Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fragrant spice obtained from the trees' inner barks, particularly from the Cinnamomum genus (species to which cinnamon belongs) It is well-known for its aromatic fragrance and is used in Indian cooking to prepare many cuisines and sweet and savoury dishes. Apart from its strong flavour, it has several health benefits, making it a powerhouse of nutrients for treating various diseases. 

Originally, this spice was native to Sri Lanka and was known as Ceylon Cinnamon. In India, cinnamon originated in the lower elevations of the West Ghats, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

There are several varieties of Cinnamon, but the most prominent types are Ceylon Cinnamon, popularly known as True Cinnamon, and Cassia, which is generally strong in taste and aroma, higher in coumarin content and often used as a substitute or adulterant for Ceylon Cinnamon. The process of harvesting cinnamon is labour intensive and is done by peeling the bark from the branches of trees, allowing them to dry, and curling them to give their shape. 

The botanical name of Cinnamon is Cinnamomum Zeylancium. 

• In India, cinnamon is commonly known as “Dalchini.” 
• Other names of cinnamon in Hindi are “Darusita” and “Daruchini.” 
• It is also known as Ceylon cinnamon or True cinnamon, as it originated in Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon. 
• In Sanskrit, it is known as “Tvak” 
• In Kannada and Tamil, it is known as “Dalchini Cheka” and “Karuva,” respectively.

Cinnamon benefits overall health and promotes a healthy lifestyle if taken in the recommended dosage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one teaspoon of Cinnamon that weighs about 2.6 grams holds the following nutritional value.

Cinnamon is a powerhouse of various nutrients, which make it a multifaceted spice. Dalchini benefits overall health and increases metabolism, which promotes overall well-being.

Let us see some of the health benefits of cinnamon.

1. Helps in weight management

Cinnamon helps reduce fat in the body and manage weight. Regularly consuming cinnamon tea in the morning helps to reduce weight, prevents bloating and increases metabolism. 

2. Protects the overall heart health

Cinnamon helps reduce triglycerides and manages the total cholesterol in your body. Taking cinnamon tablets or tea helps lower the bad cholesterol LDL and maintain healthy heart health.

3. Prevent and control oxidative damage.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and contains a powerful component called polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative damage. 

4. Regulates insulin sensitivity

Cinnamon is effective in managing insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate the blood sugar levels of patients who are suffering from diabetes. Consumption of cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, contributing to healthy blood sugar levels.

5. Lowers the risk of disease

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that help the body repair the damaged tissues naturally. The antioxidants present in cinnamon may support the body's natural response to inflammation.

Cinnamon is a spice known for its medicinal properties, as it is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that promote overall health.

Some common uses of cinnamon are as follows:

1. Used for cooking as an aromatic 

Cinnamon has a strong flavour and aroma; hence, it adds a unique taste to the food. Dalchini powder is used in many households to prepare various cuisines, sweets, and savoury dishes. You can add cinnamon to your oatmeal, cakes, and cookies as an aromatic flavouring additive.

2. Used as a preservative

Cinnamon is a natural preservative because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and it is used to preserve food, bakery items, and pickles. The cinnamon essential oil is a commonly used preservative. 

3. Prevents bacterial and fungal infections

Cinnamon has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it an excellent agent for treating various bacterial and fungal infections. The presence of an active component called cinnamaldehyde makes it an effective substance for curing illnesses. Cinnamon is also helpful in preventing tooth decay and preventing bad breath because of its antibacterial properties.

4. Prevents growth of cancerous cells

According to studies, cinnamon is a powerful component in reducing or slowing down the process of angiogenesis, which is a process of the formation of new blood vessels that feed the cancerous cells. Cinnamon reduces cell growth and cellular signalling, which may help reduce the risk of cancer.

extremely important to monitor the consumption of cinnamon and take the dosage as your healthcare provider recommends. Consult a doctor before consuming cinnamon if you are under the following conditions:

1. Taking blood thinner medication

If you are on allopathic medication for thinning your blood, you must avoid the consumption of cinnamon because it has anticoagulant properties that might enhance blood thinning and can be fatal.

2. Liver Infection or liver disease

If you are suffering from liver infection or taking an ongoing medication for your existing liver disease, you must consult your doctor before consuming cinnamon, as it has coumarin, which causes liver toxicity.

3. Breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid the consumption of cinnamon or consult their doctor before consuming it because it might affect the liver of the infant.

Cinnamon is available in different forms, and because of its strong flavour and aroma, it is used in cooking worldwide. Cinnamon uses vary from one form to another. You can add cinnamon to your diet in the following ways:

1. Cinnamon Sticks

You can use cinnamon sticks by adding them to your oatmeal, hot chocolate, smoothies, or soup to give a unique, distinct flavour and aroma. It enhances the taste of your beverages and adds nutritional value.

Step to use:

• Add cinnamon sticks to boiling water or soups to add to the aromatic flavour of tea.
• Infuse it while cooking curries or making a smoothie or broth.
• Use it regularly for best results.

2. Cinnamon Powder

You can easily make use of dalchini powder benefits by roasting the cinnamon sticks and grinding them into powder. Cinnamon powder uses also ranges from sprinkling on your cookies, stews, cake, etc, for regular intake to using it for diabetes. 

Steps to use:

• Grind cinnamon sticks to form a powder.
• Add 1-2 spoons in 2-3 cups of water to make hot herbal tea.
• Boil it for 15 minutes. 
• Cool it down to a minimum and enjoy hot tea.
• The benefits of dalchini water are that it helps to lower the appetite and helps to reduce weight.

3. Cinnamon essential oil

Cinnamon essential oil is used for aromatherapy, and it helps to rejuvenate dry skin and scalp and provides moisture. It also helps to alleviate aches, pains, and stiffness in the joints.

Steps to use:

• Add 1 tbsp of essential oil extract to hair oil or other massage oil.
• Gently massage the scalp or dry skin to reduce inflammation.
• Wait till it gets absorbed, and wash your hair after.
• One can also add a few drops of essential oil in water to aid diabetic conditions.

Cinnamon has numerous benefits, but it is advised to take the right amount of dosage as overconsumption might cause several other problems. You must consult your healthcare provider if you are on some ongoing medications.

• Cassia Cinnamon or ground cinnamon: Consumption of cassia cinnamon must be in a limited quantity (approx. 0.1mg/body weight) as it has high levels of coumarin content.
• Cinnamon powder: 2-4 grams of cinnamon powder once or twice a day is recommended if you are consuming it in the form of tea or sprinkling it on your oatmeal, soups, smoothies, etc.
• Cinnamon supplement: Take 1-2 cinnamon supplement tables once or twice a day after consulting your doctor.
• Cinnamon essential oil: 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil should be applied to the affected area.

Cinnamon might cause side effects if it interacts with other drugs, so if you are on allopathic medications, you must consult with your doctor about the recommended dosage you can consume. You should avoid cinnamon consumption if:

• If you are on blood thinner medication, avoid consuming cinnamon because it may enhance the potency of the medication because it has anticoagulant properties.
• If you are on allopathic medicines to lower your blood sugar levels, you should consult a healthcare professional before consuming cinnamon because it is a natural agent to lower blood sugar levels.
• If you are consuming medicines to enhance liver function, do not consume cassia cinnamon because high levels of coumarin can damage the liver.

• Health Benefits: Cinnamon effectively manages blood sugar levels, helps manage weight, improves heart function and promotes overall health.
• Forms: Cinnamon is available in cinnamon sticks, Cinnamon powder, cinnamon tea or water, and essential oil.
• Precautions: Overconsumption might cause a sore throat and allergies, damage the liver, and cause breathing problems.

Conclusion

Cinnamon is more than just a fragrant spice, it's a natural remedy with a rich history in traditional medicine. Sourced from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, it is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Whether used in cooking or as a supplement, cinnamon supports overall well-being and may aid in managing blood sugar levels, digestion, and heart health. Widely grown in parts of India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, cinnamon continues to be a versatile ingredient that adds both flavour and health benefits to daily life.