Posted by cecilia on December 16, 2005, at 3:49:43
In reply to Cassia, is in fact, American 'cinnamon'., posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 9, 2005, at 8:09:02
> Wow that Cassia stuff seems to be very interesting. Moreover, in North America it seems that the stuff you buy is in fact Cassia whilst in Mexico and Europe its 'true' cinnamon, which explains afew personal experiences i've had!
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassia
>
> ____________________
>
> Most of the spice sold as cinnamon in the United States and Canada (where true cinnamon is still generally unknown) is actually cassia. In some cases, cassia is labeled "Indonesian cinnamon" to distinguish it from the more expensive true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), which is the preferred form of the spice used in Mexico and Europe.
>
> ____________________
>
> Health issues
>
> Studies by the United States Department of Agriculture have found that ingesting a half teaspoon of powdered cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) per day significantly reduces blood sugar in diabetics, especially in Type-2 diabetics, and improves cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels [1]. The effects, which can even be produced by brewing a tea from cassia bark, also benefit non-diabetics who have blood sugar problems. There is also much anecdotal evidence that consumption of cassia has a strong effect in lowering blood pressure, making it potentially useful to those suffering from hypertension. The USDA has three ongoing studies that are monitoring the blood pressure effect.
>
> There is concern that there is as yet no knowledge about the potential for toxic buildup of the fat-soluble components in cassia, as anything fat-soluble could potentially be subject to toxic buildup. However, people have been using the spice as a seasoning safely for thousands of years. There are no concluded long term clinical studies on the use of cassia for health reasons.
> _____________________________
What kinds of toxic effects are they concerned about? I've been taking a half teaspoon daily and now am worried that I've doing more harm than good. Cecilia
poster:cecilia
thread:586565
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051208/msgs/589527.html