Cinnamon is one of those spices which everyone loves but through research & anecdotal evidence has been shown to have benefits far from your average spice! Cinnamon has been shown to raise the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol which helps to remove the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol from the body.
Cinnamon may also help to treat Type 2 Diabetes by reducing blood pressure & insulin resistance. Cinnamon may also lessen the effects of high fat meals by slowing the increase of blood sugar levels after eating.
So picking the right cinnamon is important. There are over a dozen different types of cinnamon but there are only 4 varieties which are commonly used: Ceylon Cinnamon, Cassia Cinnamon, Saigon Cinnamon & Korintje Cinnamon. But which is the right type to use?
Ceylon cinnamon is the ‘True’ cinnamon & is known by two botanical names: Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum. This species is from Sri Lanka. Cassia Cinnamon is derived from a related species of cinnammon & is also known as Chinese cinnamon. Some research shows thats Cassia cinnamon can be toxic if taken in large doses.
Remember to always choose organic where possible as you are guaranteed high quality without additives, preservatives & fillers. Plus! Check your labels. It is common for cheaper cinnamon (generally Cassia) to undergo irradiaton to extend the shelf life.
This process can greatly effect the nutritious constituents of the cinnamon & possibly leave you with carcinogenic by products. The radiation dose limit for spices is usually higher because they are consumed in very small quantities. Look out for these True cinnamon brands: Pure Foods Essential & Planet Organic.
