Cinnamon: Five Things You Don't Know

Cinnamon is a spice commonly used in foods and beverages for its strong, aromatic flavor. Cinnamon marries well with a variety of other tastes, and is an American favorite, especially around the holidays. Used to flavor everything from meats to candies, cinnamon is an extremely popular spice. You may think you know everything about this seemingly ordinary ingredient, but cinnamon has some amazing and unexpected properties, which may inspire you to begin using cinnamon in a variety of new ways. So, what's so special about cinnamon?

Cinnamon comes from tree bark
While many of our common spices are derived from the seeds, leaves, and flowers of plants, cinnamon is derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Once dried, the bark curls into the stiff, tubular sticks we're familiar with, called quills. While it's easy to find cinnamon sticks in stores, it's also very common to find ground cinnamon, which has all the same properties as cinnamon sticks, but won't last for quite as long in your pantry.

It's nutritious
Cinnamon contains several essential nutrients, including manganese, iron, and calcium. Cinnamon also contains dietary fiber, which helps maintain gastrointestinal health and control cholesterol.

It's been in use since ancient times
Humans have been using cinnamon for a very long time. There are records of its use in Ancient Egypt, and mentions of it in the Bible. Historically, cinnamon was used not only for its flavoring properties, but also as a medicine and embalming agent. According to WHFoods, cinnamon is also mentioned in early Chinese medical texts as a botanical remedy.

It has anti-microbial properties
The essential oils found in cinnamon have been proven to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. Cinnamon is so effective at stifling microbial growth that it has even been touted as an alternative to chemicals commonly used in food preservation.These properties are the basis of cinnamon's uses as an herbal remedy. In traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is added to tea to halt the onset of a flu or cold, because of its healing and warming properties.

It increases brain activity
According to WHFoods, a study conducted by Dr. P. Zoladz in 2004 concluded that cinnamon's aroma had the ability to enhance a student's brain activity. The study showed that, compared with other aromas, cinnamon clearly helped students to remember things they'd learned, and to pay closer attention to things they were seeing. This information is leading to further research into the benefits of cinnamon, and may possibly lead to breakthroughs with elderly patients and students with anxiety about tests.

You might know it as a spice cabinet staple, but cinnamon has a myriad of other uses, and has been around for centuries. With its historical importance and medical potential, cinnamon might just be one of the most interesting ingredients in your pantry!

Source:
WHFoods, http://www.worldshealthiestfoods.com/