Cinnamon sticks have a sweet, cordial fragrance along with a whole host of health advantages. Cinnamon sticks are rolled, dried pieces and have been used for centuries for their culinary, medicinal and even ritualistic applications. Cinnamon sticks are one of the most widely used spices in almost every household, not just because of their distinct taste but also because of their incredible therapeutic benefits.
In the article ahead, we will be looking into the history of cinnamon sticks, their kinds, health benefits and ways of using it in daily life.
The Origins of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a rich and interesting history. It was much valued in ancient Egypt, where it was used in embalming, as perfume, and in religious ritual. Cinnamon was also highly prized by Romans and Greeks, who thought it had very powerful healing properties. Tangy and exotic as it was, cinnamon became a luxury good in the Middle Ages, so much so that many people might have never tasted it in their lives, given how expensive it had become.
Today, cinnamon is cultivated in multiple tropical areas, and the top exporters include Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. Quill is the term used to refer to the rolls of the dried inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, which peels off in strips and curls naturally. They can be used whole or ground up into powder for all sorts of things.
Types of Cinnamon
Two main types of cinnamon exist:
- Ceylon Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum verum ) — Also known as ”true cinnamon,” this is Sri Lanka’s speciality. Its flavor is delicate and citrusy, and the bark is lighter and thinner. Ceylon cinnamon is thought to be better because it has less coumarin, a compound that may be bad in big doses.
- Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) – This is the most common variety found in stores, grown primarily in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It has a more robust, spicier flavour, and a thicker, darker bark. This is why Cassia cinnamon has the most amount of coumarin and should therefore be used in moderation.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon Sticks
Not only are they a great flavour in foods and drinks, but there are great health benefits to cinnamon sticks as well. Some of these include:
Rich in Antioxidants
Cinnamon is rich in polyphenols, which function as antioxidants and protect body from oxidative damage. In addition to recovering free radicals, these antioxidants can aid protect cells from damage and can fight diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory compounds. Chronic inflammation is connected to diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adding cinnamon to your diet can help address these problems.
Supports Heart Health
Research shows that cinnamon can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels, but keep good cholesterol (HDL) levels intact. It reduces the risk of heart disease.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Of cinnamon’s most popular benefits, one of them is blood sugar regulation. Helps in better absorption of glucose within the body. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
Cinnamon kills bacteria and fungi, including the yogurt starter and yeast in the Candida fungus, thanks to its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It has been used for many centuries to help preserve food and prevent infections.
Boosts Brain Function
Cinnamon can also enhance cognition and memory through its neuroprotective properties. Others have said it might even help to ward off neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Aids Digestion
Ground and used for centuries to help digestion and combat bloating, gas and indigestion. It also helps catalyse digestive enzymes and aids gut health.
Cinnamon Stick Uses in Cooking
Cinnamon sticks are a multi-purpose ingredient you can use in many different ways:
Beverages
They bring warm, spicy accents to beverages including tea, coffee, hot-chocolate and mulled wine. You can just steep a stick in boiling water for a soothing cinnamon tea.
Baking and Desserts
Cinnamon is an ingredient in baked goods like cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and pies. It deepens the flavour of apple desserts and works well with nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla.
Savory Dishes
Cinnamon sticks flavours curries, and stews and meat dishes in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian cuisines. They are also commonly add to rice dishes such as biryani for aromatic flavor.
Homemade Syrups and Extracts
Cinnamon sticks can be steeped in simple syrups or extracts for use in cocktails, desserts and coffee drinks.
Preserves and Pickles
It is trivial to add cinnamon sticks to jams, jellies, and pickles to extend flavour and storage.
Other uses of Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon sticks have other uses too, beyond cooking:
Aromatic Home Fragrance
Cinnamon sticks can be boiled in water with other spices such as cloves and orange peels to make a natural home fragrance. They aid in the preparation of potpourris and scented candles.
Natural Insect Repellent
Cinnamon works just as well as a way to keep your house ant, mosquito, and pest-free. Just put cinnamon sticks in cupboards or near entry points.
Herbal Remedies
Traditional medicine often uses cinnamon sticks to steep herbal teas for sore throats, alleviating cold symptoms and enhancing immunity.
DIY Beauty Treatments
Water infused with cinnamon acts as a facial toner. Common spice cinnamon powder is a known ingredient in the face mask to control acne.
Precautions and Side Effects
Although there are many health benefits to using cinnamon sticks, moderation is key. Cassia cinnamon can damage liver if consumed in excess amounts, as it contains a higher amount of coumarin. Pregnant women and people with liver problems should speak to a healthcare provider before eating large amounts of cinnamon.
Conclusion
While there are numerous health benefits to cinnamon and specifically cinnamon sticks, it is imperative to use cinnamon in moderation. Their warm and welcoming fragrance brings a spice of life in cooking, beverages, household remedies, and even aromatherapy. Cinnamon sticks’ wonderful flavour in moderation can become a part of your vernacular along with its myriad of health benefits.
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