Let’s Give Thanks for Cinnamon!

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the USA!  Many people joined their families around dinner tables to indulge in some food and the pure enjoyment of being with loved ones. As I reflected on what I was thankful for, I got a whiff of sweet cinnamon, and I knew I had to add it to my list of thanks!

So, cinnamon is the magic ingredient in the smoothie I wrote about the other day, but what is cinnamon, and is it beneficial to us?

Cinnamon is a small tree that is commonly found in South Asia and the Middle East region. The cinnamon that we typically find in our supermarkets is the bark of this tree, which is either sold as the dried tubular form known as a quill or stick, or ground into a powder.

Although it is available throughout the year, the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect spice to use during the winter months. Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine.

Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity, and the oil of cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Studies have shown that cinnamon:

• may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar levels and is therefore beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes.
• can lower cholesterol.
• has a role in aiding digestion.
• can help to treat diarrhea.
• can help to cure the common cold.
• combined with honey can reduce arthritis pain.
• can help to boost memory and cognitive function.
• is useful for treating toothaches.
• can Eliminate bad breath.
• can cure headaches and migraine pain.
• can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells
• has an anti-clotting effect on the blood
• is a natural preservative as when added to food it inhibits bacterial growth

So, let’s give thanks for the many benefits of cinnamon! In fact, during the GSQ 24-Day Countdown Christmas, a few recipes featuring cinnamon will be shared with participants! I hope you’ll join us!