Cinnamon: Use this spice for its lesser known benefits

A common household spice, cinnamon is added to foods across the sweet and savoury spectrum. From tea to buns to even biryani, cinnamon adds its sweet and spicy flavour to a wide range of dishes.

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Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree called Cinnamomum. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry. Upon drying, it curls up into rolls which are then labeled cinnamon sticks. There are two variants of this spice - Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia is more commonly used and it tastes stronger and hotter than Ceylon.

Apart from adding mouth-watering flavour, cinnamon also has several health benefits which you must know about!

Anti-microbial properties

Cinnamaldehyde is the essential oil that gives a distinctive smell and flavour to cinnamon. This oil can effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. The antimicrobial effect of cinnamon also prevents tooth decay and reduces bad breath.

Prebiotic properties

According to a study by National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA, cinnamon has prebiotic properties that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppresses the pathogenic bacteria. So, including cinnamon regularly in your diet can help improve gut health.

Anti-diabetic effect

Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can also lower blood sugar. Cinnamon also decreases the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal. Research has confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, indicating that it can lower blood sugar levels by 10–29%.

Also watch: Tasty, diabetic-friendly breakfast ideas to start your day right!