What best emphasizes the warmth of the hearth? Of course, warm and fragrant buns. A perfect spice for them is cinnamon. It is impossible to pass by the pastries to which it is added indifferently. But is it only for the sake of smell that people began to use this spice? Today we consider the beneficial properties of cinnamon.
What is a
Most people know how this brown powder looks and smells. It is sold packaged in small bags. In fact, these are not outlandish fruits, but simply the bark of a tropical plant. On the markets of eastern countries it can be purchased in its entirety. The bark in this case resembles chocolate tubes and looks very appetizing. In fact, under the same name we can find several species of ground bark. There are at least two for sale:
- powder extracted from the ceylon cinnamon bark;
- powder from the bark of a tree called cassia.
The beneficial properties of cinnamon are highly dependent on what exactly you are buying. They are most pronounced when using the fresh bark of Ceylon cinnamon. It tastes sharper and has a stronger effect. Cassia in its composition has a lot of coumarin, which in large quantities can harm the body. But hardly anyone eats cinnamon with spoons, so this problem does not arise acutely.
By the way, to more accurately assess the beneficial properties of cinnamon, you can check its origin. To do this, drop a little iodine on the purchased powder. Ceylon will become bluish, and cassia will acquire a bright blue color. If you can buy cinnamon in sticks, use it. As necessary, you will grind it on a special grater.
Distribution history
For the first time they learned about warming spices in Egypt and China. The healing properties of cinnamon began to be studied by the healers, culinary specialists and ministers of divine cults. Rubbed bark was used by priests. In Chinese annals, spice is referred to as a component of medicines. And in other sources, it is found as an air freshener and the first perfume.
Cinnamon can be called a fatal spice, because it paid a lot of money and waged war. In value, it was equated to gold, so the possession of fragrant bark was the prerogative of the richest people. All this was, but passed. Today, fragrant spice is available to everyone. Of course, ground cinnamon is most often found in stores, but it can also be of very good quality.
Structure
The magical aroma of brown powder is a merit of essential oils. In turn, they have a beneficial effect on the work of the whole organism as a whole, preserving its youth and beauty. Seasoning is also introduced into the composition of various cosmetic preparations. Of course, ground cinnamon has time to lose some of the essential oils during storage, but still remains useful. In addition, the composition of the spice includes:
- Tannins.
- Polyphenol, i.e. an insulin analogue.
- Eugenol is a natural antiseptic.
Beneficial features
The composition of aromatic spices is well understood today. Doctors and nutritionists can openly answer the question of what are the benefits of cinnamon for health. First of all, its antioxidant properties are noted. The regular use of this spice allows you to remove toxins from the body, to bring cholesterol back to normal. In eastern countries, spice is used as an antibacterial agent. It can sprinkle wounds to prevent suppuration.
It has long been known that cinnamon sticks help fight colds. Below we will consider the options for preparing medicinal drinks. Dried bark also has a beneficial effect on the stomach, relieves bloating and stimulates digestion. It is due to this that the warm spice is in demand among those who want to lose weight. In general, cinnamon comprehensively affects the entire body. Therefore, do not deny yourself the pleasure and regularly use it in the kitchen. Seasoned chefs know that even if the baking is not very successful, cinnamon will brighten up the flaws.
Need to be careful
Before you start adding it to all drinks and dishes indiscriminately, you need to get acquainted with contraindications. Cinnamon should not be consumed in large quantities. Especially often this mistake is made by girls who dream of losing weight sooner. There are a few things you need to know:
- Excessive consumption of spice leads to sediment in our internal, natural filters. This is especially harmful for children under 3 years.
- Spice is completely contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can provoke disturbances in the development of the fetus.
- The use of creams, one of the components of which is a tropical spice, can lead to the development of foci of inflammation.
- If there is a violation of the cardiovascular system or high blood pressure, cinnamon is prohibited.
Of course, we are not talking about one cinnamon roll. Contraindications should be remembered in cases where a person is clearly abusing it.
Cinnamon for slimness
Today in pharmacies you can find a lot of cinnamon-based supplements, the manufacturers of which promise the speediest way out of excess weight. This is fiction, because cinnamon alone does not contribute to the loss of extra pounds. Yes, it activates all metabolic processes in the cells and removes toxins, free radicals and other “garbage” from them. It is thanks to cleansing that normalization of metabolism occurs, which contributes to the burning of fats.
There is another important property. Glucose helps reduce blood glucose. It is an excess of sugar that prevents the body from managing extra pounds. In order to part with them faster, you need to prepare a special fat-burning drink with cinnamon. Mix a teaspoon of the powder with a glass of boiling water. You can add a little honey. Drinking it is recommended three times a day. Well, of course, you should avoid unhealthy foods and adhere to a rational diet.
Cinnamon for diabetes
I want to say right away that the treatment of this formidable disease should take place exclusively under the supervision of the attending physician. Today there is a fairly large selection of special medicines that can effectively reduce blood glucose. But they have a number of contraindications and often give complications to the kidneys and liver, to the intestines and heart. Therefore, the best option is to use folk remedies, which include cinnamon.
One important component is phenol. He is responsible for the process of lowering blood glucose, which is important in case of disruption of the endocrine system. Cinnamon in diabetes can normalize the metabolism. Practice shows that if you eat dishes with aromatic spice every day for a month, then the level of glucose in the blood decreases by about 30%. Do not forget about the need to consult with your doctor. The possible harm of cinnamon must be considered with prolonged use.
Cinnamon begins to be taken in a course of about 1 g per day. This is about a quarter of a teaspoon. Gradually, this norm is brought to 6 g, that is, a teaspoon with a slide. It is advisable to distribute this portion throughout the day, adding to tea, pastries and main dishes.
For the strong half of humanity
Cinnamon sticks are loved not only by beautiful ladies. In addition to its general beneficial properties, this spice has specifics. So, it is considered very useful for men. Cinnamon powder is able to destroy pathogenic microorganisms that live in the digestive, reproductive and urinary systems. Healers claim that regular use of spicy spices can prevent the development of such formidable diseases as cystitis and urethritis, prostatitis. In addition, she is the strongest aphrodisiac who is able to tone and increase libido. Despite the fact that it is not a medicine, cinnamon in some cases can prevent the disease or adjust its treatment at the initial stage of development.
Advice
There is nothing in the world that could compare with the aroma of cinnamon powder. The taste of cinnamon is slightly tart and burning, it goes well with sweets and meat. There are certain rules that explain how to properly use this spice.
- Drink green tea. In the morning, it is very useful to drink a cup of green tea with the addition of a spoonful of cinnamon. You can add a little quality honey.
- Fruit salads. It’s hard to find another spice that complemented desserts just as well. To get an excellent taste, you can chop apples and quince, pears and sprinkle them with cinnamon powder.
- Cold fruit soups. The ingredients are fresh or dried fruits. At the end of cooking, add ginger and cinnamon. This is a great option for breakfast or a snack.
It is best to use cinnamon sticks and rub them yourself before use. Then the spice will retain all the beneficial properties and will affect the body as efficiently as possible.
Taste of childhood
If you are a supporter of a healthy diet, then you are probably looking for recipes for the most wholesome dishes. Cinnamon baking is exactly what you need to pay attention to. Fragrant spice will help to quickly process the substances entering the body so that the eaten delicacy does not affect the state of your figure. And the simplest thing you can cook is an apple pie.
Try making charlotte with cinnamon. All family members will definitely like it. At the same time, such a dessert is prepared quickly and easily. Cinnamon perfectly complements the taste of apples and gives the cake a fantastic aroma. You will need:
- Apple - 3 pcs.
- Flour - 3 cups.
- Sugar - 1.5 cups.
- Egg - 5 pcs.
- Baking powder, icing sugar and cinnamon - 1 teaspoon each.
To begin, chop the apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Combine all other ingredients. Put the apples in the mold and fill the mold with dough. Charlotte with cinnamon is cooked for 30 minutes at a temperature of 180 degrees. It turns out a very tasty, fragrant, sweet dish.
Cinnamon pie
If you are on a diet, but really want something sweet, then cook this wonderful cake. Cinnamon pastries have such an aroma that the whole family is guaranteed to join you. This is a great option for treating children, as the cake does not contain harmful ingredients. You will need:
- kefir - 2 glasses (non-greasy);
- eggs - 2 pieces;
- oatmeal - one and a half glasses;
- bran - half a glass;
- powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons;
- cinnamon - half a tablespoon;
- prunes and dried apricots of 150 grams.
Oatmeal should be chopped in a blender. Mix with the rest of the ingredients (eggs need to be beaten separately). Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper, pour the dough on it and put in the oven for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. Meanwhile, grind dried apricots and prunes separately. Divide the cake into three strips and each of them into four more parts. Now grease every second prune and combine in pairs. And cover with a layer of dried apricots on top.
Tasty Shrovetide
What could be better than hot pancakes? Dip in sour cream and immediately into the mouth. One can easily answer: only cinnamon pancakes can be better. Fantastic aroma will not leave anyone indifferent. And in the filling you can put caramelized apples. Basically, any basic recipe is right for you, just add some cinnamon to it.
Today we will consider a win-win option.
- Beat 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of sugar thoroughly.
- Pour a glass of milk.
- Add 200 g flour and a teaspoon of cinnamon.
Mix everything thoroughly. You can add a little saffron to make the pancakes more beautiful, sunny yellow. Bake in a hot pan, pouring a small portion of the dough each time. After the pancake is browned, it needs to be turned on the other side. Be sure to lubricate with butter so that the pancakes do not dry.
Cinnamon rolls
This is already a classic. Any sweet buns and sweet cakes have a special charm if cinnamon is added to the dough. Try making French buns. Surely family members will appreciate their amazing taste.
- Mix a bag of yeast and 100 g flour, add a teaspoon with a hill of cinnamon.
- In a separate pan, mix 300 ml of milk and 40 g of butter, a little salt and an egg.
- Pour yeast and flour into the pan and beat well. Roll the dough into a ball and leave for an hour to rise.
- Now roll out the layer and grease it with oil, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, put raisins.
- Roll it up and cut it into small "snails". Bake at 180 degrees for 30 minutes.
Mix powdered sugar and cream, heat on a fire until boiling. The resulting glaze should be lightly pour on each bun. It turns out very beautifully and exquisitely. And what a scent soars!
Cinnamon Apple For Dinner
Even if you are not on a diet, this dish will be an excellent treat and will allow you not to eat too much in the evening. At the same time, cooking requires a minimum, as well as products. A glass of kefir will need to take two apples and 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Apples must be peeled and rubbed through a grater. Add kefir and cinnamon. It turns out very tasty mashed potatoes, which can be used for dinner with great pleasure. Cinnamon apples can be a great dessert, healthy and light. Its calorific value is small - approximately 57 kcal per 100 g. Therefore, you can use it for dinner without harm to the figure. Such a delicacy can be made during the day, just be careful that the daily dose of cinnamon is not too large.
Instead of a conclusion
Cinnamon is a universal spice that is used to prepare first and second courses, and also has proven itself as an aromatic additive to baking. Cakes and rolls, cheesecakes and cookies - with cinnamon everything turns out much tastier. In addition, cinnamon powder has healing properties, so it can be used in the complex treatment of various diseases.
Be careful, it also has its contraindications. Before use, be sure to consult your doctor.
There are many recipes in which cinnamon can be used. Be sure to try making soups, salads, jelly desserts. Thanks to aromatic spices they turn out to be especially tasty. And for those who adhere to a strict diet, it will become an ideal assistant, as it helps to control appetite and reduces blood glucose levels.