Cinnamon and honey have long histories of being used as a folk medicine and in the kitchen. Today, research indicates that both cinnamon and honey indeed possess compounds that can work to prevent or heal a variety of ailments. Both are essential cooking ingredients and are a delicious ways to boost your health.
Cinnamon: Health Applications
Cinnamon, which has been used in Indian medicine for years to treat a lack of appetite and nausea, is enjoying renewed interest in the West. The evidence that cinnamon might be a way to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels is building, according to the Langone Medical Center at New York University. Although the results of the studies are mixed, it can't hurt to add this powdered bark to your diet, as it also demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Cinnamon: Culinary Uses
Adding cinnamon to your diet is as easy as sprinkling a teaspoon on your oatmeal in the morning. You can also add it to smoothies and use it as a topping for ice cream. Cinnamon is widely used in baking, and can be used in muffins, cookies, pies, cakes and all manner of pastries. Don't limit cinnamon to traditionally sweet foods. Try it in curries or add it to meat dishes to give your meals an Indian or Middle Eastern flavor.
Honey: Health Applications
A 2004 study published in "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that honey lowered cholesterol. Researchers also discovered that it lowered levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease, as well as levels of C-reactive protein, high levels of which indicate general inflammation in the body. Measuring the blood sugar levels of their subjects, they discovered that honey resulted in lower blood sugar levels than dextrose or sucrose. University of Illinois researchers have found that buckwheat honey, in particular, increases the levels of antioxidants in the body. Honey, like cinnamon, is also known for its antibacterial properties -- the reason why many people take a bit of honey and lemon when they have a sore throat.
Honey: Culinary Uses
Honey can be used in much the same way as sugar and other sweeteners. Adjustments may need to be made when adding it to baked goods, however, due to its moisture content. Combine it with cinnamon to make a tasty syrup to add to pancakes or oatmeal. Use it in place of table sugar when you prepare tea. It makes a tasty glaze for roasted poultry, and plays a starring role in many barbeque sauces. Add it to a vinaigrette for a bit of sweetness in your salad.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Bette LaGow; 2004
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Cinnamon
- "Journal of Medicinal Foods"; Natural Honey Lowers Plasma Glucose, C-reactive Protein, Homocysteine, and Blood Lipids in Healthy, Diabetic and Hyperlipidemic Subjects -- Comparison With Dextrose and Sucrose; N.S. Al-Waili; 2004
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Buckwheat Honey Increases Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Humans; Nele Gheldof; 2003
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