AsCinnamonrefers to the dried sticks from the bark of the tropical cinnamon tree or the powder made from it. Even in ancient timesCinnamon was not only considered a spice, but was also used as a medicinal remedy. In some eras, cinnamon was considered more valuable than gold.
What exactly is cinnamon?
The real cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum), also called Ceylon cinnamon tree, is a 6 to 12 m high, evergreen tree with leaves up to 20 cm long that smell like cloves when crushed. The small, inconspicuous flowers are arranged in panicles, the fruit is berry-like and half enclosed in the lower calyx. The cinnamon tree is native to South and Southeast Asia, with theMain import of the spice from Sri Lankaand some imports come from Malaysia, Madagascar and the Seychelles. The cinnamon bark, the dried bark of thin branches and the cinnamon oil extracted from them are used.
What makes cinnamon so special?
Cinnamon oil has antioxidant properties andantibacterial and antifungal. Studies have also shown that cassia cinnamon hasblood sugarandcholesterol loweringeffectThis effect is attributed to the cinnamaldehydes, of which Cassia cinnamon contains more than Ceylon cinnamon.
Use of cinnamon
The bark of the cinnamon tree is used as a spice and to flavor drinks in India and the Middle East. In Europe, cinnamon is mainly found in baked goods and mulled wine. Used internally, preparations made from cinnamon bark are said to help with mild, cramp-like intestinal complaints with flatulence and a feeling of fullness, but also tostimulate metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels.
What are the main ingredients of cinnamon?
The cinnamon bark contains a substance called cinnamon oilessential oil with cinnamaldehydeas the main component. It also contains eugenol, phenolcarboxylic acids, tannins and mucilage as well as diterpenes, which serve to repel insects.
Why should I buy products containing cinnamon from Medicom?
Medicom useswell-tolerated, aqueous cinnamon extracts from cassia cinnamon, which, unlike other Cassia cinnamon preparationshardly any coumarinCoumarin is responsible for allergic reactions that some people experience when taking cinnamon. Children and people with liver damage in particular should not consume cinnamon-containing foods in excess,because coumarin can cause unwanted effectsSince 2011, new maximum levels for coumarin in ready-to-eat foods have applied (0.1 mg per kg body weight).
