Pumpkin pie. Apple crisp. Chai tea. Scorching cocoa and occasional.
What do all of them have in frequent? They’ll typically embody cinnamon, one of the standard spices in the course of the vacation season.
And like many spices, cinnamon is—gram for gram—considered one of your greatest choices when trying so as to add antioxidants to meals or drinks, Kristi Veltkamp, RD, registered dietitian at Spectrum Well being, mentioned.
“Cinnamon is a pure antimicrobial and (it) may help with decreasing ldl cholesterol and blood sugar,” Veltkamp mentioned.
It has phytonutrients, too. The 2 essential sorts of phytonutrients are cinnamaldehyde and proanthocyanidins, or PACs.
“PACs get into your colon, and microbes digest it and break it down,” Veltkamp mentioned. “The byproduct of this creates useful compounds that assist lower irritation, shield you from heart problems and in addition assist with metabolism.”
It’s essential to maintain moderation high of thoughts whenever you’re sprinkling on the cinnamon.
“Some folks go loopy with cinnamon,” Veltkamp mentioned. “I might say half a teaspoon a day is the most secure quantity to have. Something greater than that may result in points with consuming an excessive amount of of a compound that’s dangerous for the liver.”
In case you’re attempting to restrict your sugar consumption, cinnamon is an efficient various. It’ll add a little bit of sweetness and also you may not even discover the dearth of sugar.
“Strive it in espresso, tea or in your oatmeal,” Veltkamp mentioned. “It’s additionally scrumptious in chai tea, which has different spices like cloves, ginger, cardamom.”
Vacation staple
When the vacations hit, that’s typically the cue for all issues pumpkin spice.
“Pumpkin spice snacks normally have cinnamon in them, too,” Veltkamp mentioned.
Power bites, warmed seasoned nuts and chickpeas are a few of her favorites. She’ll typically season them with cinnamon and spices.
“Pancakes or baked apples are completely scrumptious, too,” she mentioned. “Shake slightly cinnamon on high and your style buds will thanks.”
Baked apples are a simple snack that may ship on vitamin. Cinnamon has a spot right here, too.
“Simply add some water and cinnamon together with your sliced apples and heat within the microwave,” she mentioned. “You may also add slightly oatmeal or granola on high for slightly crunch.”
Whereas many people will go for cinnamon powder in recipes, cinnamon sticks are simply as helpful for style and vitamin.
“I exploit the cinnamon sticks once I’m steeping my tea,” Veltkamp mentioned.
Veltkamp shared two of her favourite recipes from the Spectrum Well being Way of life Medication crew:
Needless to say cinnamon isn’t only for candy treats—it may be savory, too. Many Indian dishes, reminiscent of garam masala, comprise fairly a little bit of cinnamon, Veltkamp mentioned.
And the advantages of cinnamon could also be realized past extra than simply vitamin. Researchers have discovered that odor-evoked recollections might increase psychological and physiological well being, which can assist disrupt cravings, cut back stress and enhance temper.
Given cinnamon’s place as a staple scent on the holidays, it’s all of the extra cause so as to add this favourite spice to your sizzling cocoa and festive meals.
