Home HEALTH It’s that time of the year…

It’s that time of the year…

December 7, 2013

Cinnamon

 

It’s that time of the year, Christmas is heeereee!!! Well almost, but it’s definitely the time when we have to sprinkle our hot drinks with some delicious cinnamon.

Apart from the incredible taste, cinnamon has plenty of health benefits that you should definitely take advantage of:

 

 

  • Research shows that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels. By including cinnamon in your diet, you’ll feel full sooner and that helps with managing weight.  You’ll have more stable energy levels. It’s obviously a great choice for diabetics.
  • Some research suggests, that it can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol.
  • It’s a super powerful antioxidant- it protects our cells from the bad guys, the free radicals. Logically it is a great natural food preservative.
  • Smelling cinnamon apparently boosts brain activity! I’m not suggesting you start sniffing it from a bag, go for baking instead, or try a cinnamon chewing gum! Yummy!
  • It also has natural anti-infectious compounds.

 

Try not to over do it, having too much cinnamon can be harmful, the perfect amount is around 4 grams a day, which is 2 teaspoons!

There are a few different kinds of cinnamon and, according to Timothy Ferris, the author of the best selling ,‘The 4 -Hour Body’ , Saigon Cinnamon is the most successful in lowering your blood sugar levels. It’s hard to recognize it in grocery stores, as the type isn’t always on the packaging, but look out for the cinnamon sticks that are rolled in from both sides. It’s always preferable to use freshly ground cinnamon of course.

Have I convinced you that this super spice is good for you? If so, I’ll be posting a delicious Christmas recipe, including cinnamon, next week!

Happy cinnamoning!

Adela x

 

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