Ceylon Cinnamon

Cinnamon is largely grown in South East Asian countries, like Sri Lanka, Sumatra, India, Java and Bangladesh. Ceylon cinnamon also known as true cinnamon, is one of the varieties of cinnamon. Its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum and is a native to Sri Lanka. You should not confuse this variety with the Chinese cinnamon or Cassia. The cinnamon sticks are manufactured from the inner barks of the tree, belonging to the Lauraceae family.

Ceylon cinnamon has a large application in culinary activities and is commonly used in preparing savories. It has a unique and warm aroma. If you chew a cinnamon stick it will taste more sweet than bitter. Ceylon cinnamon sticks are marketed for use in household purposes, pharmaceutical industries and as a spicing agent. They are used to add a little spice to the sweet dessert dishes like ice cream, cakes, custards, creams and puddings. The sticks are also known as quills or pipes, having uniform color and texture. The sticks are categorized into seven grades varying in shapes and sizes. The quills are tightly rolled and they are very fragile and delicate. Ceylon cinnamon sticks are also popular in Mexico and England.

Health Benefits

• Ceylon cinnamon is rich in dietary fiber, iron, calcium and manganese. The nutritional content of cinnamon helps in eliminating constipation and prevents deposition of bile. Doctors also say that a certain dosage of cinnamon helps to prevent colon cancer.
• A teaspoon of this cinnamon powder when combined with honey aids in losing weight. Cinnamon powder increases metabolism of the body and thus it helps in active digestion and overall weight loss. In this context you can read about the cinnamon and honey diet.
• One of the most pronounced cinnamon health benefits is assured to people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Doctors often prescribe Ceylon cinnamon capsules to them, as it regulates the cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The true cinnamon is known to lower blood cholesterol level (LDL or bad cholesterol) that is harmful for the body.
• A research conducted and published in the African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development, presented the view that cinnamon has the ability to improve the function of the brain. Scientists claim that smelling cinnamon boosts up memory power.
• This cinnamon has wide application in the medical field owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. It acts against foods that cause inflammation to the intestine. It also has an anti-inflammatory action against stomach ulcers, heart diseases and joint pain.
• A research study has shown that medicines containing cinnamon extracts ere effective against head lice and infections in the vagina caused due to yeast and bacterial invasion. Thus, we can infer that cinnamon actively shows anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and antifungal activity. The oil of cinnamon is used for this purpose.

Cinnamon oil extracted from the barks contains phenylpropanoids cinnamaldehyde, sesquiterpene and cinnamic acid. This composition makes it a wonderful essential oil and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. However, you should be careful while buying Ceylon cinnamon as you shouldn't get confused with cassia cinnamon. While being on a cinnamon diet, you must consult your doctor regarding the correct dose. Organic Ceylon cinnamon is the purest form of product derived from mature tree trunks while the non-organic varieties are derived from the cinnamon quills. Indus Organics is a reputed brand that sells premium quality of organic Ceylon cinnamon powder.

If you purchase sticks, you can easily grind them at home in a blender or a coffee grinder. You can check out the recipes prepared by adding cinnamon powder from your cookbooks. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any kind of cinnamon supplements available at drug stores.