Cinnamon is available in different types. Different types of cinnamon have different contents and properties. So, which cinnamon is healthy? In this article, we will discuss it further to determine which type is the healthiest to consume and if any specific type can be harmful. For your information, all cinnamon types contain antioxidant properties. However, their toxic load substantially varies.
Types of Cinnamon and Which Cinnamon Is Healthy?
Actually, there are 5 botanical species of cinnamon, not 4. They include Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum Loureiro, and Cinnamomum citriodorum. Often, people forget the last type because it is rare enough. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has identified it as an endangered species for over 20 years. Today, it is certainly even rarer.
What Is the Most Common Type of Cinnamon?
The most common type of cinnamon is cassia. That’s why you can see it in the supermarket spice aisle as well as in food supplement or product formulations when the label states ‘cinnamon’ only. You need to know that this is the most widely available and most affordable of the 5 types. Therefore, many manufacturers use this cinnamon to reduce costs. For your information, it comes from the bark of an evergreen tree in Southern China. The cinnamon is then ground into a powder.
Cinnamon Health Benefits?
Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory and potent anti-oxidant, especially in the form of extract. Its isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, catechin, and polyphenols are responsible for most health-promoting effects. Any type of cinnamon has polyphenols. However, its content varies. So, which cinnamon is healthy?
A study concludes that cinnamon offers anti-hyperglycemic properties but Ceylon cinnamon has the best overall properties. Then, cinnamon extract cannot only naturally lower blood sugar but also normalize cholesterol. Based on a study, cinnamon can also reduce cholesterol levels, reduce LDL-C, reduce triglycerides, and raise HDL-C levels.
Toxins in Cinnamon
People call Ceylon cinnamon as the true cinnamon because it is the healthiest type. In fact, it contains zero toxins. Meanwhile, other cinnamon types contain coumarin that is toxic to human. However, the levels drastically vary. Even more cassia cinnamon contains high coumarin.
Another study shows that Cinnamomum Loureiro or Saigon cinnamon contains substantial amounts of coumarin. So, Ceylon is undoubtedly superior.
How to Use Cinnamon
You can use cinnamon as a spice for health promotion. For thousands of years, humans have consumed cinnamon by using raw cinnamon in their foods. You can also add it to a morning latte or a yogurt. Besides that, it tastes nice in more savory dishes. Those who want to use cinnamon medically must speak with a doctor first for the proper dose and any possible side effect.
Which Cinnamon Is Healthiest?
In conclusion, Ceylon cinnamon offers all of the health-promoting properties with zero toxic properties. That’s why Ceylon is the healthiest cinnamon type. Even though there have been so many studies and researches about cinnamon, we still hope that there will be more studies & researches about this herb. Anyway, it is clear which cinnamon is healthy, isn’t it?
If you interest to know more information about cinnamon and other Indonesia herb spices, you can visit our website. You can also click link WhatsApp here to connect directly with us.