In much the same way that not all consumer packaged foods are created equal, the same is true for the ingredients by which they're constituted. From conventional to organic, imported to local, and regular to superfood, there is a great deal more worth considering when it comes to what you put in your body. This also includes the spices we use in our cooking. It could be said that all in, Ceylon cinnamon qualifies as one of the most functional of the superfood spices.
History
The history of Ceylon cinnamon dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who prized it for its flavor, medicinal benefits and its ability to preserve food. It comes from the Cinnamomum Verum tree, native to Sri Lanka and possesses some extraordinary benefits. It's been rumored that the "spice" in the epic sci fi novel Dune is a reference to Ceylon Cinnamon, and for good reason.
Benefits
The benefits of Ceylon cinnamon are plentiful, functionally supporting our bodies in exceptional ways. In addition to digestive aid and metabolism optimization, to anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, to heart health, Ceylon cinnamon can also help reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol. Noteworthy, Ceylon cinnamon is much more potent than its cousin, Cassia cinnamon. It contains compounds that have a natural ability to potentiate the benefits of other plant-based compounds, meaning that it benefits other healthy ingredients when consumed together.
Safety
Luckily, Ceylon cinnamon is generally safe for everyone to consume, even on a daily basis when used in moderation. In fact, moderate consumption has been known to potentiate the benefits of Ceylon cinnamon and make them more effective!
Uses
If you’re looking to get more Ceylon cinnamon into your diet, there are plenty of ways to do so! From adding it to smoothies and oatmeal, sprinkling it on top of toast or yogurt, or using it as an ingredient in baking recipes like cakes and muffins. If you’re feeling creative, you can also try adding Ceylon cinnamon to savory dishes like curries, stews and soups.
Our FAVORITE way to get Ceylon cinnamon into our diet on the daily - without having to prepare something from scratch - is PranaCakes and BrainCakes! We've included a healthy dose in a single serving size, allowing you to effectively potentiate your day in a delicious way!