Cassia is actually a type of cinnamon used on your table every day in America. The cinnamon shaker types purchased in grocery stores in America are most likely ground up Cassia. The cinnamon is usually referred to as “real cinnamon The plants are actually related but come from different parts of the country. Cassia comes from East Asia and cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka in South Asia near India.
Cinnamon
Overall cinnamon is known as the “real cinnamon” and is known to be superior to Cassia Cinnamon. The tastes are similar with some basic differences. cinnamon is lighter in color and has a more citrus like taste. The cinnamon sticks can be purchased either way and then ground up finely to achieve the best taste. The cinnamon will be fresher with either kind if found in cinnamon sticks. Then just use a grinder to get fresh cinnamon.
Finding out what kind of cinnamon sticks you have can be determined by the thickness and layers. If the sticks are thinner with layers then you know you have the real cinnamon. The Cassia cinnamon has thicker looking sticks and no layers. Both kinds of cinnamon come from the bark of the plants. They do seem pretty similar up to this point.
The Europeans prefer the cinnamon because of the medicinal benefits. This is one of the major differences between the two plants. There seems to be more research proof of the health benefits of cinnamon. The other big problem with Cassia cinnamon is what it contains.
Cassia
The Cassia cinnamon has health regulations in some countries like Germany. This is because of what it contains and how much. Cassia Cinnamon contains substantial amounts of coumarins. Coumarin occurs naturally in Cassia and other plants. There isn’t much of a problem if you don’t consume large amounts of Coumarin. Coumarin in large quantities is known to be toxic to the liver, kidneys and the nervous system.
Both types of the cinnamon have lots of similar health benefits. Both types of cinnamon are known to be substantially good for diabetes, to lower triglycerides and cholesterol, weight loss along with other health benefits.
How Are They Different?
The major difference between the two types of cinnamon are in the natural plant chemical Coumarin. The Substance is high in the Cassia cinnamon. The substance is known to be a blood thinner and should not be taken by patients taking prescription blood thinners. The substance is also known to be toxic to the liver and kidneys. Evidence also shows it could be carcinogenic which negates any health benefits.
The cinnamon is known to have antioxidant properties to help prevent cancer. In comparison there is more risks and less benefits for taking the Cassia cinnamon which is the one probably sitting on your kitchen table or shelf. The cinnamon is harder to find than the more common Cassia cinnamon. Try looking in health or food specialty stores to find the more beneficial cinnamon. The taste is supposed to be sweeter and milder, enjoy.