Every time I think of cinnamon thoughts of the Swedish Chef from the Muppets saying, “cinnamun-a-mun-a-mun-a-mun!”, comes to mind. Cinnamon is usually teamed up with non-nutritious ingredients, like sugar, to create cinnamon buns, cinnamon sugar cereals, or cinnamon bread, but cinnamon by itself is very healthy.
“It’s emerging as a true wonder food in terms of health protection,” says Ann Kulze, M.D., a physician in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet.
Research suggests that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding a little more than a teaspoon of cinnamon to rice pudding even help tame blood sugar in people without diabetes.
Cinnamon contains polyphenols, which acts as antioxidants that protect cells against free radical damage, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and ward against cancer. The scent of cinnamon also helps with alertness.
Adding this once highly prized spice to foods is easy as it pairs well with many ingredients. Pre-ground store-bought cinnamon will stay fresh for 6 months and sticks will last for one year. Aim for 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons per day. Try some of these ideas to get more cinnamon in your diet.
- Add 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons to hot oatmeal or cold cereal, or a tablespoon to pancake batter.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon into 2 tablespoons peanut butter and spread onto celery sticks.
- Microwave 1 cup soy milk and 1 teaspoon honey for 1:30, then add 1/2 teaspoon. Or simmer a stick and honey in soy milk for 5 minutes on stove.
- Stir 1/2 teaspoon into plain yogurt.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon over sweet potatoes or carrots.
- Toss 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon over broiled grapefruit or bananas.
- Add 2 teaspoons to a store-bought rub for grilled chicken or pork.
- Coat 2 cups of raw nuts with a mix of 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and roast at 350F for 15 minutes.
- Shake three dashes into your favorite fruit smoothie.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon straight into your coffee, latte, or cappuccino.
- Or try this Cinnamon Oat Pancake Recipe.
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April 12th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I’ve read that studies have shown that cinnamon, taken in the proper dosages, along with supportive nutrients which help the cinnamon do a better job, can help people with Type 2 diabetes who are trying to control blood sugars through diet and exercise.