Ceylon cinnamon: Much more than just a spice – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Cinnamon peeling in Sri Lanka is a time-honoured tradition reflecting cultural heritage and economic significance. The art involves skilled labourers carefully extracting the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, resulting in the prized Ceylon cinnamon quills. This process is a craft and a critical component of the country’s spice export industry.
Cinnamon, with its ability to enhance the flavour of meals, serve as a delightful substitute for sugar or salt, and inspire healthier choices, is a spice that truly does it all’.
Today, we’re shifting our focus from health topics to exploring a fascinating spice that originates from the bark of a tree unique to Sri Lanka. This transition allows us to appreciate this ingredient’s culinary and cultural significance. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, widely recognised as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon, is a species native to Sri Lanka and has been cultivated for centuries. This spice not only enriches our meals but also plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, generating considerable foreign revenue and supporting the livelihoods of over 350,000 families engaged in various aspects of the cinnamon industry. Its deep- rooted significance in Sri Lankan culture and society is evident through traditional practices, culinary uses, and economic contributions, making us acutely aware of its significant role in the local community.
Ceylon cinnamon is not just a flavour enhancer; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Rich in numerous bioactive compounds, this spice is a treasure trove of beneficial properties. Research has shown that these compounds exhibit powerful antioxidant effects, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, cinnamon demonstrates antimicrobial properties, making it effective against various pathogens, and insecticidal properties, which can aid in pest management. Beyond these uses, there is growing evidence of its therapeutic and preventive effects against a variety of diseases and disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and inflammatory conditions. This spice is not just a culinary delight, but a health booster as well.
As the scientific community delves deeper into the properties of Ceylon cinnamon, new applications and uses are being unearthed, expanding its potential roles in health and wellness. This review aims to shed light on the opportunities for enhancing crop yields and product innovations within the cinnamon sector, sparking hope and optimism for the future. By focusing on these improvements, there is a promising potential to positively influence the quality of life and economic stability of the Sri Lankan population, ensuring that this invaluable spice remains an integral part of their heritage and livelihood.
Let’s discuss the health benefits of this unique spice, found in every curry and complements the staple foods of rice and curry.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols. One study found that cinnamon supplementation could significantly increase the blood’s antioxidant levels while reducing markers used to measure inflammation, such as C-reactive protein.
These antioxidants are choline, beta-carotene, alpha- carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress and may help prevent conditions like cancer and type 2 diabetes.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon’s antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the disease Cinnamon’s benefits are thought to be from one of its antioxidant compounds, cinnamaldehyde, which gives it that rich aroma and flavour and can also reduce inflammation.
- Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that cinnamon can help manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes.
Cinnamon may help control blood sugar in a few ways, including: Insulin-like effect: Cinnamon may trigger cells to remove glucose from the blood, similar to insulin.
Increases insulin sensitivity: Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and increase insulin disposal.
However, studies on cinnamon’s effect on blood sugar have produced conflicting results. The American Diabetes Association doesn’t recommend using cinnamon to lower blood sugar because the evidence isn’t clear.
- Heart Health: Cinnamon may help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
This may not be true. There’s little evidence that cinnamon can lower your cholesterol, so cinnamon isn’t recommended to treat high cholesterol. Although some cholesterol-lowering effects have been seen in animal studies, there’s little evidence that this applies to humans. Most of the trials have shown no effect on blood cholesterol.
- Anti-Microbial Effects: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, which can help fight infections and improve oral Antibacterial
Cinnamon is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram- negative bacteria. Cinnamaldehyde, a major antimicrobial component of cinnamon, has been shown to inhibit the growth of
- aureus, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Antifungal
Cinnamon has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and spoilage fungi.
Synergistic
Cinnamon can synergise with other antimicrobial agents, such as amikacin, gentamicin, imipenem, and meropenem.
- Food preservation
Cinnamon is a natural food preservative. For example, cinnamon essential oil (CEO) can coat bananas to extend their shelf life.
- Digestive Health: It can aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and urinary
In summary, Cinnamon is an exceptional spice that has been integral to everyday life for centuries, celebrated for its safety and lack of significant side effects. Extensive research has firmly established the numerous health benefits associated with cinnamon, available in various potent forms, including whole bark, essential oils, ground bark powder, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and isolated components.
Cinnamon is not just a flavourful addition to a wide array of dishes; it is a potent ingredient overflowing with health benefits that support various aspects of human well-being. Embracing cinnamon in your daily routine can be a powerful choice for fostering a healthier lifestyle.
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