Cinnamon's
essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and
cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of
bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast
Candida.
In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the
International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few
drops of cinnamon essential oil to approximately 3 ounces of carrot
broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the food
borne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth
was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic
B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition,
researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an
effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.
Research
led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual
meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota,
FL, found that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon
enhanced study participants' cognitive processing. Specifically,
cinnamon improved participants' scores on attention related processes,
virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed
while working on a computer-based program.
HINT: Simmer a
few cinnamon sticks in water while your kids are doing their homework -
this will also serve as wonderful yet non-toxic air freshener for your
home as well as enhance cognitive processing.
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical system, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for its warming qualities. In these traditions, cinnamon has been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flue, especially when mixed in tea with some fresh ginger.
Since publishing this page I have been contacted and reminded the Cinnamon is also known for its ability to regulate menstrual flow in women. I also received a comment that excessive amounts of Cinnamon can be toxic, but I didn't receive ay supporting evidence as to how much. If anyone has such information, please let me know. But taken in amounts suggested, I would think all will be fine. Too much of anything is generally not a good thing.
