Pumpkin pie. Apple crisp. Chai tea. Scorching cocoa and occasional.
What do all of them have in widespread? They will usually embrace cinnamon, one of the vital fashionable spices throughout 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 also help with reducing ldl cholesterol and blood sugar,” Veltkamp mentioned.
It has phytonutrients, too. The 2 primary 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 helpful compounds that assist lower irritation, shield you from heart problems and likewise assist with metabolism.”
It’s vital to maintain moderation prime of thoughts while you’re sprinkling on the cinnamon.
“Some folks go loopy with cinnamon,” Veltkamp mentioned. “I’d say half a teaspoon a day is the most secure quantity to have. Something greater than which may result in points with consuming an excessive amount of of a compound that’s unhealthy for the liver.”
In case you’re making an attempt to restrict your sugar consumption, cinnamon is an effective various. It’ll add a little bit of sweetness and also you won’t even discover the shortage 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 usually the cue for all issues pumpkin spice.
“Pumpkin spice snacks often have cinnamon in them, too,” Veltkamp mentioned.
Power bites, warmed seasoned nuts and chickpeas are a few of her favorites. She’ll usually season them with cinnamon and spices.
“Pancakes or baked apples are completely scrumptious, too,” she mentioned. “Shake a little bit cinnamon on prime 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 along with your sliced apples and heat within the microwave,” she mentioned. “You can too add a little bit oatmeal or granola on prime for a little bit crunch.”
Whereas many of us will go for cinnamon powder in recipes, cinnamon sticks are simply as helpful for style and vitamin.
“I take advantage of the cinnamon sticks after I’m steeping my tea,” Veltkamp mentioned.
Veltkamp shared two of her favourite recipes from the Spectrum Well being Life-style Medication workforce:
Needless to say cinnamon isn’t only for candy treats—it may be savory, too. Many Indian dishes, comparable to garam masala, include 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 reminiscences might enhance psychological and physiological well being, which can assist disrupt cravings, scale back stress and enhance temper.
Given cinnamon’s place as a staple scent on the holidays, it’s all of the extra motive so as to add this favourite spice to your scorching cocoa and festive meals.
