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Though people have been using spices for years, cinnamon is one of the oldest ones known. It was mentioned in the Bible and history suggests that Egyptians used it thousands of years ago. Though it was mainly used for flavour purposes in ancient times, current research proves that it not only tastes great but yields some amazing health benefits. Cinnamon is used mainly during the winter months because of its warm taste and comforting aroma but it should be used in our diets year round.

Cinnamon can be used to both treat a variety of conditions and act as a preventative measure to maintain current health. People with type 2 diabetes can benefit greatly from cinnamon as studies have shown that it regulates blood sugar. It can also lower bad cholesterol levels and is a simple and easy solution that everyone can use to either improve or promote their health. Researchers also report that this spice can inhibit the spread of certain cancer cells for those who have leukemia or lymphoma cancer cells. Other health benefits include promoting healthy blood circulation, acting as an anti-microbial, boosting brain function, and protecting against heart disease. In Chinese medicine they use cinnamon as a means to provide relief from menstrual pain, colds, flatulence, and indigestion.

Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and comes in four different varieties. Ceylon cinnamon is slightly sweeter than the Chinese variety but it is more difficult to find in supermarkets. It is commonly called ‘real cinnamon’. Cassia cinnamon is cheaper and more readily available. No matter the variety that is chosen, it will provide the health benefits discussed. Sprinkling cinnamon into coffees or teas, on ice cream or other desserts, and baking cookies, muffins, and other baked good with cinnamon are all great ways to add both flavour and health to your diet.