Cinnamon seems to be everywhere this time of year. It seems to add warmth and happiness to anything it touches, such as my Apple Pie Smoothie from yesterday, holiday desserts (look out for my Christmas cookie recipes tomorrow morning!), or your morning bowl of oatmeal. It’s certainly one of the spices I go through the quickest in my kitchen! It’s a delicious and aromatic spice, and it also has quite a few positive effects on the body. Both Chinese and Ayurvedic tradtional medicines use cinnamon as a remedy. Here are a few ways the spice helps your body out!
Circulatory System- Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, thin the blood and improve circulation. All of this can help prevent heart disease and keep your blood vessels healthy. Just make sure that you aren’t eating your cinnamon in the form of a fatty treat, or you’ll be counteracting all these great benefits!
Colds- Cinnamon is a known antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral, and has been found to help with colds, congestion, and flu. It has also been shown to be successful in treating a variety of internal and external infections, including candida infections, stomach ulcers, and head lice.
Diabetes- The spice has proven to help stabilize blood sugar, and can even help improve insulin sensitivity! Quite the miracle drug!
Digestive System- Cinnamon is effective in treating indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and gas. It’s fiber content definitely plays a role in these benefits. The spice can even help out your heart burn!
The Brain- Cinnamon can stimulate your brain to be more alert, and to improve the memory, concentration and cognitive function. I know I could always use a bit of that! 
Nutrients- Cinnamon is a good source of manganese, and is also a source of calcium and dietary fiber
Recommendations- It’s advised that you include about a teaspoon or so of cinnamon in your diet everyday. Don’t start eating a ton of cinnamon just to get these benefits. There is a toxicity level with this spice! Especially if you’re prego, don’t overdo it on the cinnamon. Please don’t freak out, though. You’ll be just fine as long as you aren’t consuming more than is generally found in food. Don’t go feeding yourself spoonfuls of cinnamon as a tonic!
Here are some of my favorite recipes with cinnamon:
- Apple Pie Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Oats
- Pumpkin Green Smoothie
- Apple Cinnamon Oats
- Vegan Zucchini Bread
- Oh, and my beloved Chai!!!
Have a lovely Christmas Eve Eve everyone! Keenan and I are headed out to our parent’s in a bit to celebrate a couple days early! See you tomorrow with some cookie recipes (more cinnamon included!)
<3 Lindsay
