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In warm and sunny Sri Lanka grows a special spice called Ceylon cinnamon, which makes food delicious and healthy. It is gentle and not as strong as the usual cinnamon we consume generally.
People have used Ceylon cinnamon for a long time, not just to flavor food but also to help heal illnesses and even preserve dead bodies. Now, science is proving that these old uses of the spice are really beneficial.
What is the story of Ceylon cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon dates back to 2800 BC, when it was first written about by people in China. This spicy stuff was so useful that big explorers like Christopher Columbus went sailing around the world to find more of it. If you controlled where cinnamon grew, you were pretty much rich and powerful.
Sri Lanka is known for having the real kind of cinnamon, called "Ceylon cinnamon." It is softer, lighter in color, and has layers that typically do not characterize the usual cinnamon. This makes it very special.
5 health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon
1) Healthy and Tasty
Cinnamon is healthy and improves the taste of food considerably when added to meals. The good parts come from its bark, which is rich in oils and stuff like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and camphor, which give it health-boosting power. These naturally occurring substances are the unsung heroes behind cinnamon's healthful properties.
2) Battling blood sugar
This spice is super helpful for keeping blood sugar in check, a big plus for people with diabetes. Research points out how it might lower blood sugar levels on an empty stomach and help your body use insulin better. So, cinnamon might be a handy buddy in keeping blood sugar levels steady.
3) A mind-boosting marvel
It's not all about blood sugar, as this spice is brainy, too. This spice could be a friend to our minds, helping us stave off problems with memory and attention.
Further, its plant chemicals are thought to protect neurons by supporting how brain cells talk to each other. For those looking to keep their wits sharp, a dash of this spice might be just the ticket to better mind health.
4) An opponent to fungi and bacteria
This warm spice does not just fight off the sugar blues, but it also battles bugs. Research says that cinnamon can fight harmful bacteria like Listeria and E. coli. So, it not only keeps our food fresh for longer, but also keeps us from getting sick.
5) Shielding our bodies
Ceylon cinnamon contains plenty of antioxidants and these antioxidants protect our bodies against unhealthy bacterias called free radicals. This spice helps keep us looking and feeling young and strong.
The truth behind the spice
Before you go dashing cinnamon on everything, it is important to note that not all types are created equal. Ceylon cinnamon is the mildest form and contains far less coumarin—a compound that can be harmful in large doses—than cassia cinnamon. This means you can enjoy this spice's benefits without worrying too much about the risks that come with its more common relative.
Getting the good stuff from this spice can be a chill part of your day. You can have it with your oatmeal, or in your coffee, or mix it with your smoothies. Not into sweet stuff? No sweat. This spice can also give a cozy feel to savory foods like curries and stews.
Ceylon cinnamon really deserves its place in our go-to health stuff because it can help with blood sugar, boost brain power, kill germs, and protect our bodies like a shield. Its story from way back to now shows how people have always used it for health benefits.
In short, this spice is surprisingly powerful. Whether you just sprinkle a bit or use a whole spoonful, this spice is not just for adding flavor—it is like a sprinkle of magic for improving our health too.
