It’s hard to believe that an herb now found in everyone’s spice cabinet once cost 15 times more than silver. That’s right! When the Europeans first discovered cinnamon in the first century, it was so valued that a jar of cinnamon cost a small fortune. Recognized health benefits of cinnamon go all the way back to 2800 B.C.E. when the father of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shen Nong, first adopted its use.
The use of cinnamon as a natural health product, a culinary spice, in religious ceremonies, and as a food preservative has since spread throughout the world. Perhaps it is its sweet-spicy flavor that has cemented it as a favorite spice among many even to this day. Or maybe its staying power is due to having among the highest antioxidant levels of any spice.* Either way, cinnamon has long been a staple in traditional health practices and is here to stay.
Cinnamon has long been a staple in traditional health practices and is here to stay.
One species, Cinnamon cassia was named after the Greek word kassia meaning "to strip off the bark." This translation can be taken quite literally – cinnamon starts as the inner bark of the tree from which it is removed, then processed and ground into the flavorful and warming spice we all know and enjoy.
Although the different species of cinnamon share many common characteristics, they do have slight differences including the types and amounts of phytonutrients they contain. Since phytonutrients are the health-promoting components within plants, different species of cinnamon may have different health benefits.
When added to your health program, cinnamon can help support sugar metabolism.* This means cinnamon can help your body break down sugars and starches from the foods you eat and turn them into energy for your body.* Through this role, cinnamon helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range.*
Eat fruits, vegetable and whole
grains and minimize intake of
highly-processed carbohydrates
and added sugars.
Engage in regular,
physical activity
that you enjoy.
Consider taking dietary
supplements to help maximize
your lifestyle efforts
Cinnamon can be found in a wide variety of sweet and savory foods, but a little bit of this spice goes a long way when used as a culinary spice. Taking cinnamon as a supplement is a more practical way to ensure you are getting the optimal amount rather than just relying on the small amounts present in foods. Supplementing with a high-quality cinnamon supplement also ensures that you’re getting the correct type of cinnamon for the health benefit you are looking for. The most common types of cinnamon used commercially are Ceylon and Chinese cinnamon, so relying on foods alone typically will not include other types of cinnamon such as Saigon or Indonesian cinnamon.
The scientific name for Ceylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum translates to “true cinnamon.” Compared to other types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon bark is thinner and it has a milder flavor and aroma. This has led many people to falsely believe that other types of cinnamon are fake. Other types of cinnamon such as Saigon and Korintje are indeed real cinnamon; however, they are just harvested from a different species of cinnamon tree. Their more robust flavor make them no less of a true spice.
There is no known upper limit for cinnamon. With that said, it is always important to take all herbal supplements as directed and avoid going over the indicated dose. You may want to consider talking to your doctor before supplementing with cinnamon if you are taking any medications or have any medical condition, including diabetes or hypoglycemia. Read all label directions and warnings before use.
It is recommended to take cinnamon supplements with a meal rather than on an empty stomach. Your daily intake of cinnamon can be consumed all at once or broken up and taken at separate meals throughout the day. Cinnamon capsules can also be opened and prepared as a tea for a more traditional experience.
Cinnamon and chromium can be paired together to support overall health and wellness.* Chromium is an essential mineral that is involved in nutrient metabolism.* Puritan’s Pride offers combination products for individuals looking for chromium’s sugar metabolism support, plus the traditional goodness of cinnamon.*
References:
Supplement Facts | |
Serving Size 2 Capsule | |
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
Chromium | 400 mcg 1,143 % |
(as Chromium Picolinate) | |
**Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) (bark) 500 mg *** | |
**Cinnamon Extract (Cinnamomum spp.) (bark) 375 mg *** | |
(a 4:1 Extract, equivalent to 1,500 mg of Cinnamon) | |
***Daily Value not established. |
No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish, Sodium Free.