Cinnamon: A Flavorful Spice with Health Benefits

Cinnamon is a popular spice known for its warm and sweet taste. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a number of health benefits. In this article, we will go over the nutritional value of cinnamon, its health benefits, and present a delicious recipe using this versatile spice.

Nutritional value of cinnamon

Cinnamon is a low-calorie spice that is a good source of antioxidants, fiber, calcium and iron. One teaspoon of cinnamon provides the following nutrients:

Calories: 6
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Dietary fiber: 1 gram
Calcium: 26 milligrams
Iron: 0.2 milligrams
Health benefits of cinnamon

Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic disease.

Blood sugar control: Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, making it a useful spice for diabetics.

Heart Health: Cinnamon may help improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Brain Function: Cinnamon has been shown to improve brain function by enhancing cognitive processing and memory.

Antimicrobial Properties: Cinnamon contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections caused by bacteria and fungi.

Delicious cinnamon recipe: cinnamon applesauce

An easy and delicious way to incorporate cinnamon into your diet, this recipe features the classic combination of cinnamon and apples.

Ingredients:

4 medium apples, peeled and diced 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, add the diced apples and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer until apples are soft and tender, 20-25 minutes.

Once apples are cooked, add honey, cinnamon and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

Puree the mixture with a blender until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serve warm or chilled and enjoy!

We hope this article has inspired you to include more cinnamon in your diet and enjoy its delicious taste and health benefits. Have fun cooking with it!