We’re Still Celebrating National Cinnamon Day!
National Cinnamon Day was on November 1st, and we didn’t forget about this incredibly delicious and beneficial spice at Quality of Life! November is a time to celebrate cinnamon all month long with holiday cheer, cozy beverages, holiday dishes, and more. So, we’re sharing a few of the health properties and ideas to incorporate cinnamon into your routine this November.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the powerful health properties of cinnamon
- Discover the ingredients cinnamon goes best with
- Find out how to incorporate cinnamon into healthy and delicious fall recipes
Table of Contents:
- Health Properties of Cinnamon
- Ingredients That Pair Best with Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Oatmeal Recipe
Health Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that’s made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. It’s been used as an ingredient since ancient times for its distinct flavor and health properties. The enticing smell and flavor of cinnamon typically comes from the compound cinnamaldehyde, which is believed to hold most of cinnamon’s health effects.
Cinnamon is full of antioxidants, including polyphenols. It also has properties that help your body manage inflammatory responses.* It can assist the body to repair tissue damage and response to certain types of infections.*
Also known as a heart-healthy spice, studies have found that incorporating about ¾ of a teaspoon of cinnamon a day could reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride, both of which affect heart health concerns.*
Cinnamon also may play a role in regulating metabolism and energy use, and support better blood sugar control.* This powerful spice can even inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. Its microbial effects are strong, and it may support dental health.
So, with all the incredible properties of this spice, now is the time to think about incorporating it into dishes, snacks, and beverages, and what better time to do that than the month of November? Chances are you’ve already indulged in some cinnamon throughout the fall season whether it be in a pumpkin spice latte, baked good, or pie, so let’s keep it going through the holidays and revel in the flavors and benefits of cinnamon this fall.
The Ingredients that Pair Best with Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a no-brainer when it comes to fall ingredients. Many people associate the smell and taste of cinnamon with autumn winds, bright and crispy leaves, and cozying up during the holiday season.
You can add cinnamon to almost any fall food or drink for a more interesting flavor. Cinnamon makes the perfect topping on pies, lattes, and other autumn concoctions. Spice up your next snack or drink with cinnamon to celebrate fall this year, and let’s explore the ingredients that pair best with cinnamon.
- Pumpkin
- Apple
- Coffee
- Turmeric
- Honey
- Nutmeg
- Coconut
- Sweet Potato
- Dates
- Oatmeal
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Pie Oatmeal Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the health benefits of cinnamon, the ingredients that this spice pairs well with, and given you some ideas to include, we’re going to leave you with a delicious and easy recipe that will have you reveling in the spirit of fall!
If you’re looking for one of the best-in-fall oatmeal recipes (with cinnamon of course), look no further. These oats are warm, cinnamon-infused, have lots of sweet potatoes, simple to make, creamy, and are perfect for those chilly mornings. Bonus, this recipe is vegan and can be made gluten free!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sweet potato puree (1 small potato yields ~1/2 cup // see below for roasting instructions)
- 2-3 Tbsp brown sugar, maple syrup, or other sweetener of choice (like date paste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (optional)
- 3 Tbsp pumpkin maple pecan granola (or sub roasted pecans)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut sweet potato in half and lightly coat with olive oil. Place flesh side down on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until soft and tender and remove from oven.
- Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add oats and reduce heat. Continue cooking until the oats have absorbed most of the water – about 5 minutes – stirring regularly.
- Mash the sweet potato and measure out 1/2 cup. Set aside.
- Once oats are about finished, stir in sweet potato puree, sweetener, cinnamon and flax seed, and stir to combine.
- Transfer oats to serving bowls and sprinkle with pumpkin maple pecan granola (or roasted pecans). Add a drizzle of honey for more sweetness. Best enjoyed when fresh.
