Cinnamon, while a part of the family of Indian spices and condiments, is a little different – In comparison to the spicy or savory nature of its counterparts, cinnamon has a subtle sweet taste, and is used to add a subtle twist of flavor to various food preparations like pulaos and biryanis, gravies, and desserts like rice pudding and milk-based delicacies. In addition to it pleasing your palate, it also has great health benefits. A powerhouse of energy and a rich source of many essential nutrients, it has various positive impacts on your health such as aiding your weight loss efforts, preventing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, keeping your joints and limbs healthy, detoxifying your body giving you glowing skin and higher levels of immunity, etc.

To know more about the benefits of cinnamon, click here.

While it is easy to endorse the many health benefits of regular consumption of cinnamon, it is a little harder to put it into practice. Why? Because, unlike other naturally existing good food products, it is not possible or palatable to consume cinnamon by itself. It is necessary to combine it with other items to include it in your daily diet.

Confused about how to make the most of cinnamon? Here are some ways in which you can indulge in the benefits of this magic bark:

1. There is increasing awareness of the beneficial effects of starting your day with a glass of warm water. Adding some cinnamon with a little honey to it can significantly boost the nutrition value of this action and regulate your digestion and excretion systems better. For this to be an effective solution for your gastrointestinal problems, you must consume at least a teaspoon of cinnamon powder everyday. You can also relieve an upset stomach by drinking cinnamon tea infused with ginger or mint leaves. Sip on this beverage for good digestive health.
2. Suffering from low immunity and falling prey to common colds and allergies frequently as a result? Instead of resorting to medicines full of chemicals with side-effects, try cinnamon. One way of using it is with milk – Boil some milk with turmeric, cinnamon and add some honey to it and drink before you go to bed to improve the functioning of your immune system. If you’re lactose intolerant or just don’t like milk, try this instead – Add some cinnamon, few tulsi leaves, and a couple of pieces of crushed ginger to hot boiling water and sip on this soothing beverage to cure nasal or respiratory issues.
3. If you suffer from chronic aches and pains, then this one is something you should definitely try – Mix cinnamon powder with lukewarm water to make a paste. Using a soft cloth to cover this paste, place it on the affected joints or limbs for instant relief. This solution also has long term effects.
4. If you are suffering from bad breath, gargle with cinnamon infused water (cinnamon boiled in water). For toothache and gingivitis, chew on a small piece of cinnamon, to get some relief.

Finally, do what you may with it, but adding just that exact amount of cinnamon is the best thing you can do for your body.

5. You can add cinnamon to your baked products and desserts like cakes, pies, tarts and ice creams. It not only enhances the flavor of these preparations, but also makes them more nutritious, thus reducing your guilt while eating them and actually giving you an excuse to indulge your sweet cravings.
6. Another good way to kickstart your day with a boost of energy and nutrition is a teaspoon of cinnamon and honey. This gives you stamina, builds your immunity and ensures regular bowel movements.

So now that you know so many different ways to include cinnamon in your regular diet, you have no excuse not to do so. Go ahead and indulge your mind, body and soul!

To explore the various health benefits of cinnamon, click here.