Cinnamon: the antifringale stick

Cinnamon, considered the oldest spice, is a fragment of bark rich in essential oil, taken from a tree, the cinnamon tree. As it dries, it rolls up on itself, giving a “stick”, which can be used as is or reduced to powder. There are several varieties of cinnamon, but we mainly use two.

A super-antioxidant spice!

Called cassia or false cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), the most common is formed of a single thick rolled bark, dark brown in color. Imported from China, it contains a large amount of coumarin, a molecule toxic to the liver if it is absorbed in too large a quantity (a level teaspoon per day is already too much!). It constitutes nearly 90% of world production. In the trade, if nothing is specified on the pot, it is probably a case of breakage. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), real cinnamon, is more expensive and better. Ocher, in sticks of layers of thin and crumbly bark, almost devoid of coumarin, it can be found in spice shops or in the pastry departments of supermarkets.

Cinnamon, one of the four richest antioxidant foods in the world, is even the first for proanthocyanidins, which protect our cells and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. It contains twenty times more than berries, which are champions in this category. It soothes intestinal spasms and the latest studies attribute its virtues antihypertensives.

An ally to manage your diabetes and sugar cravings

Since it is a bark, cinnamon is very high in fiber. A spoonful of 2 g of ground cinnamon provides 1.3 g! “It also contains special flavonoids, which stimulate insulin receptors and thus help control blood sugar (blood sugar level),” explains Dr. Pierre Nys, diabetologist and nutritionist. An interesting property for prediabetics, diabetics or victims of cravings and hypoglycemia. Cinnamon helps consume less sugar, lose weight and better manage their diabetes. It also helps reduce the cholesterol and protect the heart. “

We take care of its quality

There was a stir among cannellophiles some time ago: some typically Nordic cakes, such as cinnamon buns, were almost banned from sale. The reason: they contained too much coumarin, the toxicity threshold of which was set at 0.1 mg / kg body weight. In reality, everything depends on the cinnamon used: no risk if it is Ceylon cinnamon.

In essential oil

Powerfully antiviral, antibacterial and stimulating, it is the anti-cold snap weapon, flu Where common cold. But it can be irritating. We

therefore dilute it in 1/2 tsp. honey (or agave syrup …) before incorporating it in hot chocolate or tea. There is 1 drop for 400 g of preparation (drinks, desserts, etc.).

In oriental dishes

Tagines, couscous, pastillas, meat-based stuffings for eggplants, zucchini or onions.

In desserts

Compotes, pancake batter, pears or cherries cooked in red wine, shortbread, fruit salads, rice in bed, all the recipes at chocolate, nutty, Apple, with orange …

In hot drinks Infusions, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine …

In meats

Beef stew, quail with grapes, pan-fried foie gras escalopes, roast pork with orange …

Express recipes

My masala chai

Bring 50 cl of water to the boil, the buds of 2 cloves, 2 pepper berries, 1/4 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom capsules (all crushed in a mortar), 1 tsp. to c. of grated ginger.

Simmer 5 min, add 3 tbsp. to c. of black tea, infuse 3 min off the heat. Filter, add 10 cl of hot milk and 4 tbsp. to c. full sugar.

My compote

Cook 4 peeled and cubed apples with 1 tbsp. to s. honey and 1/2 tsp. to c. cinnamon.

Read also:

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How to eat less without being hungry

Eat better to live longer in good health