Cinnamon? Cinna-more!

Cinnamon

 

 

Cinnamon? Cinna-more would be the appropriate way to put it. If cinnamon wasn't so abundant these days, it would cost more than gold! And once apon a time it did, cinnamon first became a hit back in 2,000BC and in the following centuries was used as currency and symbolised status throughout Europe in the middle ages. Cinnamon was a wonder to the world because no one knew where it came from! The Arab merchants kept it a tightly held secret up until the 16th century as to keep prices high and maintain a monopoly over the trade, obviously it didn't last. The reason that cinnamon was such a hit (and still is) is because of its amazing variety in health and healing properties. Looking into it a bit further i have chosen what i think are the top 5 benefits:

 

Lowers negative effects of high fat meals and reduces LDL cholesterol levels

What do you mean it cuts down fat in meals? Well, when you eat meals that are high in fat you end up with a specific type of fat in your bloodstream called triglycerides (it even sounds nasty!). Not a good thing, what is a good thing is the fact that cinnamon can reduce triglycerides levels in your blood up to 30%!! (1) But thats not everything, CInnamon also reduces the level of LDL cholestrol, in other words the bad guy. We have 2 types of cholesterol in our bodies, HDL cholesterol which is the good guy and LDL cholesterol which is the bay guy. In the same way that cinnamon reduces the levels of fat in our blood, it also reduces the level of bad cholesterol in our system. Where do i sign up?

 

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease

NOT something you would want to wish on anyone! I mean we have all seen (and cried) in the notebook, the sad thing is this is a real disease. LUCKILY cinnamon contains properties that inhibit the development of this disease, what’s stopping you getting in early and assisting with the prevention of it? And who knew a cup (of Persian style coffee) a day keeps the doctor at bay…...

 

Regulates blood sugar levels

Great for diabetics! As well as anyone wanting to stabilise energy and mood levels. What cinnamon does is slightly change the way that we digest our food and thus reduces the rise of blood sugar after we eat. It also helps type 2 diabetics as it increases the bodies response to insulin.Not to bad i say! Just don't put sugar in your persian coffee and you will be right!

 

Scent boosts brain function

Its actually been proven by numerous studies! (2) If only i knew this while i was in uni, maybe those exam periods wouldn’t have been so painful. So if you’re lacking that oh so sought after attention span, carry a stick of cinnamon around with you for frequent sniffs. OR (if you dont want to be caught sniffing cinnamon sticks) have a go of my Persian style coffee which is loaded with cinnamon and coffee, have a deep breath of those amazing aromas that come off it to boost brain function and the coffee is sure to get you going!

 

 

Amazing antioxidant!

Cinnamon, keeping you young and healthy for thousands of years… Compared to 5 other antioxidant spices (Vanilla, Nutmeg, liquorice, ginger and star anise) cinnamon was able to prevent oxidation more so than any of them. (2) As explained in my ginger post, antioxidants keep free radicals at bay (those nasty things that kick start the aging process), so load up your diet with cinnamon for these amazing benefits or have a cup of my persian style coffee each morning to get the added benefits of cinnamon PLUS all the other spices incorporated.

If you want more information on any of my brews or want to know where to get some, don't hesitate to contact me at coffee@bellesbrews.com.

 

Cinnamon harvesting:

 

 

 

 

Love Belle xx

 

References:

1) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232710.php

2) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68

 

 

Ginger and it's Magic Healing Powers

 GINGER

Ginger is one of those underrated magic foods that is only thought of for its banging flavour and robust smell. Little known is the fact that ginger is an amazing superfood with astonishing healing power. As a kid i was hardly given medication, i was brought up on lemon, ginger and honey teas. Telling people this generally causes one of their eyebrows to raise but after a bit of research i have found out that my mother most definitely did the right thing, a tradition i will be continuing. Out of the never ending list of benefits i have chosen the top 5 that i believe are the most important, read on and be prepared to be amazed….

GINGER IS ONE OF THE TOP ANTIOXIDANT RICH FOODS

We know antioxidants are important in our diet and good for us but how many of us know what they actually do? And how many of us know that the oxygen we breath in is not all its cracked up to be? ‘Free radicals’ are a byproduct created in our bodies by the oxygen we breath in and although they are essential in the daily running of our bodies, over time a build up is created which is said to kickstart the ageing process. This buildup is linked to heart disease, liver disease and a number of cancers which can cause irreversible damage. Thats where antioxidants come in, what they do is help with the prevention of free radicals and minimise the damage caused over time keeping you as young as possible! Ginger is a fantastic source of antioxidants, although there is increasing evidence that ginger in tablet form is not so good and can actually increase the risk of cancer. So keep it fresh and start consuming it from early life for it to be extra effective.

GINGER CONTAINS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES

Don’t you just hate those headaches that sneak up on you? Or waking up stiff in the mornings? One of gingers magic healing powers is its ability to alleviate headaches and assist in the treatment of back pain, menstrual pain, arthritis and joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relax aching muscles and is comparable to anti-inflammatory drugs (without the side effects!!!), if its any way with this one, its definitely the natural way.

PROMOTES GOOD DIGESTION

Detox, detox, detox. That word that some people love and others not so much. If you love ginger then you are in luck - it is great for detoxing! If you dont like it then maybe you should reconsider what your taste buds think…. Ginger stimulates the production of saliva, bile and gastric juices helping to clear out your system and allowing food to pass through more quickly and effectively. A great way to slim down and the best part is, its easy! Just add ginger to your diet through cooking or have a freshly chopped ginger tea every day and whalah! Your detox is on. Just to add a few more to the list - Ginger also relieves heartburn, indigestion, bloating, flatulence and protects the stomach form ulcers.

NATURAL TREATMENT FOR COLDS AND FLUES

One of the best known benefits of ginger is just that - treatment of the dreaded flu (as my mum clearly knows). Gingers antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic and pain relieving properties help with the prevention of colds and flues as well as the duration and severity of them. Say farewell to that dreaded fever, sore throat, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes!!

CURE FOR NAUSEA

If you get motion sickness at all - either by boat or car - then you may have realised this one already. I don't suffer from it regularly so i was very surprised when i found out that ginger is an anti-nausea treatment. There are already ginger tablets out there for treatment of this ALTHOUGH, nothing beats the natural way and since there is increasing evidence against the tablets try and keep it fresh. But the magic doesn't stop there, Ginger also helps with morning sickness and with all the added benefits, it is a must!

Ginger is at the top of my hit list and i try to consume some everyday. Having trouble adding it into your diet? Both of my coffee brews contain plenty of ginger and are the perfect way to enjoy the benefits along with a great taste. Interested in trying some? Contact me at coffee@bellesbrews.com for more info.

Love Belle xx

 

Having some fun with my designs!

Whats your favourite spice to use in cooking?

Did you know...

Did you know that spices not only taste great, they also contain countless health benefits? Asian countries have been using spices for centuries in medicine, now in current times scientists are continuously discovering the benefits that come with them. All spices are composed of an impressive list of essential oils, antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for our wellbeing.

I LOVE COFFEE!