Being a big fan of cinnamon, I had been wanting to try Ceylon cinnamon for some time. Ceylon cinnamon is “true cinnamon” and has slightly different properties than the cinnamon which is traditionally sold in stores which is the Cassia variety. Both varieties of cinnamon can be good for health, however the Cassia variety has high levels of coumarin which in high enough dose, and when taken too often can be problematic for the liver (so it seems anyway). The Ceylon variety does not have coumarin (or undetectable levels) and is much safer for high or regular consumption.
Why would anyone want to eat a lot of cinnamon? Well, besides being a huge fan (like myself), cinnamon has shown to be powerful in boosting the immune system and aiding in the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon and raw honey together have proven to be a home remedy that everyone should have in their back pocket–and with Ceylon cinnamon, one does not have to worry about the coumarin levels that are present in Cassia cinnamon.
For the home remedy, simply combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of raw honey and eat first thing before breakfast. You can mix it with water, but it is best and most powerful with nothing else. Wait for 20-30 minutes before eating anything else. Continue to take for six days straight and then take a day off to give your body a break. This remedy can help act as a natural antibiotic, regulate blood sugar, and ease arthritis or associated pains!
Shanna and I posted a recipe using Ceylon cinnamon freshly grated on cinnamon pumpkin ice cream (using the finest ingredients, of course!). If you have a hard time finding Ceylon cinnamon at the store you can usually find it online. So that it is not irradiated, I recommend getting organic such as Frontier’s Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder.
1. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Paul, I. M. et al., Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 2007 Dec;161(12):1140-1146
2. Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes. Alam Khan MS, PHD et al, http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/12/3215.long
Tim is a health researcher and educator based out of Nashville, TN. Connect with him on Instagram @eattodaytolivetomorrow.
