Welcome to Grandma’s kitchen, the warmest most welcoming place on earth. The freshly baked rolls are just out of the oven, you can hear the “drip drip” of the coffee pot, and you can smell that wonderful smell. This scent elicits warmth. This scent is one that can induce pure joy. Of course, it is the fresh spicy scent of cinnamon that is tickling your nose.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest medicinal spices; the essential oils of this spice have been used since about 2700 B.C.  

Not only is this spice quite tasty, probably due to the fact we always relate it to cinnamon rolls and apple pie, but it also provides health benefits! The component cinnamaldehyde found in the essential oils of the spice is what gives cinnamon its spicy warm flavor. Cinnamaldehyde is an anti-inflammatory nutrient that has been shown to make blood platelets more resistant to clotting, making it a promoter as far as cardiovascular health is concerned (Rah, Rah, Cinnamon).

Another fascinating finding about cinnamon is its affect on blood sugars. Research has discovered that cinnamon stimulates insulin receptors within the body, making those with Type 2 diabetes more susceptible to their own insulin production. A study put out by the American Diabetes Association noted that as little as 1 gram (¼ to ½ teaspoon) of cinnamon (not cinnamon sugar, folks) not only dropped blood sugar levels, but also improved triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol numbers! This is especially vital information since diabetes alone increases your risk for developing heart disease. Now how much do you want to go sprinkle that cinnamon into your next dish!?

Perhaps cinnamon can not fully be deemed the spice of life, but I am quite certain cinnamon definitely ranks high among the spices of health. Ideas to add Cinnamon into your daily dish include:

  • Sprinkle into your morning oatmeal to add a supplemental “warmth” factor
  • Create a cinnamon chip by baking whole wheat tortillas with a honey and cinnamon glaze
  • Toss into your morning (freshly ground!) coffee grounds. This “ups” the spicy, tongue-tingling flavor
  • What about the famous cinnamon and apples pairing? Of course, you could get some of that probiotic power by coupling it was some creamy luscious yogurt; sounds like my kind of dessert.
  • Place cinnamon sticks into a warm batch of freshly brewed tea and serve to your family.

Wherever you place it, you are ensured a warm, spicy, and health benefiting treat. 

Here’s to your health!

Katie

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About Katie Paige Haarala

Kate Paige Haarala is a registered dietitian (R.D.) from Minnesota who has an undying passion for nutrition education and helping others incorporate healthy dishes into their daily menu.  She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Food, Nutrition & Dietetics along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science. You can catch more of Katie on her blog by clicking here.