Having a glass of warm milk before going to bed is an incredibly relaxing and healthy routine, and if you add cinnamon to it, you will boost the healing qualities of the drink.
Cinnamon milk is one of the healthiest beverages you can consume daily. This spice has been popular for centuries, dating as far back as ancient Egypt, and is derived from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. When the bark dries, cinnamon strips start to curl into rolls, which are afterward ground up into powder.
The two most popular cinnamon types are Ceylon cinnamon (known as “true” cinnamon) and cassia cinnamon. The amazing aroma and taste of cinnamon come from the oily part of the plant, which is rich in cinnamaldehyde.
According to Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS:
“Interestingly enough, researchers have found that cinnamon ranks No. 1 out of 26 of the most popular herbs and spices in the world in terms of its protective antioxidant levels. It also boasts a wide range of other health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal and anti-diabetic properties.
Researchers have concluded that cinnamon health benefits can be obtained in the form of its pure bark, essential oils, in ground spice form (which is bark powder) or in extract form when its special phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants have been isolated.
These compounds make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on earth, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, immunity-boosting and potential cancer and heart disease-protecting abilities. “
This amazing spice fights inflammation in the body and lowers the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, like polyphenols, which prevent free radical damage, and premature skin aging.
Cinnamon is high in two compounds that prevent the accumulation of the tau protein in the brain, which is an Alzheimer’s marker. Studies have also found that it protects neurons, improves motor function, and stabilizes neurotransmitter levels.
Cinnamon helps in the case of diabetes, and reduces insulin resistance, which is a vital hormone that regulates metabolism and transports blood sugar from the bloodstream to the cells in order to be used as energy.
Therefore, cinnamon milk is a delicious way to reap all these benefits of cinnamon, so here is how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder (organic, lightly processed)
- one cup warm milk
- Honey (to taste)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Add cinnamon to the milk, sweeten with honey, and enrich the taste with the vanilla extract.
Drink it while warm and enjoy it!
