
It’s high in cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits.Ĭinnamon is well known for its blood-sugar-lowering properties.Īpart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar through several other mechanisms.įirst, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream after a meal. Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon’s powerful effects on health and metabolism ( 3, 4).

The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon are due to the oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde ( 2). These sticks can be ground to form cinnamon powder. When it dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, called cinnamon sticks. The inner bark is then extracted and the woody parts removed.

Cassia cinnamon: This is the most common variety today and what people generally refer to as “cinnamon.”Ĭinnamon is made by cutting the stems of cinnamon trees.Ceylon cinnamon: This type is also known as “true” cinnamon.There are two main types of cinnamon ( 1): It’s also found as an ingredient in various foods and recipes.

These days, cinnamon is affordable and widely available in most supermarkets. It used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift fit for kings ( 1). It has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as Ancient Egypt. Share on Pinterest Image credit: Brent Hofacker/ShutterstockĬinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum.
