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