Introduction: Cinnamon Tea - A Fragrant Health Beverage

Cinnamon is one of the world's oldest spices. In ancient Egypt, it was used for mummification, and in medieval Europe, it was valued more than gold. In Korea, it has been cherished as the main ingredient in the traditional beverage Sujeonggwa, and in traditional medicine, it's called "Gyeji" and widely used to treat colds, poor circulation, and indigestion.

Modern science has revealed that cinnamon's cinnamaldehyde compound has excellent effects on blood sugar control, antibacterial action, and antioxidation. Research showing it helps prevent diabetes by suppressing post-meal blood sugar spikes has gained significant attention. Today, we'll introduce the benefits of cinnamon tea and traditional Sujeonggwa recipes.

1. Understanding Types of Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia Cinnamon

  • Ceylon Cinnamon: Called "true cinnamon," from Sri Lanka. Soft, sweet aroma with low coumarin content, suitable for long-term consumption.
  • Cassia Cinnamon: From China and Vietnam. Strong, intense flavor, commonly used in Korea. Higher coumarin content requires caution with overconsumption.
  • Selection Tip: For daily consumption, Ceylon cinnamon is recommended. For intense flavor like Sujeonggwa, choose cassia cinnamon.

2. Key Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea

2.1 Blood Sugar Control

This is cinnamon's most notable benefit:

  • Improved insulin sensitivity: Helps cells respond better to insulin.
  • Delayed carbohydrate absorption: Inhibits digestive enzymes, causing blood sugar to rise slowly.
  • Reduced fasting blood sugar: Studies show 10-29% reduction in fasting blood sugar with cinnamon intake.
  • Diabetes prevention: Helps manage blood sugar in pre-diabetic stages.

2.2 Digestive Function Improvement

  • Promotes digestion: Activates gastrointestinal movement and stimulates digestive juice secretion.
  • Relieves gas and bloating: Helps expel intestinal gas and reduces abdominal distension.
  • Appetite control: Stabilizes blood sugar to suppress overeating urges.

2.3 Circulation and Cold Sensitivity Improvement

  • Body warming: As a warming food, it heats the body.
  • Peripheral vasodilation: Effective for those with cold hands and feet.
  • Menstrual pain relief: Improves uterine blood flow to reduce menstrual cramps.

2.4 Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effects

  • Powerful antibacterial action: Cinnamaldehyde inhibits bacterial and fungal growth.
  • Oral health: Helps eliminate bad breath and prevent cavities.
  • Antioxidant effects: Rich in polyphenols that slow cellular aging.

3. Scientific Compounds in Cinnamon

Key Active Compounds in Cinnamon

  • Cinnamaldehyde: Main component giving cinnamon its distinctive aroma and taste. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar control effects.
  • Coumarin: Abundant in cassia cinnamon. Can burden the liver, so avoid overconsumption.
  • Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants that eliminate free radicals.
  • Proanthocyanidins: Improve vascular health and insulin sensitivity.
  • Essential Oils: Various essential oil components including eugenol and linalool.

4. How to Make Cinnamon Tea

Basic Cinnamon Tea

Ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 300ml water

  1. Boil the water.
  2. Add the cinnamon stick and steep on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  3. (For powder) Add powder to hot water and stir well.
  4. Add honey to taste.

※ Cinnamon sticks can be reused 2-3 times.

Cinnamon Ginger Tea (For Poor Circulation)

Ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick, 1 piece ginger, 400ml water, 1 tablespoon honey

  1. Thinly slice the ginger.
  2. Add cinnamon stick and ginger to water and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Turn off heat, let cool slightly, then add honey.

※ The perfect combination for warming up in winter.

Traditional Sujeonggwa (Korean Cinnamon Punch)

Ingredients: 30g cinnamon sticks, 50g ginger, 1 cup brown sugar, 2L water, 4-5 dried persimmons, pine nuts

  1. Make cinnamon water: Add cinnamon to 1L water and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, then strain.
  2. Make ginger water: Add sliced ginger to 1L water and simmer for 30 minutes, then strain.
  3. Combine: Mix cinnamon water and ginger water, add sugar until dissolved.
  4. Age: Cool completely and refrigerate for one day.
  5. Finish: Add sliced dried persimmons and float pine nuts on top. Serve cold.

※ A traditional beverage perfect for holidays or entertaining guests.

5. Cinnamon Usage Tips

Using Cinnamon in Daily Life

  • Cinnamon in coffee: Sprinkle cinnamon powder instead of sugar for sweet flavor and health benefits.
  • Add to oatmeal: Sprinkle on morning oatmeal for blood sugar management.
  • Baking: Add cinnamon flavor to cookies, muffins, and pies.
  • With apples: Sprinkle on baked apples for a fantastic combination.
  • In smoothies: Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to banana smoothies.

6. Precautions

Precautions When Consuming Cinnamon

  • Proper intake: Limit cassia cinnamon to 1-1.5g (1/2 teaspoon) per day. Excessive coumarin can burden the liver.
  • Pregnancy: May cause uterine contractions. Avoid large amounts and consult your doctor.
  • Liver conditions: Coumarin can burden the liver. Choose Ceylon cinnamon or reduce intake.
  • Blood thinners: Cinnamon may affect blood clotting. Consult your doctor.
  • Low blood sugar: Combined with diabetes medication, blood sugar may drop too low.
  • Allergies: Though rare, cinnamon allergies exist. Start with small amounts.

How to Choose Good Cinnamon

  • Ceylon cinnamon: Multiple thin layers, light brown color, crumbles easily.
  • Cassia cinnamon: Single thick layer, dark brown color, hard texture.
  • Check aroma: Should have a strong, sweet fragrance.
  • Storage: Store in airtight container in cool, dark place. Use powder within 6 months, sticks within 1 year.

Conclusion

Cinnamon tea is not only fragrant and delicious but also a traditional remedy with various health benefits including blood sugar control, digestive promotion, and circulation improvement. Especially in cold winter, a warm cup of cinnamon tea warms both body and soul. Try making traditional Sujeonggwa to share with family while caring for your health. However, remember to limit cassia cinnamon intake due to its high coumarin content.