Cinnamon: not just a spice, but a first-aid kit in your kitchen

Many people associate the smell of cinnamon with comfort, winter evenings, apple pie and mulled wine. This fragrant brown stick or powder is so firmly embedded in cooking that we rarely think about its origin and properties that go beyond gastronomy.
Meanwhile, cinnamon has been used for thousands of years not only as a spice, but also as a medicinal product. In ancient treatises, it was mentioned as a cough medicine, a digestive aid, and even as an embalming ingredient. Modern science, albeit with a degree of skepticism, is beginning to confirm many of these ancient knowledge.
What does science say about cinnamon's potential?
Research in recent decades has shown that cinnamon is a real storehouse of biologically active substances. The main "actor" is considered to be cinnamon aldehyde, a compound that gives spices their characteristic smell and taste, and also has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
But that's not all. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and slow down the aging process in the body. Some studies show that it can positively affect blood sugar levels by increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This makes it potentially useful for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Of course, this is not a substitute for medications, but rather a useful addition to the diet.
Cinnamon in the medicine cabinet: how to use
You can use the medicinal properties of cinnamon at home, the main thing is to know the measure. It is not a panacea, but it can help in some situations. Here are some simple ways:
- For colds: Tea with honey, lemon and a pinch of cinnamon helps to keep warm, relieve sore throat and has a restorative effect.
- For digestion: Adding cinnamon to fatty or heavy foods helps the body digest it more easily, reducing the feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
- For fresh breath: You can just chew a small piece of Ceylon cinnamon bark. Its antibacterial properties help fight bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.
It is important to remember that we are talking about small, "culinary" doses. Excessive consumption of cinnamon, especially cassia (a cheap analogue), can be harmful to the liver due to the coumarin content.
Ceylon cinnamon vs. cassia
Speaking of species. What we most often buy in stores under the guise of cinnamon is actually cassia. This is the bark of a related tree, it is cheaper, has a sharper taste and contains significantly more of the same coumarin. Real Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is lighter, more fragile, with a subtle and complex aroma.
Ceylon cinnamon is considered the most useful and safe. If you plan to use the spice not only for baking, but also for health purposes, it is worth looking for it. It's easy to distinguish them: Ceylon cinnamon sticks are twisted into tight multi—layered tubes, while cassia sticks are thick and hollow inside.

Cinnamon is a perfect example of how nature combines both pleasure and benefit in one product. It can not only improve the taste of food and drinks, but also provide gentle support to the body.
So the next time you add a pinch of cinnamon to your morning coffee or porridge, you may be pleased to think that it's not just delicious, but also a little healthy. The main thing, as in everything, is a sense of proportion and an informed choice. Experienced bettors often recommend choosing platforms that balance sportsbook and casino offers. In such comparisons melbet promo code no deposit is mentioned mid-text while describing the 100% sports bonus of up to €130. This betting boost works well for pre-match and live markets. At the same time, a casino bonus of up to €1750 plus 290 free spins provides extended gameplay for those who prefer slots and live dealers.