Just the smell of cinnamon is enough to inspire nostalgic memories: sipping hot chocolate, the cinnamon buns my mum was baking, wandering through the spice markets of Marrakech. Though cinnamon is considered an exotic spice, I am completely convinced that it should be a permanent addition to everyone’s spice cupboard.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices, and was traditionally used not only as a spice, but as a healer and even as perfume! Cinnamon sticks are actually the bark from a cinnamon tree? The bark is harvested and dried into rolls to make cinnamon sticks that you are more familiar with. Ground cinnamon is simply bark that has been ground and ready for you to use!
Here are six reasons why I think you should begin your own love affair with this gorgeous smelling, naturally sweet superfood:
1. It satisfies your sweet tooth.
Cinnamon has the ability to enhance the natural sweetness of foods, without having to add extra sugar. For a sweet treat that’s low in calories, try sprinkling cinnamon over sliced fruit such as apples or bananas. Simple and sweet! Or start the day with a delicious warming breakfast that will fill you up until lunch:
Banana and Cinnamon Porridge 30g Oat Flakes 125ml almond or coconut milk 1 tsp cinnamon 1 chopped banana small handful of nuts, seeds, dry fruit (your choice)- Cook the oats, water, milk and cinnamon in a small saucepan over a high heat stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add in the chopped banana and nuts/seeds/ dry fruit and enjoy.
2. It aids weight loss.
Adding a dash of cinnamon to your meals will help to stabilise your blood sugar, can help to reduce your body storing fat, keep you satisfied for longer and allow you to eat less. If you’re trying to lose a few pesky pounds, cinnamon will definitely give you a push in the right direction! Given its ability to stabilize blood sugar, cinnamon can be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.
3. It boosts brain function.
Studies have suggested that this aromatic spice can help to boost brain activity, and can also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It seems that cinnamon is good for the mind now and down the road .
4. It’s easy to use.
Even if you’re not a cook, it’s incredibly simple to add cinnamon to tea, coffee, yogurt, smoothies, fruit, granola, whole grains, desserts, and more. If you’re a lazy chef, cinnamon is a simple spice that can give basic dishes some flare without much effort. Though we often associate cinnamon with sweet, you can also add it to grains, sautés, beans and beyond – think middle eastern foods.
5. It’s anti-inflammatory.
Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory qualities. These can help athletes recover quickly from workouts and injuries. Why not create a post workout smoothie which is high in protein and spiced up with a touch of cinnamon.
6. It’s anti-microbial.
Adding a dash of cinnamon to your life can help stop candida overgrowth. Everyone has candida in their tummy – however problems can arise when candida gets out of control. Adding cinnamon to your diet regularly can help keep candida at bay.
Though I don’t think that I will be opting to wear cinnamon as a perfume anytime soon, you can be sure that this fabulous spice has a spot in my kitchen!
