Friday, December 7, 2012

Season(ings) Greetings: Cinnamon



For the Third Day of Spicy Christmas: Cinnamon...

Cappuccino and Cinnamon Stick (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Cinnamon is an antioxidant and nutrient powerhouse, containing calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C and B1, B2, and B3. Translation? Cinnamon has been shown to protect against inflammation, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Cinnamon consumption is also associated with greater diabetic control, increased brain functioning and peripheral circulation, and improved digestion and fat metabolism. The scent of cinnamon is linked with boosted attention, helpful in dealing with holiday fatigue. 
Tip: Play with cinnamon’s versatility in sweet and not-sweet dishes; add cinnamon to sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and ground coffee. 
Note: Minimize cinnamon consumption during pregnancy, as it may stimulate early contractions.
Associated recipes: Revved Up Spicy Cider with cinnamon and nutmeg, Spiced Watermelon Rind with cinnamon and clove, and Kumquat au Rhum with cinnamon and peppercorn.

Move on to Clove, Cumin, and Fennel here...
For a full archive of my nutrition articles for OKRA Magazine, click here

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