Ginger and cinnamon have long been widely used as spices, including outside the regions of their original cultivation (cinnamon comes from Ceylon and the south of India, Ginger is home to Southeast Asia).

Almost immediately, with the spread of spices around the world, people learned about the healing properties of products that have been successfully used to this day. And if earlier these spices as medicines were used exclusively in oriental practices, for example, in Ayurveda, today they are used all over the world.

Ginger and Cinnamon: A Healthy Duo

Ginger contains a lot of useful substances, among which are:

• asparagine;
• aluminum;
• calcium;
• caprylic acid;
• chromium;
• fatty acid;
• choline;
• cellulose;
• germanium;
• iron (11.5 mg);
• linoleic and oleic acids;
• manganese;
• magnesium (184 mg / 100 g);
• phosphorus (148 mg);
• silicon;
• potassium (1.33 mg);
• zinc (4.75 mg);
• sodium (32 mg);
• a nicotinic acid.

The composition has all the essential amino acids.

Vitamins:

• A (0.015 mg);
• C (12 mg);
• B1 (0.047 mg);
• B2 (0.2 mg);
• B3 (5.2 mg).

Ginger owes its peculiar original aroma to essential oils (the content in the root is 1-3%).

The composition of this oil includes:

• Tsingibern (up to 70%);
• starch (4%);
• gingerol (1.5%);
• camphene;
• linalool;
• gingerin;
• borneol;
• citral;
• carbohydrates and fatty acids.

Nutrition value (100 g):

Among the beneficial substances contained in cinnamon, it is worth highlighting:

• potassium (430 mg / 100 g);
• calcium (1 g / 100 g - daily intake);
• magnesium (60 mg);
• sodium;
• iron (8.3 mg - almost 1/2 the daily norm);
• magnesium (17.4 mg - 9 daily limits);
• copper (0.33 mg);
• selenium;
• zinc.

The composition contains tannins, aldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, polyphenol, cinnamon alcohol, simple carbohydrates, starch, coumarin. In addition, 100 g of cinnamon contains 2.5 daily fiber intake. Vitamins: A, b-carotene, group B, choline, C, E, K, PP. It contains all non-essential and essential amino acids, phytosterol, saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Nutrition value (100 g):

Cinnamon has an original, slightly burning spicy taste that cannot be confused with any other spice. It is used both for the preparation of first and second courses, and for the preparation of sweets and desserts.

Taste and smell of cinnamon gives aromatic cinnamon oil (up to 1%). Cinnamal (90% in the oil), which is also called cinnamaldehyde, is directly responsible for the taste. Of the other components of the oil, eugenol (10%), cinnamaldehyde, linalool, etc. should be distinguished.

• Among the beneficial properties of ginger should be highlighted:
• mild natural analgesic effect;
• anti-inflammatory;
• relieves spasms;
• contributes to the normal functioning of the intestine (moderately stimulates gas formation);
• has an exciting effect;
• wound healing;
• promotes the release of bile;
• has a diaphoretic effect;
• increases tone;
• has an antimicrobial effect.

It is a strong antioxidant, has a strengthening effect on the immune system, and helps get rid of parasites. Helps normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, helps with colds, flu, sinusitis, has an expectorant effect, is used for weight loss. Helps reduce harmful cholesterol, has a mild laxative and diuretic effect.

Relieves joint pain, symptoms of arthrosis and arthritis, relieves muscle pain. The outer layer of the root promotes salivation, relieves menstrual pain in women. Promotes the activity of the brain, helps restore strength. It is used for hepatitis and paralysis, contributes to the normalization of thyroid function.

Promotes rejuvenation of the body, useful for male sexual function. Stimulates metabolism, helps relieve symptoms of nausea (used against motion sickness). It is used as a prophylactic against cancer. Refreshes breath, helps relieve symptoms of toxicosis during pregnancy.

Did you know? Ginger was first found in the north of the Indian subcontinent, where it grew in mountainous areas. Its first name, which is more than 50 centuries old, was translated from Sanskrit as “horned root”. Later, after the product began to gain popularity and fame throughout the world, it was called the “samurai sword”, “the root of life”, etc.

• The main beneficial qualities of cinnamon:
• antimicrobial;
• tonic;
• stimulates the digestive tract;
• useful for diabetes (polyphenol helps insulin absorption);
• prevents the emergence and development of tumors in the large intestine.

It promotes the elimination of bad cholesterol, alleviates the symptoms of menstrual cycles in women, has a mild astringent effect, helps to stop diarrhea, helps cleanse the bile ducts, helps with problems with the liver and kidneys (contributes to the normal formation of urine, the outflow of excess fluid).

It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, relieves the negative factors of arthritis. Helps with problems with the central nervous system, contributes to normal sleep, reduces the risk of depression. The use of the product to relieve flu symptoms is quite effective, it helps to cope with a headache. The product is effective and with some problems with teeth - it stops inflammation in pulpitis.

Sharing

Ginger and cinnamon, in addition to having some similar beneficial qualities, have another remarkable property: these two spices complement each other's taste very harmoniously. That is why many drinks based on these products, in addition to the undoubted benefits, also have a pleasant original taste.

With tea

The classic combination of tea with ginger. Black tea is especially good for such a drink, although green tea is also quite suitable. In addition, the taste of tea with ginger and cinnamon is well complemented by lemon, mint, cloves, star anise (star anise).

With coffee

There is a rather heated debate about the benefits and dangers of coffee. Proponents of the drink note its tonic effect, the prevention of Parkinson's disease and diabetes mellitus, and is effective in losing weight. Opponents of coffee talk about its unhealthy effect on the heart and blood vessels, that black coffee leaches calcium from bone tissue, negatively affects the gastric mucosa.

But hardly anyone will argue that the use of coffee in moderation will not bring the body any tangible harm. However, it should be remembered that in the morning the drink is better to drink not on an empty stomach. In addition, do not forget that coffee with cinnamon is generally considered a classic combination of flavors.

Important! Ginger is one of the few products whose beneficial qualities are not affected by freezing at all. Cutting the root into slices and placing them in the freezer, after 6–For 12 months you will get a product that has all the same properties as before freezing.

Benefits of Sharing for Women

As mentioned above, ginger and cinnamon relieve the symptoms of the menstrual cycle. However, this is not the only useful property of these products for women.

For weight loss

Cinnamon and ginger root are recognized as effective products for weight loss. Cinnamon helps cleanse the bile ducts and get rid of excess fluid. Ginger has a natural mild laxative and diuretic effect. The rich vitamin composition of both products allows them to be successfully used for weight loss.

Cooking recipes

Below are some recipes for making drinks based on tea, coffee, ginger, cinnamon and some other products. When preparing drinks, these recipes can be taken as a basis, adding your favorite spices to them. For example, for almost all recipes it would be quite appropriate to add a small amount of spices such as star anise, cardamom, turmeric (a close relative of ginger), tarragon (tarragon).

Did you know? Traditional Russian delicacy - gingerbread — owes its name and origin to ginger. In the XVIII century, after expanding trade with the West, in Russia they tried spiced cookies with ginger, brought from overseas countries. The delicacy was very popular with both ordinary people and nobles, but its high price forced Russian confectioners to create something similar, taking into account some local characteristics and preferences. So there was a confectionery product known today as a gingerbread, thanks to ginger possessing a spicy taste.

Did you know? How long cinnamon has been known to mankind, as well as its significance, is evidenced by the fact that this spice is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 30:23; Proverbs 7: 17-18). Herodotus mentions cinnamon in his writings (5th century BC). In addition, there is a legend according to which, the Roman emperor Nero, in memory of his wife Poppea Sabina, burned an annual supply of spice.

Important! Some spice producers give out cinnamon as a dry ground bark of a cassia plant similar in genus (Chinese cinnamon). In fact, real cinnamon is produced from a plant of the species Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon). Although both spices are very similar in appearance and smell, real Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate aroma and delicate structure.

Important! Cinnamon is used as an antidote for the bites of wasps and even snakes that have poison that is not very strong.

Ginger and cinnamon are spices that can not only diversify your table, but also bring certain benefits to the diet, thanks to its unique composition. It should only be remembered that everything is good in moderation, and that these spices should not be abused.