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The Health Benefits Of Jamaican Cinnamon

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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Cinnamon... I am sure you have heard of it and more than likely you have used it as well. While on a day-to-day basis, we use it for its aromatic flavour in our smoothies, yoghurts, porridges and pastries, did you know it has a world of health and medicinal benefits as well?

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Well, that was our focus when we went to Mazeland in Catadupa, St. James to chat it up with Ms. Ena, in the video I linked below. Before you take a look at the video though, I’m going to share with you some of the major health benefits of cinnamon. Some of which as you will see, we discussed in the video.

1. Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants like choline, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

One of cinnamon's key compounds, cinnamaldehyde, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the body fight infections, repair tissue damage, and reduce swelling, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

3. Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Daily consumption of cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, reducing the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream after meals.

4. Reduction of Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Cinnamon contains cinnamate, a compound that may help lower cholesterol levels by decreasing the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis. It has also been associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure, contributing to heart health.

5. Cancer Prevention

Research suggests that cinnamon may have anticancer properties, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing the formation of blood vessels in tumours. Daily consumption may provide protective benefits against certain types of cancer, including colon cancer.

6. Skin Health Benefits

Cinnamon is beneficial for skin health, combating acne-causing bacteria and helping to soften and rejuvenate the skin. A simple honey and cinnamon paste can be used as a natural acne mask to cleanse and soothe the skin.

7. Neuroprotective Effects

Compounds found in cinnamon have neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These compounds help protect neurons and improve motor function.

Biblical Significance of Cinnamon

Cinnamon's repeated mention in the Bible underscores its historical and cultural significance, indicating that it was a highly valued spice in ancient times. Here are 2 common passages.

Exodus 30:22-29 ESV: "The Lord said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, …"

Proverbs 7:17: “I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.”

How to use cinnamon powder

Traditionally, we use cinnamon powder to add a delightful flavour to pastries like banana bread and porridge such as bananas, oats, cornmeal, and plantain. It's also a key ingredient in several of our punches, including Guinness punch. As for the leaves, we boil a few to make tea or add them to other teas like bissy and our classic Jamaican cocoa tea. You can also use cinnamon to :
,

Spice up Your Meals: Add cinnamon to your morning oatmeal, yoghurt, or smoothies for a flavorful twist.
Cinnamon Tea: Brew cinnamon sticks or powder into tea for a soothing beverage that also supports your health.
Healthy Desserts: Use cinnamon in baking healthy treats like whole-grain muffins or fruit crisps.
Topical Use: Mix cinnamon with honey for a skin-clearing mask or include cinnamon in natural skincare products.

How to make cinnamon powder:

During our chat with Ms. Ena, who makes her own cinnamon powder from scratch, she told us exactly how she does it.

She starts by carefully scraping off any dirt and moss from the bark of a cinnamon tree, ensuring that the surface is clean. Then, she gently chips the bark from the cleaned area, taking care to preserve its integrity. After collecting the chipped pieces, she allows them to dry naturally.

Once the bark is dry, Ms Ena grinds it into a fine powder using a grinder. To achieve an even smoother consistency, she sieves the ground cinnamon, resulting in a refined, organic cinnamon powder. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work to get even a small amount of organic cinnamon powder.

Cinnamon is clearly more than just a flavorful and aromatic spice. With its numerous health benefits, incorporating more of it into our diet can be truly beneficial.

Check out the video below, where we delve even further into the health benefits and the many ways we use it locally.

References & Sources For Health Benefits Of Jamaican Cinnamon

Toshi, N. (2024, July 10). 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon. PharmEasy Blog. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/10-incredible-health-benefits-of-cinnamon/

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