For many years, cinnamon has been considered the diva among spices. Several centuries ago, it was very expensive and was worth its weight in silver. This unique spice is able to diversify the taste of dishes and brings an irreplaceable beneficial effect on human health.
The seasoning is made from the bark of an evergreen tree growing in the Asian tropics. Ceylon cinnamon is especially appreciated by experts. In a chain of stores, you can buy a spice in the form of sticks, or you can buy it in powder.
The benefits of the spice
The irreplaceable benefit of cinnamon is due to the presence of a certain composition of the elements that are found in the spice. It:
- dietary fiber, carbohydrates and fats, proteins, saturated fatty acids, di- and monosaccharides;
- unique oil - eugenol;
- vitamins A, E, C and group B;
- macronutrients: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus;
- trace elements: zinc, iron, manganese, copper, selenium.
In addition to the well-known useful properties, this spice helps to improve the taste of baked goods and sweet drinks, cinnamon is widely used in cosmetology and as a means of traditional medicine. She provides:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antimicrobial;
- pain reliever;
- antibacterial action.
The therapeutic benefit of the substance is based on the content of special polyphenols in it. Cinnamon is often recommended to be used for prevention and treatment during the height of viral diseases and for their prevention. This remedy promotes expectoration, stimulates the body's immune system. Warm drinks with the addition of cinnamon help to increase sweating, relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa, and facilitate breathing.
For the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract, the spice is often used. She provides:
- tonic;
- stimulating;
- antiseptic action.
It increases appetite and stimulates the digestive process. Fiber, which is in the composition of the spice, has the ability to cleanse the human colon from accumulated toxins. The spice has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improves its functioning.
Experts note a special property of cinnamon - to prevent thrombus formation, its property to increase the elasticity of blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to take it regularly to reduce the risk of heart disease and vascular system, to prevent heart attack and stroke.
World scientists, after research, concluded that cinnamon helps to normalize blood sugar levels. It is useful for patients with diabetes mellitus, since the polyphenol contained in the spice helps to improve the response of the patient's body to the injected insulin. Scientists have proven its properties: reduce hunger, accelerate metabolic processes in the body, improve blood circulation.
The smell of cinnamon is used by experts in the appointment of aromatherapy. Choline stimulates brain activity, improves memory and improves mood and performance. The spice is considered the most useful for depression: its aroma invigorates a person and helps to improve mood.
Eugenol is an essential oil found in cinnamon, which has an analgesic effect on skin diseases. Due to the cinnamic acid aldehyde in the spice, its warming effect is highly valued.
The benefits of spices for beauty
The universal seasoning gives not only a noble aroma and taste to dishes, but also has a beneficial effect on the human body - cinnamon is used in the cosmetic industry. Thanks to the antioxidants in the composition, the spice has been proven to stimulate blood circulation in the vessels of the skin and hair follicles.
The popular spice has long been added to face masks and stimulates hair growth, giving them an amazing silky shine, to restore their structure and strength. Cosmetologists practice such masks for patients with weakened and brittle hair. Ease of manufacture and use allows their use at home.
Popular hair mask recipes for women
Revitalizing. To prepare the mask mixture you need to take:
- a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- fresh honey - 2 tablespoons,
- heated oil (olive or castor oil) - 2 tablespoons.
It is necessary to mix the mixture well, apply to damp hair. Cover the head with a plastic cap or plastic wrap and wrap it with a handkerchief. The mask lasts for about an hour. Then rinse the hair with running water with the addition of shampoo. Rinsing is carried out with water, to which you need to add juice from half a lemon.
Mask - adding volume to the hair. Cooking method:
- grind a red tomato into gruel,
- oil (burdock or sunflower) and honey, one tablespoon each,
- one teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- well beaten chicken egg.
All ingredients mix well. The mixture must be applied to the head and along the entire length of the hair. Keep for about an hour pool. Over time, the hair is washed with shampoo or soap and rinsed with water with added lemon juice.
A mask that promotes hair growth. The use of such a mask strengthens the hair and promotes its rapid growth. Preparation:
- a medium-sized onion is ground into gruel;
- Grate 4 cloves of garlic (medium size) on a fine grater;
- two teaspoons of cinnamon;
- a teaspoon of liquid honey.
Everything is very thoroughly mixed and rubbed into the skin and hair roots. The head is covered with a plastic cap and tied with a scarf for half an hour. Wash the head with running water and soap or shampoo, be sure to rinse with nettle broth.
What else is the use of unique cinnamon
Modern scientists have proven that it is cinnamon that helps preserve the beauty and youth of the body of women. Regular consumption of the spice enhances sexuality and awakens attraction, normalizes the menstrual cycle, increases the sensitivity of erogenous zones.
Many people know about the miraculous property of the seasoning to enhance metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to this action, there is a rapid burning of fat cells. Popularity among women who want to lose weight is a drink made from spices and low-fat kefir.
The recipe for the drink is quick and quite simple: one and a half liters of kefir must be combined with one spoon of cinnamon, mix well. Keep refrigerated. Take a glass throughout the day. During the fasting day - only one - weight loss is 1 - 1.5 kg. For further weight loss - such a drink is substituted for dinner.
The benefits of the spice for the stronger sex are undeniable. Its use increases potency and improves erection. Preparation of a drink: pour a spoonful of cinnamon powder with a glass of boiling water. Insist 40 - 45 minutes, add two tablespoons of honey and be sure to mix thoroughly. Take half a glass only once a day for two months.
The main thing to remember is that using cinnamon, you cannot add sugar and fat inside. When combined with these ingredients, cinnamon loses the lion's share of its irreplaceable properties.