Did you know...
Once upon a time, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. And while these days, most of us would rather get our hands on 24 karats instead of 24 ounces – a gold b ar over a brown stick – this bark-like spice has just as much bite as it does bark. The potential health benefits of cinnamon could be stated as nothing short of astonishing.
Cinnamon's medicinal purposes date back to ancient times. In the past, it was used to help treat a number of medical conditions, including:
respiratory illness
gynecological issues
digestive problems
Modern science has now confirmed what people have instinctively known for ages.
In recent decades, cinnamon has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory and to help with improving cognitive function.
There are two main types of cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon - known as "true" cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon - more commonly used
Evidence-based health benefits of cinnamon include but are not limited to:
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces risk of heart disease by lowering bed cholesterol
Improves sensitivity to insulin, lowers blood sugar - effective in managing type 2 diabetes
Can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Maybe protective against cancer
Helps fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, including HIV virus
Can help manage polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Can help with weight loss
Provides bone and teeth health
May help calm those suffering from ADHD
Controls symptoms of common cold
Can boost sex drive
Promotes collagen production and skin rejuvenation
Battles stomach flu
Eases Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
But not all cinnamon is created equal! Picking Ceylon or "True" cinnamon, it's a much cleaner, more beneficial form of this wonderful everyday spice.
Love healthy & clean recipes? We do! Look below for some of our favorites and don't forget to subscribe!
Clean Cinnamon Recipes
Cinnamon Walnut Flax Muffins
Ingredients:
1 cup organic flax meal
4 organic eggs
1/2 cup organic avocado or coconut oil
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
A pinch of sea salt
1 cup walnuts chopped
Preparations:
1. Preheat oven to 325*F
2. Mix ingredients together in a mixing bowl in the order they are listed
3. Add in walnuts last
4. Bake at 325*F for 18 to 22 minutes
5. Remove, let cool and enjoy!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Cinnamon Pecan Crunch
Ingredients:
3/4 cup firmly packed raw organic brown sugar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons ground Ceylon cinnamon 1½ teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 pounds organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 cup dried cranberries 4 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 cup coconut or almond flour 1 cup chopped pecans
Preparations:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon each of the cinnamon and ginger, and salt in large bowl. Add sweet potatoes; toss to coat well.
3. Spoon into 13” x 9” baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cranberries. Dot with 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.
4. Mix flour, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, and remaining 1 teaspoon each cinnamon & ginger in medium bowl. Cut in remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans.
5. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and stir gently. Sprinkle evenly with pecan topping.
6. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender and topping is lightly browned.
Cinnamon Quinoa Bake
Ingredients:
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 organic eggs, beaten
1/3 cup almond milk
1/3 cup organic maple syrup or raw organic honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Coconut sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Preparations:
1. Cook the quinoa by bringing 2 cups of water with 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil, add quinoa then turn the heat to low and put on a lid for 15 minutes. Let it sit off the heat with the lid on for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 375ºF and place the quinoa in a large mixing bowl. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with lightly greased parchment.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, coconut oil and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Add maple syrup or honey & whisk.
4. Add egg mixture to cooked and cooled quinoa. Stir with a large spoon to combine. Pour into the parchment-lined baking dish and spread it around
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set and golden.
6. Remove, cool completely, and cut into squares.
7. Top with berries, maple syrup, honey, or nutella. Enjoy!
