Did you know that herbs and spices contain many health benefits? Current research is exploringt
he therapeutic effects of various different herbs and spices.

Cinnamon is a spice that originates from the dried inner bark of a type of evergreen trees, called Cinnamomum, and is considered to be one of the first known spices.

There are two main types of cinnamon:

• Ceylon cinnamon – often considered to be “true cinnamon”
• Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon– originates from southern China and is typically less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon.

**Cassia cinnamon powder contains coumarin, a blood thinning agent. For those taking blood thinning agents or with liver disease, it may be safer to consume Ceylon cinnamon instead of Cassia cinnamon. **

Many of the healthy properties of cinnamon are still being researched. However, some studies have shown that cinnamon contains the following health benefits:

Antioxidant function

Antioxidants function in the body by preventing or limiting the damage of free radicals (compounds responsible for damaging cells). The antioxidant properties of cinnamon may play a role in reducing insulin resistance and diabetes complications.

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon may also play a role in reducing insulin resistance and diabetes complications.

Improved blood lipid levels

Research has indicated that in some patients with type 2 diabetes, consuming cinnamon at a therapeutic level (1,00mg of supplement of ½ teaspoon cinnamon spice) may improve blood lipid levels.

Antimicrobial effects

Cinnamaldehyd, a chemical found in Cassia cinnamon, could help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

Improved insulin action

Cinnamon slows the rate of which the stomach empties after a meal, resulting in a more even blood sugar level. Research also suggests that 1,000 mg of supplemental cinnamon (or about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon spice) daily may significantly lower hemoglobin A1c in type 2 patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

**For those with type 1 diabetes, it is important to be careful with cinnamon supplementation and consumption as the cinnamon may cause insulin to be more effective and lead to hypoglycemia.**

 Looking for ways consume more cinnamon?

• Sprinkle on oatmeal
• Sprinkle on coffee grinds before brewing
• Sprinkle on toast with nut butter
• Add it to baked apples, bears, or bananas
• Sprinkle on ice cream or yogurt

Don’t like the taste of cinnamon?

Try diffusing the cinnamon oil in an essential oil diffuser. While some studies have shown that smelling cinnamon can boost brain function, the health benefits of diffusing cinnamon oil are not adequately researched at this point. None the less, this essential oil recipe will fill your house with the warm, cozy smells of winter.

Spiced Citrus Recipe

Recipe from theprariehomestead.com

• 3 drops wild orange essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil

Combine with water in a cold air diffuser.

 

Sources:
Healthguidance.org
Theprariehomestead.com
Today’s Dietitian
Drweil.com

With the Holiday season in full force, finding the perfect gift for your family and friends is not always an easy task. To help reduce your stress during this time of the year, we have picked out our top 4 favorite dietitian recommended gift ideas. Even better, all of these gift ideas can be ordered off Amazon. This means no waiting in lines or fighting for a parking spot at the mall, hopefully further reducing stress that is so often high this time of year.

1. Popcorn maker

Did you know that popcorn is considered a whole grain and can be a delicious, nutritious and easy snack? When using a popcorn maker to pop popcorn instead of microwave popcorn, you can eliminate the trans & saturated fats (unhealthy fats) that outweigh the health benefits of this whole grain snack.

Click here to see our suggestion on Amazon.

 

 

2. Chef knife

The importance of a sharp knife in the kitchen is sometimes underestimated. Having high quality sharp knives can make all the difference
when chopping, dicing and mincing.

Click here to see our suggestion on Amazon.

 

 

3. Spiralizer

 This kitchen gadget turns fresh veggies (squash, potatoes, cucumber, carrots, etc.) into faux noodles. A spiralizer is a great way to increase vegetables intake. This is also a great way to sneak new veggies into dishes that children are already familiar with (ex. Add zucchini noodles to regularr spaghetti noodles). A spiralizer can help those following a gluten free diet to eat “pasta” dishes by substituting vegetables noodles with regular noodles.

Click here to see our suggestion.

 

4. Silpat non-stick baking mat

This gift is great for the bakers in your life. This mat creates a non-stick surface on cookie sheets and eliminates the need for greasing pans. All you have to do is wash the mat, not the cookie sheet.  This mat can also be used as a non-stick surface for rolling out doughs.

Click here to see our suggestion.

 

Happy shopping!