Cinnamon
The aroma of the holidays to me is cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
In ancient Egypt, it's value was worth more than gold and was primarily a
gift for the kings.
There are two types of cinnamon:
Ceylon, known as true cinnamon and of higher quality.
Cassia, the more common variety of today, found in the majority of products.
It is made by cutting the bark of the Cinnamomum Tree, then when it dries it forms
strips that can ground into powder.
The distinct smell and flavor comes from the compound called Cinnamaldehyde.
This compound is responsible for most of it's powerful effects on our health and metabolism.
* It is loaded with antioxidants which protect us from free-radicals.
* It is highly anti-inflammatory and helps to fight body infections and repair tissue damage.
*It may cut the risks of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.
*It helps to improve "insulin sensitivity", by helping insulin to transporting blood sugar into the bloodstream. Which helps in controlling Diabetes.
*It helps to inhibit buildup of a protein called Tau, which is contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
* Cinnamaldehyde has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.
All cinnamon has great health benefits, but the "Cassia" variety also has a compound called
coumarin. You should to try to limit your use of this common variety and get "Ceylon"
It is available in powder, sticks and oils at your local health food store or online at cinnamonvogue.
Don't worry unless you are using it on everything you should be fine.
Here's a great way to start or end the day.
In a medium sauce pan combine;
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder or paste
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey
4-6 ounces coconut or almond milk
Stir over medium heat
Before mixture boils pour into mug
Enjoy
Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd
Coming in 2016: Essential Oils
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