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Cinnamon - origin, varieties, nutritional and health values, weight reduction, contraindications
Table of Contents
1. What is cinnamon?
In fact, cinnamon was not merely utilized as a culinary spice, but also as a medicinal remedy. It was employed from the beginning in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It was used to treat urinary tract infections, rheumatism, dizziness, toothaches, and even acne or impotence [3]. Our grandmothers also used it as an antidote for various ailments such as stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting. It turns out that they did not do so entirely by chance. With the progression of science and medicine, more researchers have become interested in this widely used and intriguing spice. Over time, it has been demonstrated to possess numerous antibacterial, antifungal, therapeutic, metabolism-supporting, and weight loss-promoting properties. The popularity of cinnamon has also led to its increased incorporation into various food products such as chocolates, beverages, desserts, alcohol, and many others. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recognized cinnamon as generally safe and granted it GRAS status [3]. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that this product also has its drawbacks and is not recommended for everyone [2].2. Origin and types of cinnamon
In fact, the earliest known information about cinnamon in Indonesia dates back to the 1750s.[10] In 1817 there is evidence of the use of cinnamon for the mummification of human remains in Egypt.[10] In addition, it is also mentioned in the Bible in the stories written by Herodotus and in numerous accounts by Arab and Muslim physicians.[2] The first Polish findings on cinnamon come from ancient times.[10] However, there is also evidence that cinnamon was also used for the treatment of dead bodies in Egypt.[11] It is also known as cinnamon,[11] although it is sometimes referred to as an animal of different colours. Although it appears to be produced from cinnamon and cinnamon, it may be produced in the same colour as the cinnamon or cinnamon varieties, but it may vary from the colour of the two or more colourful varieties of cinnamon to the colours of the other varieties.3. What nutritional properties can be observed in cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice that delivers up to 247 kcal in 100 g to the body. Its main components are carbohydrates and fiber, 81 g and 53 g respectively. It practically does not contain fat, in 100 g of the product it is only 1.2 g, of which trans fatty acids do not exist at all, as well as cholesterol. Protein also occurs in small quantities, only 4 g. However, there are many vitamins and minerals. Cinnamon is a good source of potassium – 431 mg, calcium – 1002 IU and 295 IU carotenoids. The most important ingredients that can be found in the bark of this plant are cinnamaldehyde, alcohol, phenolic acids, terpenes, fiber, tannins and coumarins.4. The impact of cinnamon on our health
In recent years, many studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of cinnamon consumption on our health. The majority of scientific evidence concerns the positive effects of this spice on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular diseases are currently a serious health issue worldwide. In 2012, a total of 17.5 million people died from cardiovascular diseases, with the most common cause being a stroke or coronary heart disease. Scientists have begun to take note of the health benefits of a healthy diet and the reduction of the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the positive impact of cinnamon on health issues related to the cardiovascular system is increasingly being observed. Currently, there are many scientific evidence that confirm the positive impact of cinnamon on health [4]. In one experiment on rats, where hypertension was induced by administering methyl ester of L-Nitroarginin, also known as L-NAME (N (G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), they began to be given an extract from the bark of Ceylon cinnamon in a dose of 5, 10 or 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. After some time, a decrease in blood pressure of 12.5; 26.6 and 30.6% was observed in the rats. Interestingly, in the same study, the animals were given the same extract, but in a dose of 300 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Then, an improvement in the lipid profile of the rats was observed. The concentration of triglycerides in the blood plasma decreased by about 38.1%, the total cholesterol level by 32.1%, and the LDL level even by 75.3%. At the same time, the HDL level increased by 58.4%. It was also observed that in rats receiving cinnamon extract, the atherogenicity index decreased [4]. In another study on rats with hypertension conducted by another team, it was observed that in representatives of this species that were on a sugar-rich diet, significantly higher levels of systolic blood pressure were recorded than in these animals that additionally consumed cinnamon in an amount of 2 or 6% [4].5. Does cinnamon genuinely aid in the reduction of excess weight?
In the internet and on television, it is constantly repeated that cinnamon is one of many wonderful spices that allows you to easily get rid of excess kilograms. Unfortunately, there are no studies that would confirm these reports. Probably the people promoting this dietary myth based their claims on research indicating the sensitivity of tissues to insulin through the use of this spice. Reducing the level of sugar in the blood indeed helps in weight reduction, but no spectacular results should be expected. Others emphasize that cinnamon contains fiber, which also positively affects digestion and supports the fight against overweight. Unfortunately, a teaspoon of ground spice contains a little over 1 gram of fiber per 2 grams of sugar [11]. Therefore, there is no reason to consider this as a quick solution. So far, no miraculous substance has been found that would help maintain a slim figure without sacrificing anything. The only thing you can be sure of is that a balanced diet and regular physical activity are key.6. Contraindications for the application of cinnamon
Unfortunately, due to its strong allergenic properties, cinnamon is not a recommended spice for everyone. Its consumption by an individual with an allergy or hypersensitivity may result in mild skin or abdominal pain symptoms and can even lead to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Furthermore, cinnamon is a cross-reactive allergen [6]. In fact, the primary cause of allergies to all spices, including the one described, is the presence of cross-allergy, which is similar to allergens of various origins. A cinnamon allergy or hypersensitivity most frequently affects individuals who also have allergies to grass pollen or other dietary components, such as nutmeg, pepper, paprika, and ginger [6]. Other contraindications for cinnamon use stem from varying opinions regarding coumarin. Despite a lack of precise studies confirming its detrimental effects on humans, the European Union has imposed a limit on all food products that include the aforementioned spice – coumarin must not exceed 50 mg per kilogram of manufactured food [1].7. Is it truly valuable to incorporate cinnamon into your culinary offerings?
If we exhibit no signs of hypersensitivity or allergy to cinnamon, we can benefit from its many advantages. Not only does it improve the taste of our meals, but it also helps, thanks to its antibacterial properties, especially during the winter, in strengthening the body's immune system and accelerating recovery in case of illness. Furthermore, the phenolic acid contained in cinnamon strengthens our entire immune system and provides protection against the development of cancerous changes, and the extracts of this unusual spice strengthen our blood system.
