Have you ever noticed a sweet yet distinct flavor while having a cake, pastry, or coffee? – Cassia powder, also known as Cinnamon, is a health-benefiting spice available in every Indian kitchen.
Cinnamon is one of the pleasant flavor cooking ingredients that play a crucial role while preparing savory curries. You can get it either in stick form or in refined powder form. Usually, it is derived from the bark of an evergreen tree, which is peeled and sun-dried to form this brown color, warm-smelling household spice.
It is the most common flavoring agent used in food. And, just 3 spoons of Cinnamon powder can provide you with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. There are still ongoing studies, and based on that, Cinnamon has the cure for pre-diabetes, obesity, and several fungal conditions.
Let’s reveal the district health benefits of this traditional Indian spice.
Health Benefits of Cassia powder (Cinnamon)
Cinnamon has always been a part of Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. It is also part of Chinese herbal medicine because of its distinct smell and flavor. You can derive essential oils from Cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde.
Antibacterial and antifungal
Cassia powder has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also effective in treating respiratory tract infections that can occur due to fungal effects. This spice can reduce the chances of tooth decay and bad breath. The essential oil derived from it can be used to treat skin infections.
Improves gut health
Cinnamon is quite popular for its prebiotic properties, which help balance the good bacterial growth in your body. This prevents digestive issues and keeps your digestive system healthy. This reduces the chances of constipation by improving digestion capabilities.
Manage blood pressure
Certain spices are part of homely tips that provide health benefits, and Cinnamon is counted among them. Even for a short duration, the consumption of Cassia powder can reduce blood pressure. Its medicinal value is derived from cinnamaldehyde, which is believed to have powerful effects on health.
Antioxidant property
Due to free radicals, our body undergoes oxidative damage, and the only way to protect your health is through Cassia powder. It has antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids. These are quiet components to fight against oxidative stress. Thus, Cinnamon is also ranked along with garlic as a superfood.
Anti-inflammatory property
Our body has the property to fight against infections and repair tissue damages. However, in case of chronic damages, additional aid is required. In this case, Cinnamon is used owing to its incredible anti-inflammatory property, which helps rebuild damaged tissues. Moreover, it is not a rare spice, and you can quickly buy spices online.
Reduces blood sugar
In the sedentary lifestyle, blood sugar has been a steady companion; this is where Cassia powder comes to your aid by helping to manage blood sugar. Cinnamon works by balancing out the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream. Several tests reveal that Cinnamon has a moderate effect in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, it is of no use in the case of people who have Type 1 diabetes.
Reduces risk of heart disease
Heart diseases have increased in the last decade, and over 80% of people are at the preliminary risk stage. The responsible aspects leading to heart ailments are cholesterol, diabetes etc. Cinnamon helps to stabilize good HDL and reduces bad LDL cholesterol. Cassia powder can also cut the number of triglycerides in our body. This, in turn, keeps blood pressure under control and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Improves sensitivity toward insulin
Insulin is responsible for regulating metabolism and absorbing blood sugar from the bloodstream by the cells. People resistant to this effect develop conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Cinnamon powder has the capability to reduce insulin resistance and also increase hormone production.
Prevents neurodegenerative diseases
Brain aging is a common sign of old age. But, certain conditions like Alzheimer’s occur due to progressive deterioration of brain cells. Further, there is also progressive loss in the structure of brain cells during Parkinson’s disease. It has been found that the protein that forms a core component of Cinnamon can help reduce the damaging effect on the brain. It helps to protect the neurons and also improves motor function. Overall, Cinnamon has the ability to normalize neurotransmitters.
Is it safe to consume Cassia powder every day?
Cinnamon or Cassia powder is part of Indian cuisine, and every Indian dish requires just a tiny pinch of this spice to enhance the flavors. Moreover, it also has a natural food preservative quality. Cinnamon powder is a safe herb, and people rarely complain about any allergic experience after consuming Cinnamon.
However, we must remind you that all Cinnamon are not equally effective; they have two variants: Cassia and Ceylon. Ceylon is regarded as a much better variant when compared with Cassia. But, in the local market, the most available variant is Cassia. You can easily get high-quality and fresh Cassia powder packets from JK Cart. So, at the end of the day, add Cinnamon to your recipes and cook a delicious and healthy meal.