A Key Ingredient in Our Ayurvedic Cuisine at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre
At the Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre, we’ve embraced the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, harnessing the natural treasures it highlights for wellness. One such gem is the potent and multifaceted spice cinnamon.
Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Cinnamon
Don’t underestimate the nutritional capacity of cinnamon, even in small amounts. A mere teaspoon of this aromatic spice packs an astonishing array of nutrients.
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, which may offer a variety of health benefits.
Nutritional value of cinnamon
A teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains:
- Calories: 6
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Calcium: 26 milligrams
- Potassium: 11 milligrams
- Magnesium: 2 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 2 milligrams
- Vitamin K: 1 microgram
- Vitamin A: 8 international units
Cinnamon: A Spice with Far-reaching Health Benefits
Beyond its impressive nutritional profile, cinnamon boasts a broad spectrum of potential health benefits:
- Blood sugar control: Cinnamon may help to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because it can help to increase insulin sensitivity and slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
- Heart health: Cinnamon may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It may also help to protect against heart arrhythmias.
- Antioxidant activity: Cinnamon is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
- Other potential benefits: Cinnamon may also have other potential health benefits, such as improving cognitive function, reducing the risk of cancer, and boosting the immune system. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
The Role of Cinnamon in Ayurvedic Food at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre
Our esteemed Chef Chandru, a veteran with over 20 years of experience in Ayurvedic cuisine, cleverly infuses cinnamon into a variety of dishes:
- Improving digestion: Cinnamon is believed to boost the digestive process, an essential aspect of overall health in Ayurveda.
- Enhancing immunity: Cinnamon bolsters the body’s immunity with its antioxidant-rich profile, providing a natural defence against diseases.
- Reducing inflammation: Leveraging cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties, our dishes aim to relieve various inflammation-related conditions.
Cinnamon as a polyphenol
Cinnamon is a good source of polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
The specific polyphenols found in cinnamon include:
- Cinnamaldehyde: This is the main polyphenol in cinnamon and is responsible for its characteristic flavour. Cinnamaldehyde has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
- Eugenol: This is another important polyphenol in cinnamon. Eugenol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
- Methylhydroxy Chalcone: This is a polyphenol that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Overall, cinnamon is a nutritious spice that has a number of potential health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals and inflammation. Cinnamon may also help to improve blood sugar control, heart health, and cognitive function.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a versatile, health-promoting powerhouse, given its extensive health benefits. For an enriching journey into Ayurvedic cuisine with Chef Chandru, visit us at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre.
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