“True Cinnamon” is the dried inner stem bark of Cinnamomum Verum. Cinnamon plants are grown as bushes. When the plants are of two years age, they typically measure at about 2 meter in high and 8-12 cm at the base. It is at this stage they are ready for harvesting. In India, it is grown in very few – one or two locations in Kerala.
Cinnamon contains highly potent polyphenol antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory effects, that helps at many levels with prevention of diseases.
Cinnamon can improve some key risk factors for heart disease like cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. It has been shown to increase sensitivity to the hormone insulin. An aromatic, warming spice that lends flavor to all dishes.
All in all, its great for balancing digestion, pacify headaches, cold, relieving painful menstrual cramps, quell nausea and regulates metabolism of fats and sugars, improve heart functioning and help you lose weight too…its truly a superfood that must be part of your regular diet…..
Cinnamon recipes
Detox Bedtime Tea
Make tea with a small piece of cinnamon, ginger and jaggery to detox and cleanse your colon.
Weight loss drink
Have cinnamon, honey and warm water to lose weight.
Face Mask
Mix 1 ripe banana, 1/2 tsp cm powder, and drops of honey to make a face mask for even, glowing skin. Or mix pinch cm with olive oil and apply on face for anti ageing effect.
Qahwa
- Pieces of cinnamon – 2
- Cardomom – 2
- Almonds – 2
Ground coarsest. Boil in water for 10 min and add honey while serving
Cinnamon cocktail - Mulled wine ( Jamie Oliver )
Ingredients
- 200 g caster sugar
- 6 cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 2 x 750 ml bottles of red wine
- 100 ml crème de cassis
- 1 whole nutmeg , for grating
Method
- Place sugar and all spices (except nutmeg) into a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add bay leaves and use a speed peeler to pare zest of lemon and oranges. Add to pan, slice oranges in half and squeeze in the juice.
- Pour in just enough of wine to cover all ingredients. Place pan over a medium heat, bring to boil, then lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until all of sugar is dissolved and you have a lovely fragrant syrup.
- Add rest of the wine and crème de cassis, then gently heat for 10 minutes, until warm and fragrant. Be careful not to let mixture boil. Serve hot, with fresh nutmeg grated on top, and mince pies.
Baharat Arabic spice
(Use for marinating meats – lamb/fish, vegetables, vegetable stuffings and even eggs!)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried mint
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
Using pestle or blunt end of wooden spoon, mash all ingredients and 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper in mortar or small bowl 2 to 3 minutes
ACV Magic Detox morning shot
(Recipe courtesy my friends and macrobiotic expert – Tarika )
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar )
- Drops of lemon
- Pinch – Cinnamon – to check
- 1 tsp Honey
- Pinch of sea salt (salt will balance the vinegar and honey)
- Water
HealthKarma - my musings on wellbeing 