Hydroponics and Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon Spice is a derivative of several plants, all belonging to the genus Cinnamomum. The spice is widely used to add flavor to a wide variety of whole foods, cuisines, and tea. This article covers the hydroponics, health benefits, and the chemistry of this widely popular spice:
Hydroponics of Cinnamon
The spice cinnamon is derived from several species of the genus Cinnamomum, particularly Cinnamomum Verum, whose hydroponic cultivation requires the following things:
Hydroponic System
True cinnamon can be easily grown in a nutrient film technique system.
Temperature Requirement
True cinnamon requires humid conditions with an average temperature of 80 °F.
Fertilizer
Application of NPK fertilizer supplies the much-needed nutrients to the growing cinnamon plant. (Dian-xue, 2016)
Nutritional Profile of Cinnamon
The nutritional profile of cinnamon consists of the following elements:
Macromolecules
Carbohydrate is the major macromolecule found in cinnamon, whereas proteins and lipids are markedly low. (FoodData Central, 2019)
Minerals
Cinnamon has large reserves of calcium, about 1000 milligrams per 100g.
Vitamins
Cinnamon is devoid of large reserves of any vitamin.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Blood Sugar Control
The true cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, is just as good in controlling blood sugar levels as the leading diabetes drug, metformin. Therefore, a moderate daily intake of cinnamon—about a teaspoon—is a good alternative for diabetes patients. Plus, a bunch of other health benefits like antioxidative properties favors the case of cinnamon. (M.D., 2013)
Chemistry of Cinnamon
The chemical features of cinnamon are based on resinous compounds—natural or synthetic compounds consisting of a viscous liquid substance—and essential oils. (Rao & Gan, 2014)
The major resinous compounds found in cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, and cinnamic acid. Cinnamaldehyde is abundant in the leaves and bark of cinnamon and imparts the characteristic spicy taste and fragrance to it.
The wide range of essential oils found in cinnamon includes trans-cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and cinnamyl acetate.
This multi-species spice qualifies as a great addition to one’s diet, particularly in the diet of diabetic individuals.
References
Dian-xue, Z. (2016). Distribution Changes of Acid Hydrolysable N in Cinnamon Soil and Its Micro-aggregates Under the Different Fertilization Systems. Retrieved from CNKI Engineering: https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-TRQS201106026.htm
FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Retrieved from U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171320/nutrients
M.D., M. G. (2013, April 17). Update on Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Control. Retrieved from Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/update-on-cinnamon-for-blood-sugar-control/
Rao , P. V., & Gan, S. H. (2014, April). Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1155%2F2014%2F642942