Most of the herbs and spices offer variety of health benefits.  The effectivity of using herbs and spices as traditional medicine has been proven for centuries. Now, it's time for us to know the medicinal properties of cinnamon. This can be found from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum with high medicinal property. Cinnamon is widely available in most supermarkets especially Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon. What is the difference between the two?

Cassia cinnamon originated from Southern China. It is also known as the Chinese cinnamon, it is a low-quality cinnamon, dark brown-red in color with thicker stick and rougher texture as compared to Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka and Southern parts of India which is tan-brown in color with tight sticks and soft layers. Ceylon cinnamon is much more expensive due to its delicate and mildly sweet flavor that are suitable for desserts. But how the two types of cinnamon differ in terms of medicinal properties? What cinnamon is better for consumption?

According to Joe Leech of Healthline Nutrition, there were studies that found that Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon are both good to control sugar level. The Cassia must be consumed in a standard dose of 1-6 grams per day which reported as effective way in maintain the normal sugar level. It may also lower the cholesterol among people with diabetes as well as to help in preventing obesity and weight loss management. It also contains antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon is mildly sweet with a distinctive aroma that can be added to our desserts such as cakes, breads, waffles. But consuming more than the recommended amount is not safe and unhealthy. Coumarin is a blood thinner found mostly in blood-thinning drugs. Before taking any forms of cinnamon as regular consumption, it is better to consult with medical experts especially to avoid health problems.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar, RND

References:

1. What are the health benefits of cinnamon?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069#nutrition

2.  10 evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

3.  Ceylon vs Cassia- Not all cinnamon is created equal

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ceylon-vs-cassia-cinnamon

4.  Cinnamon

https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon#1