The Health Benefits Associated With Cinnamon

Don't you just love the aroma of cinnamon? It has such a warming smell and there's a reason for it too! Cinnamon has many health benefits-so if you like to use cinnamon it's an added bonus! The Fall time of the year when everyone is making pumpkin and apple recipes, add in that cinnamon-not only does it add a wonderful taste and smell, but wonderful health benefits as well!! Yay!

Let's talk about them:

1. Helps to control and stabilize blood sugar levels (for Type 2 Diabetics-it stimulates more insulin production to lower blood sugar levels).
2. Helps to lower bad cholesterol levels (they say just a ½ teaspoon a day!)
3. Supports memory
4. Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties-so it helps to diminish yeast and candida.
5. It is also an anti-microbial, so it can help to stop the growth of bacteria.
6. Cinnamon has powerful antioxidant properties-great for strong immune system. It has been used to treat coughs and sore throats way back in the medieval times.
7. Has anti-inflammatory properties-it has been used to help with arthritis.
8. It has even been said that cinnamon can help with Multiple Sclerosis

Uses:

• I love to add it to my coffee or tea for a nice warming taste.
• Of course it is good in desserts!
• They say cinnamon is wonderful sprinkled on black beans for a different taste.
• Good to sprinkle on your oatmeal.
• It's wonderful to add in a Mexican chocolate cake (will have to get a recipe out for that too).
• Add to your pancake batter.
• Add to fresh, unsweetened apple cider
• Sprinkled over fresh, dehydrated or baked apples
• Add to yogurt with some honey and walnuts
• Sprinkle on top of your coconut milk
• Sprinkle on top of your cooked sweet potatoes
• Add to rice for sweet taste
• Add to cooked quinoa if using for a breakfast cereal
• Sprinkle on a banana

So I'd have to say Cinnamon is a wonderful spice to keep in your pantry! Start adding it in here and there; try some of the options listed above and enjoy the warming aroma and know you're getting wonderful benefits to go along with it!

Sometimes it's fun just to put about a ½ tsp of cinnamon in a quart sized sauce pan with about 2 cups of water and let it simmer on low for a little while to let the cinnamon aroma fill the kitchen (just don't forget to turn off the stove after about 10 minutes).