If you thought cinnamon was just for shaking on a latté, think again. The sweet spicy herb has been shown to help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, and could even help fight off those 3pm biscuit cravings.It’s also a mild circulatory stimulant, so it can help warm up cold hands and feet – perfect on a chilly winter’s day!
Try adding a sprinkle to your porridge every morning, or try our great recipes below to enjoy cinnamon at any time of year.
Mushrooms à la Grecque
Good for: boosting your vitamin D levels
Serves 4
Nutrients per serving:
Ingredients
- 300g button mushrooms
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- 120ml dry white wine
- 100ml water
- Juice of ½ lemon *
- 2 heaped tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp coriander seeds *
- 1 tsp black peppercorns *
- ½ tsp fennel seeds *
- 1 cinnamon stick *
- 2 generous thyme sprigs
- 2 bay leaves
- Pinch of salt
Method
Step 1
Wipe any dirt off the mushrooms with a damp piece of kitchen paper. Mushrooms are our only plant source of vitamin D.
Step 2
Put all the remaining ingredients into a saucepan and bring up to the boil. Simmer for 3 minutes, then add the mushrooms. They will shrink a little as they cook.
Step 3
Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip into a bowl and leave to cool. Serve at room temperature.
Cinnamon & Honey Tea
Good for: easing the pain of arthritis
Nutrients per serving:
Ingredients
* Available at Holland & BarrettMethod
Step 1
Mix the honey and cinnamon into the hot water.
Step 2
Leave to cool before drinking.
Step 3
Drink morning and evening. Research by Copenhagen University found this tea was a traditional remedy for easing the pain of arthritis.
