This hot-weather plant is grown in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt.Besides using it in cooking, cinnamon is also thought to have health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used for colds, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. It is also believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation.
Recent studies have found that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar. In an American study conducted by Dr. Richard Anderson, sixty people with type 2 diabetes took 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon in pill form daily. These amounts are equivalent to one-quarter of a teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. After 40 days, all three amounts of cinnamon reduced fasting blood glucose by 18% to 29%; triglycerides by 23% to 30%, and total cholesterol by 12% to 26%.
Each morning, I add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to my smoothie. Here are a few other ways to enjoy this tasty spice:
- Stir it into low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.
- Place a sliced apple and a teaspoon of cinnamon in a plastic bag. Shake well and enjoy.
- Add it to meat loaf or oatmeal.
- Boil a cinnamon stick in water for tea.
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