I am always happy to read about some ancient spice or herb that was used as a remedy for healing many centuries ago and which has retained its usefulness into the present.
One of these spices is cinnamon, which has been in use for as long as our written history records, being mentioned in the Song of Solomon, the biblical book of Exodus, and even in Chinese writings as far back as 2800 BC.
Cinnamon contains large quantities of antioxidants (polyphenols), minerals and oils which have made it a true healing agent throughout history. Many contemporary studies have confirmed that cinnamon is beneficial to our health:
1) The US Department of Agriculture published a study showing that cinnamon was effective in destroying cancer cells (lymphomas), including leukemia. Another study noticed that cinnamon triggered an antioxidant response in human colon cells indicating that it could be used in fighting colorectal cancer. Cinnamon has also been found to fight skin cancers such as melanoma.
2) Various research projects have found that cinnamon has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities, destroying e. coli, candida albicans, herpes and the bacteria (heliobacter pylori) which causes stomach ulcers. One study showed cinnamon to be effective against the HIV virus.
3) Cinnamon has been found to be very useful in treating blood-sugar disorders, including diabetes, regulating release of the hormone insulin by reducing blood glucose levels, LDL cholesterol, overall cholesterol and triglycerides by as much as 30 percent in just 40 days. The JOURNAL OF DIABETIC MEDICINE found that cinnamon reduced blood glucose levels more effectively than prescription medicines.
4) The University of Copenhagen found that cinnamon's anti-inflammatory qualities significantly reduced pain and discomfort in patients with arthritis and in many cases eliminated all pain within 30 days.
5) Cinnamon removes toxins from the body, acting also as a decongestant and expectorant, making it ideal for dealing with congestion in the respiratory system (such as bronchitis), including the sinuses and sinus headaches, and it is very useful in shutting down colds and flu.
6) Cinnamon is a natural blood thinner which improves circulation and warms the kidneys, promoting the health of the heart and circulatory system and preventing heart attacks.
7) Cinnamon improves our ability to digest and absorb our food as well as helping us to eliminate it thereby reducing constipation and diarrhea.
8) Although there has not yet been a research study performed on humans with Alzheimer's disease, an extract of cinnamon bark was used by scientists to inhibit Alzheimer's in a laboratory study performed on mice.
Cinnamon comes from tree bark and contains an essential oil called cinnamaldehyde which gives us the wonderful taste and smell that we have become accustomed to.
There are many different kinds of cinnamon from all over the world and four main types of cinnamon predominate. It is important that we obtain the right one. Most cinnamon that we buy in the supermarket is of a lesser quality (although still helpful) called Cassia and originating from Indonesia (Cinnamomum burmannii), Vietnam (Cinnamomum loureiroi) and China (Cinnamomum cassia).
The best cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), called "true cinnamon," is native to Sri Lanka and is therefore called "Sri Lanka cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon." This cinnamon is sweeter, softer, more aromatic, lighter in color and easier to grind into a powder because only the inner bark of the cinnamon tree is used. More importantly, it is this "Ceylon cinnamon" which possesses the incredible healing qualities mentioned above to a much greater degree than the lower quality cassia cinnamons. As a result, Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive.
Also, the outer bark of the cinnamon tree contains higher quantities of a compound called coumarin than does the inner bark harvested for Ceylon cinnamon. Coumarin is mildly toxic and it is the lesser cinnamons that contain higher quantities of coumarin. This is an important matter as it has been noted by various health agencies that taking large amounts of these lower quality cinnamons can lead to toxic side effects that adversely influence our health, including possible damage to our liver and kidneys.
Buyer beware! GET THE "CEYLON CINNAMON."