History and origin of cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice with a rich history. Used for millennia for its characteristic aroma and attributed health properties, the first references to cinnamon date back to ancient records. It is produced from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree, which grows mainly in Asia, Africa and South America. There are different varieties of cinnamon, such as Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon, which differ in taste and in their content of coumarin, an ingredient worth looking at for its potential health effects.
Potential health benefits of cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for most of cinnamon's health benefits. Cinnamon is characterised by its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. It is worth noting that some results of some studies look promising in terms of confirming the slimming properties of cinnamon, as it speeds up metabolism. The same applies to the potentially beneficial effect on blood sugar levels. This is because cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress. This may be beneficial for a number of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is widely valued in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Although not all of the health properties attributed to it have been confirmed by modern scientific studies, at the same time, centuries-old observations cannot be ruled out. All the more so because not all of the health properties attributed to cinnamon have been covered by research.
Coffee with cinnamon: a link with weight-loss potential
Cinnamon has unique thermogenic properties that can support metabolic processes. Adding cinnamon to coffee enhances the flavour and potentially contributes to health benefits. Cinnamon adds depth and a refined spice note to coffee, making each sip more special. It is also worth remembering that when drinking daily coffee with cinnamon, you should choose Ceylon cinnamon(Cinnamomum verum), due to its lower coumarin content.
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How much cinnamon to add to coffee for weight loss?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon per 1 mug of coffee, just enough to enrich the taste of the coffee without overdoing the intensity.
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How many coffees with cinnamon can I drink a day?
Do not exceed 2 mugs of coffee with cinnamon per day. Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia and other health problems, and excessive consumption of cinnamon can be harmful to the liver.
By adding cinnamon to our coffee, we can enjoy not only the great taste, but also the potential benefits to our health. However, as with any food or dietary supplement, moderation and awareness of the origin of the ingredients used is important.
Read also: Is cinnamon a safe spice?
The importance of coumarin in cinnamon
Coumarin is a naturally occurring ingredient in many plants, including cinnamon. Its presence in this popular spice has become a topic of debate in terms of safety of consumption. Different types of cinnamon contain different concentrations of coumarin - while cassia cinnamon (often commercially available) has a higher content of this substance, Ceylon c innamon contains much less. It is important to realise that for most people, moderate consumption of coumarin is not harmful. Nevertheless, some people may be more sensitive to coumarin and experience some allergic reactions or other side effects. In light of this, it is a good idea to be aware of the origin of the cinnamon you are using and to adjust your intake according to your individual needs.
How much cinnamon is the maximum an adult can consume per day?
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) indicates that the recommended daily dose of coumarin should not exceed 0.1 mg per kg body weight.
Cassia cinnamon is the most common type of cinnamon available on the market and has a higher concentration of coumarin with an average of 3,000mg/kg, (these figures are also provided by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment).
Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is a more specialised product and contains far less coumarin, averaging around 200mg/kg, and this value should not exceed 400mg/kg.
Regarding the safe intake of coumarin, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends that a dose of 0.1mg coumarin per kg of body weight per day should not be exceeded. This means that for a person weighing 60 kg, the safe amount of coumarin is 6 mg per day.
Now let's look at this in practice:
Assuming that there are 2g of cinnamon in a flat teaspoon:
- In 2g of Ceylon cinnamon there will be 0.8mg of coumarin (assuming a maximum concentration of 400mg of coumarin per kg).
- In 2g of cassia cinnamon there will be 6mg of coumarin (assuming an average concentration).
From this it follows that one teaspoon of cassia cinnamon provides the entire recommended daily amount of coumarin for a person weighing 60kg. With Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, one could theoretically consume as much as seven teaspoons to achieve the same level of coumarin.
A pinch of cinnamon is added to a mug of coffee - a maximum of 1/4 teaspoon, so the coumarin content of a mug of coffee with cinnamon is well below the recommended daily limits for coumarin intake.
In conclusion, if one consumes cinnamon regularly and in larger quantities, it is better to choose Ceylon cinnamon. One teaspoon of cassia cinnamon already provides the entire recommended daily limit of coumarin for a person weighing 60kg, while Ceylon cinnamon is much safer in this regard.
Read also: Cloves - health benefits
How to distinguish between Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon?
Cassia cinnamon (also known as Chinese cinnamon) and Ceylon cinnamon (sometimes referred to as 'true cinnamon') differ in both taste and appearance. Here are some clues to help distinguish between the two types of cinnamon:
Appearance of the sticks:
Cassia cinnamon: It usually has a thicker, rougher and firmer texture. The sticks are darker and consist of a single thick layered piece.
Ceylon cinnamon: It is more delicate and crumbly. The sticks are thinner, light brown and usually consist of several thin layers rolled into a tube.
Taste:
Cassia cinnamon: It has an intense, sharper flavour that is more reminiscent of the traditional cinnamon taste we know from many foods.
Ceylon cinnamon: Has a milder, sweeter and more complex flavour with a hint of citrus.
Coumarin content: As mentioned earlier, cassia cinnamon has a much higher coumarin content, which can be unhealthy when consumed regularly in large quantities. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, has a much lower coumarin content.
Typically, Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive than cassia due to its unique properties and lower production. In addition, if it is not clearly indicated on the packaging that we are dealing with Ceylon cinnamon - in most cases it will be cassia cinnamon.
Benefits for the catering industry: why offer coffee with cinnamon?
For the catering industry, introducing cinnamon coffee to the menu can bring many benefits. Firstly, thanks to its unique health properties, cinnamon coffee can attract health-conscious consumers who are always looking for innovative yet health-beneficial options.
Secondly, offering such original drinks allows the place to create an image as a modern, innovative café, which can attract younger generations. Such an offer can also be used as a unique differentiating feature that helps to stand out from the competition.
Thirdly, introducing cinnamon coffee to the menu is an opportunity to increase the price of coffee by adding value and a unique flavour. With the right marketing, customers will be willing to pay a little more for a cinnamon coffee, seeing it as not just a beverage, but a taste experience.
Additionally, by offering cinnamon coffee, restaurants and cafés can promote their partnerships with local spice suppliers, which attracts customers who value localness and supporting local businesses.
Therefore, whether you are a small corner café or a large restaurant chain, cinnamon coffee is a great addition to your menu that can attract a wide range of customers and contribute to the growth of your business.
Read also: Vanilla sticks - how to use
What other spices are worth adding to coffee?
Coffee is not only a great stimulating drink, but it is also the perfect canvas for a variety of spices that can enhance its flavour and aroma. Particularly good with coffee are:
- Nutmeg adds a hint of nutty depth to coffee, while cardamom emphasises its freshness and adds an oriental touch.
- Ginger can introduce a warm, spicy touch to the drink, especially recommended in colder weather.
- Vanilla, on the other hand, will add sweetness and richness to the coffee, making it creamier.
Some people also appreciate the subtle hint of chilli, which adds a hint of spiciness to the coffee and an extra boost. In contrast, fresh herbs such as mint or rosemary can add an unexpected freshness to the coffee. By experimenting with different spices, we can discover a whole new face of our favourite coffee.
Summary
Adding cinnamon to coffee is safe for your health, but it is a good idea to observe the recommended daily portions due to the coumarin content. The combination of coffee and cinnamon is not only a treat for the palate, but also an interesting combination with potential health benefits. However, remember to choose the right type of cinnamon and consume it in moderation. Coffee with cinnamon is an excellent option for those who want to introduce a bit of variety into their daily coffee routine.
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