現在位置 : 調味 > 有益健康的肉桂 (桂皮) - Cinnamon, Beneficial to Health
肉桂 (Cinnamon)
桂皮 (又稱肉桂、官桂或香桂)為樟科植物天竺桂、陰香、細葉香桂、肉桂或川桂等樹皮的通稱。常用於中藥,又為食品香料或烹飪調料。商品桂皮的原植物比較複雜,約有十餘種,均為樟科樟屬植物。各地常用的有8種,其中主要有桂樹、鈍葉桂、陰香及華南桂等其他種類多為地區用藥。各品種肉桂在西方古代被用作香料。中華餐飲用它給燉肉調味,是五香粉的成份之一。 桂皮即《本草拾遺》之月桂,《海南本草》之天竺桂。《本草圖經》載:"天竺桂,生西湖,功用似桂,不過烈,今亦稀有"。《本草綱目》載:"此即今閩、粵、浙中山桂也,而台州天竺最多,故名,大樹繁花,結實如蓮子狀,天竺僧人稱為月桂是矣"。以上描述,與今之樟科植物天竺桂的形態及產地吻合。本種的皮在江西、福建、湖南、湖北部分地區使用。今市售桂皮是樟科樟屬樟組(Sect. Cinnamomum)中多種供藥用或香料用植物的樹皮,有些地區將藥用桂皮又稱官桂。 肉桂 (學名:Cinnamomum cassia)為樟科常綠喬木,又名玉桂、牡桂,高達10米以上,樹皮灰褐色,樹皮厚可達13毫米,具強烈辛辣芳香味。葉互生或近對生;頂端急尖,葉基寬楔形;全緣,具離基三出脈。圓錐花序頂生或腋生;花小,徑5毫米,花被裂片橢圓形,長3毫米。果橢圓形,長10毫米,徑7-8毫米,熟時紫黑色。 植物各部,如其樹皮、枝、葉、果、花梗都可提取芳香油或桂油,用於食品、飲料、香煙及醫藥,但常用作香料、化妝品、日用品的香精。樹皮出油率為2.15%,桂枝出油率為0.35%,桂葉出油率為0.39%,桂子(幼果)出油率為2.04%。樹皮被叫作桂皮。 肉桂原產中國,分布於廣西、廣東、福建、台灣、雲南等濕熱地區,其中尤以廣西最多。越南、寮國、印尼等地亦有分布。肉桂大多為人工栽培,以種子繁殖為主,這樣可使其後代保持親本的特性,以獲得枝下較高的樹榦,有利於剝取桂皮,因此在生產上很少用無性繁殖方法培育苗木種植。多於秋季剝取,颳去栓皮、陰乾。因剝取部位及品質的不同而加工成多種規格,常見的有企邊桂、板桂、油板桂、桂通等。生用。 錫蘭肉桂(學名:Cinnamomum verum)是雙子葉植物藥樟科樟屬植物,原產斯里蘭卡,在中國廣東海南、廣西南寧、台灣均有栽培。其樹皮,亦稱錫蘭肉桂。 在歐美,英文所稱 Cinnamon 多指此類。 陰香 (學名:Cinnamomum burmannii)屬樟科,為常綠高大喬木。葉不規則對生或散生,卵形至長卵形,長6-10厘米,寬2.5-4厘米;葉頂短漸尖,基部闊楔形;具明顯離基三出脈,脈腋無腺體,以此與香樟區別。圓錐花序生枝頂或葉腋,花被長5毫米,內外均被毛。果卵形,長8毫米,果托齒裂,齒頂端平。其葉可作芳香植物原料,亦可入藥(味辛,氣香,能祛風)。此樹也提供木材,常在園林作綠化樹、行道樹。分布於海南,廣東、廣西、江西、浙江、福建、雲南等地。 陰香皮乃陰香的樹皮,又名廣東桂皮、坎香草、陰草《生草藥性備要》、山肉桂、山玉桂、香膠葉《嶺南採藥錄》、膠桂、土肉桂、假桂枝、山桂、月桂、野玉桂、鴨母桂、香膠仔、潺桂。 桂皮,又名肉桂,即桂樹之皮。屬香木類木本植物。味食香料。味道甘、香,一般都是與它藥合用,很少單用。主要用於鹵、燒、煮、煨的禽畜野獸等菜餚。是鹵水中的主要調料。
屬性:性大熱,燥火。功用:益肝,通經,行血,祛寒,除濕。 |
九種調料常吃有益健康
來源:尋醫問藥社區 2011-12-30 中醫指出,有些調味品不僅能給菜提味,還有益健康,比如冬季常吃大蒜就能預防感冒。以下9種調料常吃有益健康。 (1) 大蒜降低血壓。每天吃一瓣大蒜能有效降低膽固醇,還能降血壓。大蒜還有抗菌作用,常被用於治療輕微感染。 (2) 生姜治療惡心。大量研究表明,生姜可緩解眩暈和因懷孕引起的嘔吐,且沒有口幹、嗜睡等其他藥物可能帶來的副作用。同時,生姜還有舒緩痛經、關節炎、肌肉酸痛的作用。 (3) 肉桂降低血脂。臨床試驗顯示,肉桂含有的肉桂多酚可以降低體內總膽固醇和“壞膽固醇”的含量,可預防和輔助治療高血脂。同時,它還能改善胰島素的敏感性,降低血糖。肉桂粉在超市可以買到,下次吃點心、喝麥片時,不妨撒點。 (4) 咖喱保護關節。咖喱的主要原料姜黃,有抗腫瘤、消炎、抗氧化的作用。它可以有效減輕類風濕性關節炎患者的疼痛,還能提高記憶力,降低患老年癡呆癥的幾率。 (5) 孜然增強免疫。烹調肉類、海鮮、蔬菜,都可以用到孜然調味。孜然被認為可以增強免疫,並改善肝功能、減少腸胃脹氣。 (6) 八角有助消化。八角常被用於煲湯和燉肉,在增添風味的同時,還能促進人體的消化吸收。有研究發現,八角有助提升人體免疫力。 (7) 豆蔻增加活力。在亞洲,豆蔻的藥用價值被認為是促進血液循環、增加活力。 此外,豆蔻能壯陽、助消化,還能緩解哮喘、防止口臭、改善心情。 (8) 丁香緩解牙痛。據記載,最早把丁香用於烹飪的國家是印度。丁香除了可以促進消化外,牙痛時嚼幾粒也能緩解。 (9) 茴香調理腸胃。茴香能刺激胃腸,促進胃液分泌,有調節腸胃蠕動的作用。不僅可以促進消化,還能緩解腸胃疼痛。 知道了九種調料常吃有益健康,建議您在做菜的時候不妨適當的加些調味品,同時也要註意不要過量,否則會對健康不利。 |
歐盟研究: 肉桂香豆素 恐影響肝腎
公視 記者 林欣儀 林國煌 台北報導 2013-12-28 很多人喜歡肉桂的香氣,會在咖啡和茶中加入肉桂,或者購買口味獨特的肉桂捲,但歐盟最新研究發現,肉桂中的香豆素,對人體的肝臟和腎臟有害,而國內腎臟科醫師也提醒,60公斤的成人,香豆素的攝取,一天不能超過6毫克,過量將傷害肝腎,嚴重的話還會致癌。 肉桂獨特的香氣,搭配核桃做成的肉桂捲,讓人忍不住一口接著一口,但歐盟最新研究發現,肉桂中的香豆素,對人體的肝臟和腎臟有害,規定含有香豆素的烘焙食品,每公斤不得超過15毫克,國內腎臟科醫師也提醒,香豆素雖然可以吃,但不能過量,否則有致癌危險。 ==長庚腎臟科醫師 顏宗海== 很純很高濃度的香豆素,其實它可以用來 當作殺老鼠的藥, (食用)過量的話,它可能會對肝臟有傷害,腎臟有傷害, 甚至長期大量暴露,也擔心說,在動物實驗 會造成肝臟腫瘤, 甚至肺部腫瘤。 市面上肉桂的產品很多,有肉桂粉、肉桂棒等等,可以加入咖啡和茶中飲用,也可以做成麵包甜點,但醫師強調,每天食用不宜過量,以60公斤的成人來說,香豆素攝取一天不能超過6毫克。 ==長庚腎臟科醫師 顏宗海== (每天)每人每公斤,最好不要超過0.1毫克,換算成60公斤的成人, 最好不要吃超過6毫克的香豆素。 醫師也呼籲主管機關,能儘快訂出標準,規範糕餅業者不要添加過量的香豆素,以免危害人體健康。 |
Cinnamon (肉桂)
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. While native only to the island of Sri Lanka, cinnamon trees are now naturalized in South East Asia. Its flavour is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5-1% of its composition. This essential oil is prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in seawater, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a hot aromatic taste. The pungent taste and scent come from cinnamic aldehyde or cinnamaldehyde (about 90% of the essential oil from the bark) and, by reaction with of oxygen as it ages, it darkens in colour and forms resinous compounds. Other chemical components of the essential oil include ethyl cinnamate, eugenol (found mostly in the leaves), beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and methyl chavicol. Uses (肉桂用途) Cinnamon bark is widely used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico, which is the main importer of true cinnamon. It is also used in many dessert recipes, such as apple pie, doughnuts, and cinnamon buns as well as spicy candies, tea, hot cocoa, and liqueurs. True cinnamon, rather than cassia, is more suitable for use in sweet dishes. In the Middle East, it is often used in savoury dishes of chicken and lamb. In the United States, cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavour cereals, bread-based dishes, and fruits, especially apples; a cinnamon-sugar mixture is even sold separately for such purposes. Cinnamon can also be used in pickling. Cinnamon bark is one of the few spices that can be consumed directly. Cinnamon powder has long been an important spice in Persian cuisine, used in a variety of thick soups, drinks, and sweets. It is often mixed with rosewater or other spices to make a cinnamon-based curry powder for stews or just sprinkled on sweet treats. It is also used in Turkish cuisine for both sweet and savoury dishes. Medicinal value (醫療價值) In a 2000 study published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research, it was shown that of the 69 plant species screened, 16 were effective against HIV-1 and 4 were against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. The most effective extracts against HIV-1 and HIV-2 were respectively Cinnamomum cassia (bark) and Cardiospermum helicacabum (shoot + fruit). The compound eugenol, a major component of the essential oil from the leaves of the cinnamon tree, has antiviral properties in vitro, specifically against both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 (Oral and Genital Herpes) viruses according to a study published in the journal, Phytotherapy Research 2000. A 2003 study at National Institutes of Health shows benefits of cinnamon in diet of type 2 diabetics. "Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes". A study conducted in 2007 and published in the J. of Medicinal Chemistry suggests that specific plant terpenoids contained within cinnamon have potent antiviral properties. Pharmacological experiments in 2010 suggest that the cinnamon-derived dietary factor cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamaldehyde) activates the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response in human epithelial colon cells and may therefore represent an experimental chemopreventive dietary factor targeting colorectal carcinogenesis. A recent research in 2009 documents anti-melanoma activity of cinnamic aldehyde observed in cell culture and a mouse model of human melanoma. Cinnamon bark, a component of the traditional Japanese medicine Mao-to, has been shown in a 2008 study published in J. of General Virology to have an antiviral therapeutic effect. A 2011 study isolated a substance (CEppt) in the cinnamon plant that inhibits development of Alzheimer's in mice. CEppt, an extract of cinnamon bark, seems to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease |
Cinnamon Bun (肉桂麵包)
A cinnamon roll (also cinnamon bun, cinnamon swirl) is a sweet roll served commonly in Northern Europe and North America. Sweden is the country of cinnamon bun's presumed origin. It consists of a rolled sheet of yeast-leavened dough onto which a cinnamon and sugar mixture (and raisins or chopped grapes in some cases) is sprinkled over a thin coat of butter. The dough is then rolled, cut into individual portions, and baked. This construction method is used because it would be impossible to mix in cinnamon flavor into the dough, as it would kill the yeast. In North America, cinnamon rolls are frequently topped with icing (often confectioner's sugar based) or glaze of some sort. In northern Europe, nib sugar is often used instead of icing. |
Caution: Potential Side Effects of Cinnamon 1. Premature Labor Some women are tempted to consume cinnamon while pregnant as it can get rid of indigestion and help with stomach pains but it should never be taken during pregnancy. That is because it can induce uterine contractions and in some cases even cause premature labor. It is okay for pregnant women to occasionally have some by they should avoid doing so daily, taking tablets or smelling the oil. 2. Liver Failure Most types of cinnamon have around 5% Coumarin which may lead to liver failure in large doses. Instead, you should use Ceylon cinnamon as this only contains 0.04% of this substance. 3. Blood Thinner Cassia cinnamon can thin your blood and while this may be good in some cases that is not always true. Ceylon cinnamon doesn’t have the same blood thinning effects so if you take blood thinning medication, you should avoid cassia cinnamon and stick to Ceylon. 4. Skin Irritation Undiluted cinnamon oil may irritate the skin, even causing a burning sensation. The sensation is especially strong if you touch your genitalia after handling the pure oil. Because of this, you should always be careful when handling the oil. 5. Elevated Heart Rate People who have a heart condition should also be careful when consuming cinnamon. That is because it has been associated with an increase in heart rate. When undiluted, it can also cause children to develop rapid heart rates. Instead, cinnamon oil should always be diluted to under two percent before use. 6. Choking Hazard A common game with teens has been to see who is able to swallow the most cinnamon powder; however, this can be extremely dangerous. That is because there is a serious choking hazard associated with swallowing cinnamon powder alone, without drinking water. If it does not cause death by choking, the powder may enter the lungs and cause a major chest infection which can result in severe breathing complications. This can lead to the collapse of your lungs (and death if there is not a ventilator nearby). If you survive, it may cause your lungs to scar which can cause later medical issues. 7. Stomach Irritation When you consume excessive amounts of cinnamon, you may experience an irritation of your stomach lining. People who already have gastrointestinal problems such as stomach ulcers may notice this cinnamon side effect to a great extent. 8. Mouth Irritation In addition to a burning sensation on the skin, those who have mouth ulcers may feel a burning sensation in their mouth that is accompanied by pain. This would occur immediately after consuming the cinnamon. The oil can also cause irritation of the mucous membrane so it is important to always use a diluted version. 9. Lowering Blood Sugar Cinnamon has been associated with lowering blood sugar levels. This can be a problem for diabetics or others who need to keep a close eye on their levels so if you are currently taking any medications to regulate your levels (or have a disease associated with them), it is important to talk to your doctor before you consume cinnamon. Keep in mind that consuming too much cinnamon while on a medication designed to lower blood pressure levels may cause too large of a drop in blood sugar. 10.Plasma Cell Gingivitis Some studies have shown that using oral products such as chewing gum, mouthwash and toothpaste with cinnamon extract may be linked to plasma cell gingivitis. 11.Dizziness or Shortness of Breath When you take too much cinnamon oil, especially in concentrated quantities it may lead to dizziness or shortness of breath. Be sure to always use diluted cinnamon oil to help avoid this side effect. 12.Kidney Diseases Some believe that when consumed in high concentrations, cinnamon may cause kidney disease. Despite this belief, there have not been any specific studies conducted which support this theory and show a direct causal link between consumption of cinnamon and kidney diseases. Cinnamon Dosage and Cautions Most experts agree that you should not consume more than between two and five grams of cinnamon each day. This is due to its content of Coumarin, a substance that may be toxic when consumed in high dosages. A Norwegian study suggests that you a person should not consume more than 0.07 milligrams of Coumarin per kilogram of their bodyweight each day. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid consuming excessive amounts of cinnamon and the best way of doing this is to simply avoid products that contain it. In fact, the general population should always try to consume cinnamon in moderation to help avoid any cinnamon side effects. If you are taking cinnamon supplements such as capsules or pills, it is important that you talk to your doctor before doing so and to only start taking them if your doctor recommends this course of action. It is also important to keep in mind that it is possible to be allergic to cinnamon (or products that contain it) and in these cases, it is ideal to simply avoid consuming it. Those taking medications, both prescription and herbal, should be sure that there are no interactions with cinnamon as some may have adverse reactions. Keep in mind that the side effects listed above apply to those with sensitive body and immune systems or certain medical conditions. |