Kim Chaisson
For the past decade research on cinnamon suggests that this delicious sweet spice contributes directly to brain health and may protect against Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Why? Cinnamon is a potent antioxidant and a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective in regulating blood sugar and reducing cholesterol, providing additional benefits for the brain. This spice is also loaded with other good things like iron, calcium and manganese.
How much cinnamon should you have each day?
The recommended daily dose of cinnamon is ½ to 1 teaspoon a day. Do not exceed 3 teaspoons daily. In small amounts cinnamon is a healing agent; in excessive amounts it can stress the liver.
Cinnamon is so full of health benefits for the body and brain that scientists recommend a daily dose of cinnamon (½ to 1 teaspoon).
Most people enjoy cinnamon’s natural sweetness. I recommend you use Saigon Cassia because it is the most potent and flavorful type of cinnamon.
Creative ways to add cinnamon to your food every day!
How about joining me in taking a 30-day Cinnamon Challenge to include cinnamon in at least one meal per day. Here are just a few easy ways to get more cinnamon into your diet. YUM!
- Cut out the salt! Sprinkle cinnamon on your popcorn in its place.
- Roast tomatoes, garlic and cinnamon in the oven to create a warm-you up sauce. Perfect for pasta and bland chicken dishes.
- Add some cinnamon to steamed cauliflower or broccoli to jazz up your veggie side dish.
- Flavor your sauces with cinnamon. A good sized sprinkle added to your cranberry sauce, apple sauce, barbecue sauce or even tomato sauce will be sure to invigorate your meal!
- A tasty swap: sprinkle cinnamon on deviled eggs instead of paprika.
- No kidding – Cinnamon tastes good on fish! Try adding it to a soy sauce marinade for salmon. Try our Sweet & Spicy Salmon
- Shake cinnamon into tonight’s stir fry for something a little different.
- Make your own salad dressings? Next time you shake up some oil and vinegar, add a little cinnamon for a brand new salad experience. Try our Strawberry Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
- Got the best chili recipe? Everyone has one. Next time you crave that chili-goodness, try adding some cinnamon to the mix. Want to try something new? Try our Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Goulash
- Kids (or the kid in us all) love cinnamon. Try this: Mash a banana with a good size pinch of cinnamon. Use as a spread on a peanut butter sandwich instead of jelly.
Check out even more ways to use cinnamon every day with this full 30-day list of Cinnamon Tips!
I absolutely love cinnamon which is why I have created LOTS of recipes featuring this healthy and delicious spice. Be sure to check out my brain healthy cooking recipes – just “search” for cinnamon!
