Cinnamon: useful properties
In the list of ingredients of a variety of dishes, cocktails andeven canning is often possible to meet these amazing fragrant sticks. They are added during the preparation of coffee and tea, chocolate, served to the fruit. What is this spice? In fact, it is the bark of a small tree that grows in the tropics of Asia. And the bark is going to only in the rainy season, so it's easier to rip it off the tree. The bark dries up and spontaneously spins into the straw-sticks. In this form, cinnamon usually enters the market. It is interesting that it can be stored for a very long time without losing its flavor.
Surprising properties of cinnamon
In the composition of cinnamon - a whole list of usefulmicroelements and essential oils. Even a small pinch can enrich the body with many vitamins. This spice is one of the most ancient, known to mankind, and it was used in ancient times not only as a seasoning for improving the taste of various dishes, but also as a medicinal and cosmetological preparation. Modern medicine has recognized the beneficial properties of cinnamon, and during research it became known that this spice can lower blood sugar levels and can prevent diabetes. Let's consider some properties:
it removes toothache, muscle and headache;
improves digestion, contributing to the secretion of gastric juice;
strengthens the cardiovascular system;
can remove bad breath from the mouth, just chew a small piece of the stick;
helps treatment for colds;
relieves pain in menstrual cycles;
promotes weight loss, as it normalizes metabolism;
cleanses the liver and kidneys with rational use;
It is used as an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent;
essential oil, added to the cream, rejuvenates and tones the skin;
her smell increases the work of the brain,improves memory and mood. It is not for nothing that the cinnamon used to be a part of various incenses and was considered even magical. Psychics, for example, believe that it attracts money if you carry a pinch in your wallet.
And this is not the entire list of beneficial effectsthis wonderful bark. And what is important, unlike a lot of drugs, unpleasant for taste and smell, it only adds a special subtlety and aroma to dishes and drinks.
Cinnamon: benefit and harm
As is known, each medicine has its owncontraindication. Cinnamon is not an exception. Do not eat it with a spoon and add to all meals and drinks. Proper storage also plays a role. The product is concentrated enough, and if it is spoiled, they can be poisoned. For people suffering from certain diseases, it is even contraindicated. It is necessary to refrain from using the following categories:
future mothers, since the coumarin, which is part of it, can cause a contraction of the uterus, which is unacceptable in pregnancy;
suffering from high blood pressure. The frequency of cardiac contractions can be increased, which will further increase the pressure;
having chronic liver and kidney diseases;
when treating antibiotics, one should refrain from using cinnamon, as it itself has natural antibacterial properties, and can change the medicine by interacting with it;
should not be used by children under 3 years old.
It is important to remember that a positive result willonly real spice, so buying it, you need to be careful. It is best to take tubules, not powder, since it's easier to forge it. This cinnamon is yellow or pale brown. Sticks should be sturdy, with evenly trimmed edges. Keep them in a dark and dry place.
