Cinnamon

Ingredient Library

Cinnamon

Discover why cinnamon has been treasured for thousands of years and why its naturally occurring plant compounds have made it one of the world's most researched spices.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. It has been used for thousands of years in both cooking and traditional herbal practices and is valued for its distinctive flavour, aroma and naturally occurring plant compounds.

Today, cinnamon is widely used in nutritional supplements because it naturally provides polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that have made it one of the most extensively researched culinary spices.

The Basics

Understanding Cinnamon

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is produced by harvesting and drying the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, which naturally curls into the familiar cinnamon sticks. Once dried, it can be used whole, ground into powder or concentrated into botanical extracts.

Ceylon vs Cassia Cinnamon

There are several species of cinnamon, with Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) being the most common. Ceylon cinnamon is often referred to as "true cinnamon" and naturally contains much lower levels of coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, making it a popular choice for regular supplementation.

Naturally Rich in Polyphenols

Cinnamon naturally contains polyphenols, flavonoids and aromatic compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its characteristic flavour and aroma. These naturally occurring compounds have made cinnamon one of the most widely researched spices for overall health and wellbeing.

Key Benefits

Why It’s Used

Antioxidant Protection

Helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Heart Health

Supports normal cardiovascular health and circulation.

Healthy Inflammatory Response

Supports the body's normal inflammatory response.

Brain Function

Supports normal cognitive function, memory and mental performance.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice made from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. It has been used for thousands of years in foods, drinks and traditional herbal practices.

What is the difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," naturally contains much lower levels of coumarin than Cassia cinnamon. While both come from Cinnamomum trees, Ceylon cinnamon is generally preferred for long-term supplementation because of its naturally lower coumarin content.

What is cinnamaldehyde?

Cinnamaldehyde is one of the principal naturally occurring compounds found in cinnamon bark. It gives cinnamon its distinctive flavour and aroma and has become one of the most widely studied compounds within the spice.

Why is cinnamon commonly included in nutritional supplements?

Cinnamon naturally provides antioxidant polyphenols and unique plant compounds, including cinnamaldehyde. Its impressive nutritional profile and long history of traditional use have made it a popular ingredient in supplements designed to support overall health and wellbeing.

What are polyphenols?

Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea and many other plant foods. They help protect plants from environmental stress and are responsible for many of the colours, flavours and aromas found in nature.

Many polyphenols, including flavonoids, anthocyanins and catechins, have been widely studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting overall health as part of a balanced diet.