Sangeeta Sen extolls the virtues of the aromatic spice, cinnamon.Last evening, as I sipped a piping-hot cup of chai, flavoured with some finely crushed cinnamon, I felt rejuvenated.
The heady aromatic scent of the cinnamon got me thinking about what I had read about how the ashe torsh soup of dried fruits, borai esfenaj spinach-yoghurt dip or even the famous javahar polow rice, that were generously flavoured with cinnamon, helped uplift energy levels.
The megaleion, an ancient Egyptian herbal perfume scented with cinnamon, was preferred greatly for calming the mind. Even the ancient Chinese physicians were of the opinion that the cinnamon aroma truly helped in restoring depleted energy levels.
Corroborating these observations, recent scientific research studies have explained that the inhalation of cinnamon's distinct aroma, occurring due to high concentrations of the essential cinnamonadehyde oil, plays an important role in increasing energy levels and, above all, calming frayed nerves. Moreover, further studies have found that the smell of cinnamon helps boost brain power. In fact, it has been shown to improve memory.
Interestingly, in an attempt to create the magical effect of an aromatic, rejuvenating cinnamon chai, I required 1 cinnamon stick, 1 cup boiling water, 1 teabag and sugar to taste. As for the method, I placed the cinnamon stick in the cup of boiling water and let it steep for at least 7 minutes, keeping the cup covered. Next, I put in the teabag and brewed for 1 minute. Subsequently, I added the sugar and finally, the energising tea was ready.
Cinnamon extracts have also been found to be full of antioxidants that boost immunity levels, thereby, preventing the onset of various illnesses. In fact, a quick, healthy preparation such as the cinnamon French toast would be ideal for maximising the benefits of the antioxidant properties of cinnamon.
This healthy preparation would require 3 eggs; ¼ cup milk; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon powder; 4 white bread slices and olive oil. Beat the eggs well. Add the cinnamon powder as well as the milk and whisk the mixture to a fine consistency. Dip the bread slices, one by one, in this cinnamon mixture and coat them well.
Subsequently, in a frying pan, placed over medium heat, fry the coated bread slices using olive oil (as desired) till they turn golden brown. Take them off the pan and enjoy the cinnamon French toast slices.
According to research studies, as reported by a recent medical bulletin, the cinnamon spice contains chemical compounds called procyanidins that play an important role in reducing blood sugar levels. As a matter of fact, an ideal diabetic-friendly cinnamon preparation would be the cinnamon fruit salad.
This dish would require 1 medium-sized orange, peeled and halved; 1 banana, sliced; 1 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced; a medium-sized-apple, sliced; ¼ cup low-fat yoghurt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder and 4 teaspoons of any sugar-free powder.
Mix the cinnamon powder, yoghurt and the sugar-free powder. Add this mixture to the cut fruits and toss to coat the fruits well with the cinnamon mixture. Serve immediately.
In addition, it has also been seen that the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon help cut the risk of heart diseases.
In fact, a typical heart-friendly cinnamon preparation would be a cup of cinnamon water. Preparation would simply require 1 cinnamon stick, 1 cup water and some cold water. In a pan over a low flame, simmer the cinnamon stick in the water till the mixture turns to a beautiful blush pale brown. Cool the mixture, remove the cinnamon stick and then, pour it into a cup. Add a little cold water, mix it well and, finally, drink the healthy cinnamon water.
In my curiosity to know more about the distinct cinnamon spice, a glance through the centuries-old ayurvedic text Sharangdhara revealed that cinnamon dishes for breakfast such as cinnamon kheer helps settle an upset stomach and, above all, improves the process of digestion.
Preparing this healthy dish would require about 50gms oats; ½ cup of any low-fat milk; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder; 10gms almonds, chopped; ½ banana, sliced into small pieces; 1½ teaspoons honey; salt to taste and ½ cup water.
In a sauce pan over a medium flame, pour the milk and then, add the oats, cinnamon powder as well as the salt. Also, add the water, stir and cook till the oats turn tender and the mixture begins to thicken. Finally, garnish the nutritious cinnamon kheer with the almonds, banana pieces and honey and serve hot.
Indeed, adding a spoonful of the aromatic cinnamon spice in your diet would definitely mean a positive step towards better health.