Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that I honestly didn’t start using until I began eating oatmeal. When I started eating plain oatmeal I had to make it taste good! I added walnuts, raisins and cinnamon and now, I LOVE IT! Recently I heard there was some health benefits….sooooo… I did some digging!!!
There are TONS of health benefits found, check out these ones!

1. Helps with Inflammation – What does this mean for you? If you or someone you know has rheumatoid arthritis, this spice could help reduce pain and inflammation.
1. Copenhagen University performed a study where patients were given ½ teaspoon of cinnamon with one tablespoon of honey every morning. It was shown within a month that there was relief from pain and inflammation.
2. Blood Sugar control: For those with type two diabetes, cinnamon may help improve the cell’s ability to respond to insulin. Taking ½ teaspoon a day is the general consensus**
3. The aroma may help improve your mood!!! So, what are you waiting for!!! Go grab some cinnamon sticks and starting creating a yummy and beneficial smell in your home!!
4. Superb (like my new word?!?!) source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.

Now, what else besides oatmeal can I use my cinnamon in!?!?!?!?

1.  Mix ½ teaspoon into 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and spread on celery sticks (I might try this mixture on a piece of whole wheat toast and cut up bananas) 
2. ½ teaspoon into yogurt (I will try it in greek yogurt – although I am not sure this sounds good BUT I will try it)
3. ½ teaspoon over sweet potatoes
4. Add 2 teaspoons to chicken spice mixture!
5. Ohhhh…. ¼ to ½ teaspoon over broiled bananas! Yummy!
6. What about this!!!!!!!!!! Raw nuts, ¼ cup honey and ½ teaspoon cinnamon and roast at 350F for 15 minutes!

Check out the websites below for more fascinating health benefits!
The articles I read also mentioned that cinnamon is not recommended for pregnant women.
**Cinnamon should not replace your blood sugar medicine or reduce their medicine; they should consult their doctor first!

 

http://www.livestrong.com/article/22014-cinnamon-health-benefits/
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/the-benefits-of-cinnamon
http://ezinearticles.com/?25-Health-Benefits-of-Cinnamon---A-Miraculous-Spice&id=1665340

 

 

 

 

 

KIWI!!! Those furry oval things...how healthy are they?

I recently became a fan of Kiwi fruit. Well, I actually have always liked them but for some reason recently I became a bigger fan. Maybe it is because they weren’t part of my weekly grocery list?!?!!? I don't know  but I decided to do some research on the health benefits. 
Health Benefits :

1. Vitamins (antioxidants)
1. Vitamin C – more than oranges
2. Vitamin E
3. Vitamin A – which helps with your vision too!
2. Favonoids
1. Antioxidant
2. Some studies show they display anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties!
3. Minerals
1. Potassium – contain as much as bananas
2. Magnesium
3. Copper
4. Phosphorus
4. Amino Acids
1. Arginine – healthy blood flow, muscle growth and fat metabolism
2. Glutamate – promotes clear thinking !!
5. High in Fiber – more than apples!!

Did you know you CAN eat the skin!! Yes, you can BUT you might want to avoid this because of the pesticides that sit in the furry part of the skin. If you attempt to grow them in your backyard...EAT THE SKIN! It has TONS of Fiber!!
BEST TIME TO BUY? Early spring to late fall (I am eating even before this time...still good to me! ha!) !!!!

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Kiwi
http://kiwi-fruit.info/kiwi-fruit/Health+Benefits+of+Kiwi+Fruit
http://www.livestrong.com/article/576-need-kiwi-fruit/