Last Updated on February 5, 2021
Cinnamon is a well-known and beloved spice all over the world. Obtained from the various tree species of the Cinnamomum genus, this spice usually reaches the final consumer in the form of essential oil, stick, or powder. It is then used as an aromatic condiment to give a special touch to several types of meals, from breakfast cereals to coffee (there are tons of different cinnamon uses in cuisine). Its beautiful color, sweet flavor, and lovely odor are the three main characteristics that make cinnamon so popular. China and Indonesia are currently the two main cinnamon producers, accounting for nearly 75% of the world’s supply. But that’s not all. Due to its composition, cinnamon can be considered a superfood. This means it is highly nutritious and may offer a series of health benefits when added to a diet and consumed frequently. Before discussing the cinnamon benefits, let’s just quickly check its nutritional value. Nutritional value (per 2.6 grams or 1 teaspoon) Calories: 6.4 Carbohydrates: 2.1 g Iron: 0.21 mg Calcium: 26.1 mg Vitamin A: 7.67 IU Phosphorus: 1.66 mg Manganese: 0.45 mg Magnesium: 1.56 mg Potassium: 11.2 mg It’s worth noting that cinnamon is usually consumed in very low amounts, so it’s nutritional value won’t really be that high. Hence why we used a per 1 teaspoon measure instead of the traditional per 100 grams. But its high antioxidant content, together with a high amount of a compound called cinnamaldehyde (present in the oily part of the cinnamon and the main responsible for its distinctive flavor and smell), may play a significant role in your diet. There are our top 7 health benefits of cinnamon: