5 minute read
SUPER FOOD
Nature’s Healthy Spice Cinnamon,
Advertisement
By Katherine Tallichet
Next time you sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the froth on your latte, thank the Portuguese traders of the 1500s. Without those guys hacking away at cinnamon trees in Sri Lanka and introducing the dried bark in Europe, Starbucks might still be searching for the perfect garnish.
Consumers throughout history have prized cinnamon. Only the super rich could afford it and early traders made fortunes selling it. Today, the price of this versatile spice has fallen within the budget of us all. Even better, medical researchers have identified many more benefits of cinnamon than simply putting some zing in your grandma’s apple pie. Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits protect your body from chronic inflammation. Its vital oils and acids help lower cholesterol levels. In fact, consuming just one gram per day reduces blood pressure and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Scientists have found that cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics who suffer from insulin resistance thanks to a compound that improves cellular glucose intake by managing blood glucose levels. Research conducted at the University of California has revealed that an extract of cinnamon inhibits the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and also produces beneficial effects on other neurological disorders, including Parkinson's.
International medical researchers confirm that cinnamon extract reduces cancers in animals by stymieing and protecting against the growth of cancer cells. A Swiss scientific study has shown how the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon control colon cancer in mice. Effects on human cancers have yet to be proven.
There are two varieties of cinnamon. Ceylon, grown in Sri Lanka, is considered premium and Cassia, grown in Vietnam, India and China, a less desirable variety. Both are made from the bark of a cinnamon tree. Which is best?
Ceylon, sometimes called “true” cinnamon, is lighter in color, milder, sweeter (but no sugar) and more fragrant. Cassia is less expensive and has a stronger cinnamon taste. Cassia works great in recipes. Ceylon is popular with the health and wellness community. Both contain the chemical coumarin, a blood thinner that may be harmful to humans in large doses. Ceylon cinnamon contains much less coumarin than Cassia.
Cinnamon is processed in several convenient forms. You can buy the pure bark rolled into strips and grind it to your specs. Or purchase the powder commercially ground and packed in jars or capsules. You can also purchase cinnamon oil, used in food preparation.
While there is no recommended daily dose of cinnamon, experts say you can safely eat five grams of Ceylon daily. Some professionals dispute the medical benefits of cinnamon, but in one recent study, diabetics’ cholesterol and blood sugar levels were significantly reduced after participants ate six grams of cinnamon daily for 40 days.
When given a choice, you should always choose Ceylon grown in Sri Lanka over the Cassia variety. Cassia, which is cheaper, is usually found in grocery stores. Ceylon cinnamon can be purchased from health food stores and online.
editor’s letter Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, I have the opportunity to reflect on the past and make an attempt to make changes where necessary. I’ve lost and gained the same 15 pounds over the course of the year.
After reading our cover story “The Bon-Vivant Girl” and finding myself relating to her mission, I ordered her book, “If You Are What You Eat, Should I Eat a Skinny Girl?” The message is self-acceptance, something we should all take a look at. Accept yourself, your body, your mind, your voice for who you are. I have decided, instead of changes, I will work harder to like me for who I am. I need a lifestyle adjustment. So, my new word for the upcoming year is adjustment—not change. I’ll make small adjustments here and there to invoke a healthy lifestyle. That’s where Inspire Health Magazine becomes valuable. Every article is written with that in mind— helping readers take small steps towards living a healthy lifestyle.
We hope to introduce superfoods that you’ve heard of and others that you can explore.
Enhance your health quest with our Healthy Mind, Wellness, Eat Fresh and Healthy Body sections.
Hug your children, spend quality time with them and give thanks for their good health.
Be grateful for life, love and lasting health.
Suzanne Fox
Help us inspire others! We want to know what inspires you to live healthy. You could be published in the next issue of Inspire Health magazine. Email us at editor@inspirehealthmag.com. Get Your Smoothie On!
Find us online!
www.inspirehealthmag.com
INSPIRE Staff
Executive Publishers HAL G. FOX & SUZANNE POLK FOX
Managing Editor
Suzanne Polk Fox CREDITS Copy Editor Chad Ruiz Contributing Writers Patricia Danflous Courtney Farnet Val Fiott Laine Morris Nellie Palmer Chad Ruiz
Katherine Tallichet Dina Zeldon
Creative Team Director
Dianne Waller
Design
Tra Pham
Production
Claire Thomas
© 2018 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (igofox.com)
The information contained in Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem. V5
$1 OFF
ALL SMOOTHIES
Through January 15, 2019
Certifi ed Gluten Free Locally Owned & Operated
