Use:

In cooking is used mainly as a seasoning and in confectionery is included in many recipes such as apple pie, loukoumades, melomakarona, baklava etc. It is also added as a flavor to candies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, liqueurs and many other alcoholic beverages.

Benefits:

The effects of cinnamon on our health seem to be beneficial. It has been found that cinnamon has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant action. In many studies it has been observed to contribute to the inhibition of growth of bacteria and fungi including Helicobacter pylori, Candida and salmonellosis.

Studies that have been performed in patients with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance have shown that cinnamon can improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. It appears that the polyphenols contained mimic the insulin action and therefore contribute to the control of glycemia.

In addition, it appears that cinnamon also has a positive effect on the regulation of type II diabetes mellitus. It has been observed that administering up to 6 grams of cinnamon a day reduces fasting glucose levels by 18-29%, triglycerides 23-30%, LDL cholesterol 7-27% and total cholesterol 12-26%. It seems that consumption of 1-6g of cinnamon a day has a positive effect on type II diabetes while larger amounts can negatively affect liver function.

In Type II diabetes mellitus, blood glucose levels should be maintained within normal range, and Glucosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) remains below 7%. It has been observed that administering 2 grams of cinnamon per day can help reduce Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and significantly improve blood pressure. It appears that cinnamon has the ability to delay stomach emptying (gastric content) resulting in reduced levels of postprandial glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type II diabetes.

So it would be important to include cinnamon in our daily diet by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to yoghurt, tea, coffee, fruit salad, cereal milk, cream or rice, various pastries, a mixture Milkshake with various fruits of our liking as well as in dishes we consume daily. Consuming it will give us a different oriental flavor and help us regulate our blood sugar.