I am addicted to cinnamon flavored coffee.  The first time I drank this yummy liquid was many years ago in an authentic Mexican restaurant in town.  I ordered coffee after my meal and was pleasantly surprised when I detected a faint hint of cinnamon.  I asked my husband, who lived in Mexico for several years, and he told me that the spice cinnamon is often added to coffee in the country. 

I’ve heard, over the years, that this copper-colored spice has many health benefits.  Research has linked cinnamon with reduced cholesterol, blood sugar and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.  How fantastic. 

According to an article published in the December 2007 issue of Women’s Health magazine, “’Cinnamon is emerging as a true wonder food in terms of health protection,’” says Ann Kulze, M.D., a physician in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet.  Dr. Kulze says cinnamon also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The spice’s energizing scent has also been found to help increase alertness. Cinnamon is easy to add to food you already eat and makes everything taste better. Both ground and stick forms are equally healthy, but sticks have a longer shelf life (one year, compared with 6 months for ground). No need to grind your own: Pre-ground store-bought is as good as fresh ground and saves the hassle. Aim for 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons (or one to two sticks) a day, Dr. Kulze recommends.”

I add about a teaspoon of pre-ground cinnamon to my coffee grounds before brewing my morning pot.  Tried and true.  Spice it up with cinnamon – tastes great and good for you.  Now, if we can figure out how to make cinnamon sticky buns good for us…

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