the following: cinnamon can actually help lower the LDL levels and regulate blood sugar!

So next time you have your latte or whatever beverage you prefer and you go to sprinkle on some of that sweet and savory spice, just think about this: it wasn't always that accessible to the common kitchen or cafe! It has quite the history and quite the potential of adding to your health! I'll drink to that, will you? ;)

Have a great day everyone!