Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is an aromatic spice, as well as a medicinal plant that is increasingly spoken of as a reliable ally of diabetics. Among the numerous species of cinnamon tree, it is Ceylon cinnamon tree that is the most valuable in terms of both culinary and medicinal qualities. It is no coincidence that it is considered one of the best natural remedies to help people with diabetic problems. Its bark contains active substances such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid that have the ability to improve insulin metabolism and regulate glycemia. Ceylon cinnamon is not only a guardian of normalized blood sugar levels, but also equipped with powerful antioxidant properties, a plant supplement helpful to any person concerned with a healthy lifestyle.
Table of contents
- 1 Ceylon cinnamon – an indispensable spice, and at the same time an excellent herbal medicine.
- 2 Ceylon cinnamon – composition.
- 3 Balancing blood sugar, a key health-promoting effect of Ceylon cinnamon tree
- 4 Ceylon cinnamon – medicinal properties.
- 5 Does Ceylon cinnamon have anti-cancer properties?
- 6 Uses of Ceylon cinnamon tree
- 7 Ceylon cinnamon – Drug interactions
- 8 Where to buy Ceylon cinnamon?
- 9 Ceylon cinnamon versus cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon – an indispensable spice, and at the same time an excellent herbal medicine.
In the world of spices, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) stands out both for its unique taste and aroma and for its powerful medicinal properties. It adds zing to baked goods, desserts and spicy dishes, while giving us the power of health benefits.
Ceylon cinnamon tree belongs to the laurel family and is a tree that grows up to about 10 meters. It has elongated voluminous leaves, small yellow-green flowers and light green fruits in the form of drupes. It also has fine, thin bark, which is its main medicinal and spice resource. It is found in tropical countries.
Ceylon cinnamon tree originated in areas of South Asia. It takes its name from Ceylon, or one of the islands of Sri Lanka, where it grows. It is also found in India, Burma, Sumatra, Java, Madagascar and the Caribbean. It is cultivated in Asia, Africa and South and Central America.
Cinnamon tree has a very long tradition in human history. In Asia, its medicinal and spice properties were valued as far back as ancient times. It was used as a diuretic, to reduce pain, relieve digestive problems and detoxify. In folk medicine it also worked well as a remedy for colds – it warmed, strengthened the body and brought relief from nagging symptoms.
Ceylon cinnamon bark is harvested 2 or 3 times a year. It is subjected to a short fermentation, cleaned from the outside, then cut into strips and dried in the sun. It is during the drying phase that the bark of the cinnamon tree rolls up on both sides, forming tubes, a characteristic of plants in the genus Cinnamomum.
Dried tubes of cinnamon bark, called cinnamon sticks, are widely available commercially. In addition to Ceylon cinnamon sticks, ground Ceylon cinnamon is also very popular, providing a more affordable and versatile form of this aromatic spice.
Ceylon cinnamon – composition.
Cinnamon cinnamon is a combination of sweet flavor with spicy notes and an element of sharpness. In the case of Ceylon cinnamon tree, the uncommon taste goes hand in hand with health benefits. The plant in its bark contains a wide range of bioactive substances that act as antioxidants and help keep blood sugar in check, as well as support our bodies in other ways.
The most important active ingredients in Ceylon cinnamon are:
- Cinnamaldehyde (cinnamaldehyde, cinnamal). One of the main active ingredients of Ceylon cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde. It is what gives cinnamon its characteristic aroma and flavor. This ingredient is known for its strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Moreover, it is responsible for anti-diabetic effects (it sensitizes tissues to insulin and reduces blood glucose levels). It also stimulates fat metabolism, being a valuable aid in the process of eliminating extra pounds.
- Cinnamic Acid. It has strong antioxidant properties, making Ceylon cinnamon an effective agent in combating harmful free radicals that damage healthy cells. It also exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has immune-stimulating and protective effects on the liver.
- Flavonoids. Ceylon cinnamon has a palette of flavonoids, such as catechins, epicatechins, cinnamic tannins and quercetin. These plant compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can slow down the aging process and help protect the body’s cells from damage.
- Eugenol, pinene, limonene. These are aromatic compounds from the group of monoterpenes that exhibit analgesic, anti-ulcer, relaxant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. They have beneficial effects on the biliary tract, digestive system and nervous system,
Other active compounds in Ceylon cinnamon are:
- polysaccharides,
- proanthocyanidins,
- chlorogenic acid,
- coffee acid,
- minerals: calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium,
- B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C,
- tannins,
- coumarins,
- mucilages,
- resins,
- diterpenes.
Balancing blood sugar, a key health-promoting effect of Ceylon cinnamon tree
Ceylon cinnamon is increasingly being studied for its ability to balance blood sugar levels. A number of tests have shown that consuming cinnamon may be helpful in regulating insulin metabolism and lowering glucose levels, which may be particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or a predisposition to developing it.
The main mechanism by which Ceylon cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels is by raising tissue sensitivity to insulin and increasing insulin secretion by the pancreas. Cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active substances present in Ceylon cinnamon, plays an important role in these processes.
Cinnamaldehyde improves glucose metabolism. It improves glucose transport and affects muscle cells, activating them to take up glucose from the blood. In addition, it stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, which can help keep blood sugar levels stable after a meal. These actions promote better utilization of glucose by the body and prevent excess accumulation of glucose in the blood.
In addition to cinnamaldehyde, Ceylon cinnamon contains a number of other active ingredients, such as cinnamic acid and flavonoids, which can support healthy carbohydrate metabolism.
Flavonoids improve the function of pancreatic cells responsible for insulin secretion, which contributes to maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Cinnamic acid reduces insulin resistance, protects pancreatic cells responsible for insulin secretion from damage , and counteracts the persistence of excessively high blood glucose levels (promoting lower fasting glucose).
Extract of Ceylon cinnamon tree that stabilizes blood sugar levels, along with other glycemic-improving ingredients, can be found in the formula NuviaLab Sugar Control.
Ceylon cinnamon – medicinal properties.
Ceylon cinnamon is a valuable resource for those struggling for normalized glycemia. However, in addition to stabilizing blood sugar levels, the herb also exhibits a number of other beneficial properties. Through its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, it can be an important booster for the immune system. It can be a recipe for faster extinction of infections, improved digestion and better cardiovascular function.
Health-promoting properties of Ceylon cinnamon worth keeping in mind:
- Ceylon cinnamon has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, inhibits the growth and development of E. coli bacteria, Salmonella and Candida fungi, among others,
- cinnamon warms up, has a tonic, detoxifying effect, fights inflammation, relieves pain, so it is helpful in the prevention and treatment of colds and respiratory infections,
- Ceylon cinnamon is a valuable support for those seeking to reduce body weight(accelerates metabolism, stimulates fat burning, improves glucose-insulinmetabolism),
- Cinnamon shows strong antioxidant properties, fights free radicals, reduces the risk of diseases of civilization,
- cinnamon can support cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure, improving circulation, lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels,
- Ceylon cinnamon stimulates digestive processes, counteracts constipation, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, intestinal complaints,
- Ceylon cinnamon is a valuable support for the bile ducts, liver and pancreas.
Does Ceylon cinnamon have anti-cancer properties?
There are scientific studies suggesting that Ceylon cinnamon may exhibit anti-cancer properties. Compounds present in Ceylon cinnamon, such as cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde and flavonoids, show potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Many of the compounds in Ceylon cinnamon bark exhibit antioxidant properties that protect cells from mutations caused by oxygen free radicals.
Uses of Ceylon cinnamon tree
Ceylon cinnamon tree has found use in phytotherapy, in the culinary world, as well as in cosmetics.
- Culinary uses. Ceylon cinnamon is commonly used as a spice for a whole range of different dishes, from desserts to meat and vegetable dishes. It adds a distinctive, distinctive, spicy yet sweet flavor and aroma, blending perfectly with pancakes, sweet rice and pasta dishes (e.g., rice with apples, macaroni and cheese), oatmeal, teas, mulled wine, compotes and other delicacies. It is also a great addition to fruit mousses, such as apple mousse, and baked goods, including cakes, cookies, muffins. In Asian cuisine, cinnamon is also often used to prepare spicy dishes, such as curries. It also makes an interesting ingredient in marinades for roasted meats.
- Cosmetic uses. Cinnamon oil and extracts of Ceylon cinnamon are widely used in the cosmetic industry. Thanks to its antibacterial, color-quenching and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon is used in skin care products, especially to combat acne, blemishes and other skin problems. Thanks to its warming and firming properties, cinnamon is perfect as an ingredient in scrubs. In addition, its fragrance is often used in perfumes and candles.
- Health uses. Ceylon cinnamon is appreciated for its numerous health benefits. Active substances present in cinnamon are helpful in regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system and improving brain function. Ceylon cinnamon is also used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in natural medicine.
Ceylon cinnamon – Drug interactions
Ceylon cinnamon may interact with some medications, especially those used to regulate blood sugar levels. It can also potentially reduce the effectiveness of some anticoagulant drugs.
People with hypersensitivity to cinnamon should avoid consuming it, as it can lead to allergic reactions, including skin reactions. Moreover, cinnamon contains compounds that can cause irritation of the oral mucosa, so people with a hypersensitive digestive tract should limit its consumption.
Excessive consumption of cinnamon can be dangerous for people with peptic ulcer disease, liver disease and kidney disease. Caution is advised when using cinnamon in children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Where to buy Ceylon cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon is available in large markets and herbal stores, as well as in numerous online stores with health food, herbs, spices, teas, organic products. It can be found in the form of whole cinnamon sticks or powder.
Ceylon cinnamon versus cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are finer in texture. They are made of many thin coils rolled up (the rolls are filled in the center). Ceylon cinnamon sticks are light brown in color and crumble easily.
Cassia cinnamon sticks are darker, thicker and much harder, and are also hollow inside.
Ceylon cinnamon has a subtle, sweet, slightly spicy flavor, making it ideal for dessert dishes. It is distinguished by a distinct, warm, very pleasant aroma. Cassia cinnamon has a more intense, sharper flavor and is less aromatic.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33341863/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29605574/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cinnamon-and-diabetes
