Your Guide to The Healthiest Cinnamon

For centuries, people have turned to herbs, spices, and other ingredients found in nature for immune boosting and health benefits. Although many people know cinnamon is one of those spices with multiple health benefits, not everyone knows there are various types of cinnamon on the market.

One of the best types of cinnamon for your health is Ceylon cinnamon powder. Learn more about the types of Ceylon cinnamon available, the health benefits of consuming it, and how to use it in your cooking and baking.

Different Types of Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon comes in sticks and powder form. Sri Lankan cinnamon, or Ceylon cinnamon, is often referred to as true cinnamon and sweet cinnamon. The flavor profile of Ceylon cinnamon powder and sticks differs from the more common Cassia cinnamon. This cinnamon variant can be found in C-5 Special grade stick form, the highest-quality cinnamon in the world. If you don’t think you’ll find much use for cinnamon sticks, Ceylon cinnamon also comes in ground powder, which is common in most kitchens. 

Cinnamon is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can make a dish special but using it in your cooking and baking also has several health benefits. Traditional Chinese culture used the spice to treat colds and nausea. While this isn’t standard practice in modern medicine, cinnamon can still improve a person’s overall well-being. 

Ceylon cinnamon is a rich source of vitamin K, calcium, iron, and fiber. It also contains high amounts of vitamin E and zinc as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming cinnamon on a regular basis can provide you with doses of essential vitamins that you may not get otherwise in your diet. Other benefits of using cinnamon in your cooking include: 

• Boost your immune system
• Protect against bacterial infections 
• Help fight degenerative brain disorders
• Activate protective proteins that prevent cell damage (which can help with Alzheimer’s)
• Prevent tooth decay
• Help prevent HIV, heart disease, and cancer
• Freshen your breath with a Ceylon cinnamon stick
• Treat stomach aches and pains 
• Curb your appetite 

Similarly, Ceylon cinnamon powder is ideal if you are watching your coumarin intake. While most cinnamon has high coumarin content, it is minimal in Ceylon cinnamon.

Using Ceylon Cinnamon in Your Diet 

The good news is incorporating Ceylon cinnamon into your diet is easy. Simply use it anywhere you would use regular cinnamon! 

For example, using a tablespoon of ground Ceylon cinnamon and some boiling water, you can make a strong anti-inflammatory tea. After boiling for three to five minutes, strain and enjoy. 

Other ways to incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into your diet include: 

• Blend it into smoothies, protein shakes, or even milkshakes 
• Sprinkle it into your next batch of cinnamon rolls 
• Add Ceylon cinnamon to chai tea lattes or coffee for an added boost 
• Bake fall favorites like pumpkin and apple pie with Ceylon cinnamon 
• Incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into mulled wine 
• Use Ceylon cinnamon sticks in a simmer pot 
• Season steak with ground Ceylon cinnamon 
• Swirl your fall apple cider with a Ceylon cinnamon stick 

Ceylon Black Tea Latte Recipe

If you’re craving a tea-based latte, try Cinnamon Black Tea and Bergamot. This drink is perfect to ring in the fall season and will keep you cozy all winter long. Including Ceylon cinnamon in the recipe gives it a more subtle flavor than if you were to use a different cinnamon variety. It also provides a deeper element of sweetness. Here’s what you need to make it:

Ingredients:

·         4 teaspoons of loose leaf Ceylon black tea

·         4 whole cloves

·         1 Ceylon cinnamon stick

·         2 teaspoons of loose leaf dried bergamot herb

·         5 cups of water

·         Fresh-grated nutmeg (optional)

·         Ceylon cinnamon powder (optional)

·         4-6 drops of food-grade orange essential oil

Directions:

1.       Pour water into a pot and bring it to a boil.

2.       Add in the cinnamon stick and clove, then bring to simmer for 10 minutes.

3.       Bring the water back up to boiling and add your black Ceylon tea and bergamot.

4.       Take it off the burner and let it steep for 5 minutes.

5.       Pour your tea through a fine, mesh sieve and into your mug.

6.       To serve (optional): sprinkle a generous amount of nutmeg or Ceylon cinnamon powder on top and add a few drops of food-grade orange essential oil.

When it comes to using Ceylon cinnamon, get creative! There’s no wrong way to work this spice into your life. Get all of the health benefits from cinnamon with this excitingly strong variety.