Cinnamon, one of the oldest and most popular spices in the world. Made from the dried inner bark of different types of trees, cinnamon offers many different health benefits. However, in order to take advantage of these health benefits, you need to make sure you know what type of cinnamon you are using and why it matters.
The Two Main Types of Cinnamon
What most people don’t know is that there are multiple types of cinnamon and it is important to use the right kind. The two main types are called Cassia and Ceylon.
The most commonly found cinnamon on store shelves is Cassia cinnamon, which may also be referred to as Chinese cinnamon. The reason this cinnamon is easily found throughout stores is that it is cheaper to manufacture and produce. Therefore, companies typically use Cassia without consumers realizing there is a difference. Chances are, the cinnamon is your pantry is Cassia.
When compared to other cinnamon, Cassia has a strong, intense aroma and spicier taste. It is darker and more red in color and cannot be easily broken. Cassia cinnamon stick bark is often a single thicker layer that is curled.
The other main type of cinnamon is called Ceylon cinnamon. It is deemed to be ‘real cinnamon’ and is much harder to find than Cassia. In turn, it is also a bit more expensive.
This cinnamon is lighter and more tan in color. It has a sweeter taste and less intense aroma in contrast to Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon bark is compiled of thinner, rolled layers.
Which is the Healthier Cinnamon?
When it comes to which is healthier, Ceylon is the better option. This being because Cassia contains a high concentration of a chemical called coumarin. Coumarin is a chemical found in different plants. While it can be found in Ceylon, it is in a much smaller concentration than Cassia.
When consumed in larger amounts, the coumarin in Cassia cinnamon is a toxin that can lead to serious health issues. One of which may be damage to the liver and kidneys. According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, just 1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin than the daily recommended amount. Therefore, if you use a lot of cinnamon it is best to choose Ceylon over Cassia in order to avoid anything that could cause health problems.
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Where Do You Find Ceylon Cinnamon?
When you first decide to switch to Ceylon cinnamon, it is hard to find it in stores. Always make sure to read the label as it will often tell you whether or not the cinnamon is Ceylon or Cassia.
Looking for Ceylon in stores can be a bit of a challenge as the majority of cinnamon sold in supermarkets is in fact Cassia. Personally, I have found that the best place to find cinnamon is on Amazon. I recommend this cinnamon by Naturevibe Botanicals. It’s organic Ceylon cinnamon, which is perfect to make sure you are getting the most benefits out of your cinnamon. Plus, it tastes great and lasts us for a long time.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, this blog post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps to keep this blog alive!
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Cassia tastes so much better than ceylon. I feel like the preference for ceylon is just a matter of people feeling like rarer automatically means better better
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