Cinnamon, enemy or ally of our health ?

Cinnamon is a spice that, although fashionable, hasn't been discovered recently. Humans have been using it for many years, especially in Eastern cultures. Thanks to its properties, flavor, and distinctive fragrance, it has been used to preserve food, for medicinal, and culinary purposes.

Want to learn more about this spice? Keep reading!

In ancient times, this spice was once more precious than gold itself. If our ancestors already knew and valued it, how could we not?

Let's start from the beginning: cinnamon is one of the spices with the greatest antioxidant power in existence; its flavonoids and phenols make it a great ally for our health. It's also rich in vitamins B and C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

There are many different varieties of cinnamon although they all come from a tree of the genus Cinnamomum. Despite having common origin, Their properties are very different, making some more advisable than others. The most commonly sold are:

• Ceylon Cinnamon: It originates in Sri Lanka and is known as the "original or true cinnamon." It is the best in terms of quality and benefits.
• Cassia Cinnamon: It comes from China, and although its quality is much lower than the previous variety, it is one of the most consumed in the world. However, its use is not recommended for long periods of time or in high doses due to its coumarin content.
• Cinnamon Korintje: This variety originates from Indonesia and is similar to Cassia in composition and coumarin content.
• Saigon Cinnamon: It is native to Vietnam and although at first glance it looks similar to cassia, it has little to do with it in terms of coumarin content and composition.
  
  

In the previous section, we learned about some of the varieties available for sale, but what's the difference? It's simple: the difference lies in the coumarin content of each type. You've probably never heard of this word (until you read it in the previous section), right? It's a substance that, if consumed in excess, can cause liver and kidney damage.

It is advisable to take the Ceylon variety, as Cassia has a high coumarin content, so half a teaspoon may contain more than is considered safe for regular users.

I want you to know that occasional consumption of Cassia cinnamon does not pose a health problem, but for those who consume it every day, it is recommended that they opt for the Ceylon variety.

Cinnamon, in its variety native to Sri Lanka, has many benefits. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Help to digestion of carbohydrates and fats, as well as with gas and acidity.
• Improves cognitive functions and memory, besides Help against headaches.
• Regulates the levels of blood glucose.
• Improvement cardiovascular health, contributing to reducing cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels.
• Improves circulation and Help to lower cholesterol.
• Regulates and Help to improve symptoms associated with menstruation.

After learning about all the positive effects this ingredient has on your health, you'll definitely want to incorporate it into your routine. We'll tell you the easiest ways to take it:

• Including it in your recipes: Its characteristic flavor makes it a perfect complement to all your recipes.
• As a sweetener natural: You can add it to your coffees, smoothies, or even desserts to make them sweeter and healthier.
• As an infusion: Infusions containing this ingredient are recommended to be taken after eating as they aid digestion.

At Baïa Food, we use the highest quality Ceylon cinnamon, imported directly from Sri Lanka, making our recipes even healthier and tastier. So, if the above options don't suit you or you'd like to complement them, a great way to incorporate it into your daily routine is through our cinnamon powders. Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, Plant Protein Vainilla or Chai Latte that in addition to the benefits that cinnamon has, it will provide you with many others.