The aroma of cinnamon, and its health benefits make it one of
many people favorite spices. Cinnamon has been used since ancient times to aid
digestion, and a teaspoon has more antioxidants than half a cup of
blueberries. Plus, studies show that cinnamon helps blunt the rise in
blood sugar that can occur when you eat a carbohydrate-rich meal—good
news, since a spike in blood sugar raises levels of insulin and
insulin-like growth factors, which may increase the risks of diabetes,
heart disease, and even some cancers.
Procedures
Take 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon infused in hot water 3 times a day to ease
indigestion, or 2 to 4 teaspoons daily to see an impact on blood sugar
levels. Both true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or C. verum) and cassia (C. cassia)
are sold as "cinnamon." If you take more than 1 to 2 teaspoons, get
true cinnamon, cassia contains coumarin, a compound that in large amounts can adversely affect the liver.
Two new ways to add cinnamon to your diet:
1. Sprinkle a teaspoon over ground coffee before
brewing. Research shows that hot-water extraction (the process that
occurs when you brew coffee or make cinnamon tea) is one of the best
ways to get the good stuff out of the spice.
2. Dust 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon on apple
slices and place in a container for an after-lunch treat; the spice
prevents fruit from browning.
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