Cinnamon, for your health!

Cinnamon is the fine inner skin of fragrant tree bark. It has many health benefits, which only add to its delicious appeal as a staple spice in our cupboards! It is especially beneficial in treating Type II Diabetes and Insulin Resistance, since it directly affects blood sugar levels.

• Cinnamon strengthens the circulatory system and gets blood moving to the surface of the body. It truly is an invigorating spice, bringing life and energy where it is absent. Getting more cinnamon in your diet will help stimulate your energy levels and your clarity. 
• Cinnamon helps the body use insulin, a vaulable asset in the age of highly processed food. Consistent, long-term use of cinnamon brings down blood sugar and triglycerides, danger signs of impending heart disease and diabetes.
• Shown scientifically to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
• In a study published by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. 
• Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. 
• In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast (sounds like a yummy tea to me) had significant  relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month!
• One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
• Researchers at Kansas State found that cinnamon fights the E. Coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. 
• Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium.

At Spice Traders, we have many different varieties and forms of cinnamon for you to enjoy!

Cassia - from the cassia tree, native to Southeast Asia, southern China and northern Vietnam. Noted for the strong, spicy sweet flavor you are probably most familiar with. We carry Cassia cinnamon Sticks here at Spice Traders, perfect for teas, roasts, fresh shaving for recipes, custards or throw a stick in your next cup of coffee!

Saigon - From Vietnam, considered by many to be the world's finest cinnamon. It is the sweetest and strongest cinnamon available. At Spice Traders, find this Organic in powder form.

Korintje - From Indonesia, it has a sweet and mellow flavor, most common variety sold. We have this in powder also.


And to give you a parting idea on how to use this spice, here's how we like to use cinnamon, and eat waaay too much pie on our lunch break ;-)

Amish Bob Andy Pie

Amish Bob Andy Pie

1 c white sugar

1 c packed brown sugar

2 Tbs flour

2 tsp STM ground cinnamon (any variety)

1/4 tsp STM freshly ground nutmeg (from whole)

1/4 tsp salt

3 eggs, beaten

2 c milk

1 T melted butter

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 prepared 9 inch unbaked pie shell, OR graham cracker crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat all ingredients together well and pour into pie shell or graham cracker crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Pie will be liquid going into the oven, will firm as it cools after baking. Center will puff in oven and fall as it cools. Serve at room temperature with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, flavored with a bit of cinnamon as well!

*Adapted from allrecipes.com