Cinnamon is a commonly used spice known for its distinct flavor and beneficial properties to both health and beauty. It is got from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, dried until it curls up into rolls, called cinnamon sticks or cinnamon quills, which can be ground into powder or used for extract. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, the compound mainly responsible for its flavoring and most of its benefits.
Benefits and uses of cinnamon:
Cinnamon for healthy skin: Cinnamon has anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. It can therefore help fade away acne scars, blemishes etc. Add a dash of cinnamon to your smoothie, yogurt or cooking to incorporate it in your diet.
Cinnamon and Honey for general health and weight loss:
Ingredients:
- 1 glass hot water
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp honey
Method:
In a glass add in the cinnamon powder and then pour into it ¼ cup of hot water and stir it well. Then once it is well stirred in, add in the rest of the hot water and stir well. Then, add in the honey and stir it well. If you do not wish to have this drink cold, early morning, keep it outside till it comes to room temperature and then drink it.
Tips: Incorporate cinnamon in your diet along with a good exercise routine to burn the fat.
Benefits:
For weight loss: A lot of people contain high-fat foods in the daily diet and consuming cinnamon could help in reducing the effects of it.
Can help lower blood sugar levels: Cinnamon has properties known to lower blood sugar levels. It can help decrease the amount of glucose (a simple sugar) that enters your blood stream after a meal. It can also help breakdown carbohydrates in your digestive tract. It can act on the cells by mimicking insulin (the hormone that lowers the level of glucose in the blood).
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3. Cinnamon mask to detox scalp: Cinnamon can help improve and stimulate blood circulation on the scalp and promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles. Its anti-fungal properties can help treat dandruff and other scalp infections, therefore reducing hair fall by protecting the scalp and hair follicles from damage.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (heated warm or extra hair length)
Method: In a small mixing bowl, add in the cinnamon powder and honey and mix well. Then add in warm coconut oil and mix until it turns into a fine and smooth paste. Then, partition your hair and evenly apply this mask on your scalp and hair. Tie up your hair into a loose bun and leave this mask on for half an hour before you can rinse off and wash with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Pat dry with a towel.
Caution: Do a patch test before complete application as it can cause irritation for some.
4. Cinnamon milk for cough, cold, sore throat pain relief and to aid sleep:
For symptoms of cold, cough and sore throat: Cinnamon can help relieve the symptoms of cold, cough and sore throat as it is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins which can help boost body immunity.
To aid sleep: Consuming cinnamon before bed can help promote sleep, as it relaxes the muscles and removes tension from the body, in turn allowing on to soon drift off to sleep.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- dash of nutmeg powder (optional)
- Honey to taste
Method:
In a heating pot, add in the milk and bring it to a boil. Then, add in the cinnamon powder (and nutmeg powder, optional) and stir well and let it simmer for some time. Turn of the flame, add in honey to taste, stir well and it is ready to consume.
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