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Tis the Season for Cinnamon – oohlala!
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Tis the season for CINNAMON….ooh la la
The holidays have begun and cinnamon is topping the seasonal spice list once again. We add it to smoothies, muffins, coffee, sweet potatos and even to tea. There are so many holiday recipes that call for cinnamon that we can’t forget how great a spice it really is.
Although it is available (and I use all year), it really is a symbol of the fall season and the start of winter. Think of a warm fire and holiday get togethers and you can’t leave out the warm cinnamon spiced breads and drinks that accompany it.
Cinnamon has been hailed for its many benefits for centuries. A source of manganese, iron, calcium and fiber, cinnamon is traditionally used to control blood sugar, ward off bacteria, and more.
Here are my top 3 reasons why cinnamon can boost your health and your spirits this holiday season.
1. Helps with weight control.
Cinnamon lowers your blood sugar levels, it also helps to suppress your appetite. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the metabolism of glucose and decreasing the storage of fat caused by high blood sugar when sugar is metabolized into fat. This can only help you lose weight. Cinnamon also helps the body to process carbohydrates more efficiently and this assists you in losing a few pounds. Some studies are showing that abdominal or waist fat is more sensitive to the effects of cinnamon than fat from other parts of the body – gotta love this! Add a dash of cinnamon to your morning smoothie this holiday and help keep your blood sugar in control.
2. Improves digestion.
Cinnamon has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to cure flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. Indigestion? Try a cup of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and some honey.
3. Helps regulate menstrual cycles.
A recent study conducted by Columbia University Medical Center suggests that cinnamon can regulate the menstrual cycles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, a disorder that plagues an estimated five million American women of childbearing age.
How will you use cinnamon to spice up your life this season?
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Tis the Season Smoothie
1 serving Active Nutrition shake mix
1/2 tsp of nutmeg
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
10 ounces almond or coconut milk
Blend in your blender for a great addition to your breakfast oatmeal on a cold morning or as an early evening treat. Add ice for a thicker smoothie.
Cinnamon Apple Delight
1 serving Active Nutrition shake mix
1/2 a chopped flavorful apple
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
2 cups of liquid (your choice)
Blend together. Want a thicker texture, add a little ice or freeze your apples first.
Rice Porridge with Apples
(adapted from Institute for Integrative Nutrition)
2 cups leftover brown rice
1/4 cup water, rice milk or coconut water
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
1 apple, peeled and diced
Add rice, liquid, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt to a pan and cook over medium-low heat.
Add apple and mix well.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
Continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until the apple is soft.
Enjoy hot.
Add apple and mix well.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
Continue cooking for about 10 minutes or until the apple is soft.
Enjoy hot.
*Active Nutrition is my favorite whey or plant-based meal replacement smoothie mix. It is great for recipes like this because it not only adds protein but also adds fiber, good carbs and more balanced nutrition than just protein powder alone. Click here for more information
