Some of the Benefits of Cinnamon

If you are a lover of cinnamon, welcome to the club!

We love the taste and the fact that it has a multitude of wonderful health benefits. There are hundreds of different types of this health-enhancing Herb. It has been used by many cultures for centuries because of its amazing benefits for several health issues.

• Helps to regulate blood sugar for Type 2 Diabetes patients

• Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Inhibits the production of proteins connected with Alzheimer’s Disease

• Has anti-inflammatory properties—especially for colon and digestive issues

Additionally, cinnamon:

• Improves digestion

• Supports healthy blood clotting

• Acts as an effective expectorant

• Boosts memory

• Relieves muscle tension

• Lowers cholesterol

• Provides natural anti-inflammatory benefits

• Lowers blood sugar levels

• Has weight loss properties

• Reduces heart disease risk

But cinnamon needs to be taken in correct doses, so read on to learn more about how to make it work for you.

What Are the Different Types of Cinnamon?

Interestingly, there are really only four types of cinnamon sold on the commercial market today:

1. Ceylon Cinnamon

2. Indonesian Cinnamon

3. Saigon Cinnamon

4. Cassia Cinnamon

Now let’s divide those four types into two distinct categories:

1. Ceylon Cinnamon

2. Cassia Cinnamons – which include Indonesian, Saigon, and Cassia types

Cassia Cinnamons are very similar to each other in taste, texture, and medicinal properties. They are harder than Ceylon Cinnamon, milder tasting, and contain very high levels of Coumarin.

Ceylon Cinnamon, on the other hand, is softer and has a much stronger flavour with very low levels of Coumarin.

A Comparison of the Two Types of Cinnamon

Here is a comparison of the two different types. Notice the Coumarin content of each:

Cassia Cinnamon has a much higher concentration of Coumarin properties than its Ceylon counterpart. Why is that important? As cinnamon becomes more popular as an alternative to prescription drug therapies, over-the-counter supplements are increasingly available and used daily.

Daily consumption of ground cinnamon has risen too. We hear about mixing cinnamon and honey to cure a cold or cough or sprinkling some on your toast each morning to calm an upset tummy. While cinnamon offers many health benefits, there are serious side effects from one particular ingredient: Coumarin.

Introducing Coumarin

Coumarin, one of the chemical components of cinnamon, is a phytochemical that tastes similar to vanilla. It is also found in plants like strawberries, lavender, cherries, and apricots. Taken in large doses daily, Coumarin can cause liver damage or failure and interfere with prescription anticoagulant medications.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany published a report in 2012 stating that high concentrations of Coumarin, the main chemical in cinnamon, cause liver damage. Supplements sold with cinnamon as the main ingredient often have the highest levels of Coumarin.

The BfR advises: “Consumers who frequently use large amounts of cinnamon as a spice in their home cooking should use Ceylon cinnamon, which contains low levels of Coumarin.”

A 2013 University of Mississippi study found Coumarin levels are lowest in graham crackers and breakfast cereals (0.37 mg per serving), whereas dietary supplements contain 2.5–3.9 mg per serving. The United States banned Coumarin as a food additive in 1954 due to its toxicity but did not ban its use in cinnamon. This may correlate with the high incidence of liver disease in the US and the prevalent use of Cassia Cinnamon.

Know Your 'True Cinnamon'

Ceylon Cinnamon is often called:

• True Cinnamon

• Cinnamon Verum

• Mexican Cinnamon

• Sweet Cinnamon

Replacing Cassia Cinnamon with True Cinnamon/Ceylon Cinnamon is a positive step toward improved health. Knowledge of True Cinnamon can set your health free!

Get Your Cinnamon Daily in Our Hibiscus Cinnamon Tea!

This refreshingly tangy tea is made from the scarlet petals of the hibiscus flower and blended with heady, woody cinnamon spice. It also has a little black pepper and coconut to activate and absorb the goodness of Turmeric. We’ve also added a few other 100% Organic Ingredients:

• Turmeric

• Coconut

• Liquorice

• Orange Peel

• Clove

Here’s to your health!

The Taka Tea(m)!