Difference between Guan Gui and Cinnamon
In the field of spices and traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon and Guan Gui often cause confusion. As permanent residents in the kitchen and medicine cabinet, they not only carry the wisdom of food and health accumulated over thousands of years but also contain lesser-known health secrets.
Exploring the Origin of Plants
The Truth Behind Different Names for the Same Plant
Cinnamon and Guan Gui are actually the same plant species from the Lauraceae family, with differences only in processing specifications. The cinnamon trees, mainly produced in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, can be processed into Guan Gui (tubular bark), Qi Bian Gui (bark that rolls inward on both sides), and Ban Gui (flat bark). Guan Gui is named after being a special supply for ancient official families.
Decoding Health Value
Master of Metabolic Regulation
The component cinnamaldehyde can activate insulin receptors. The International Diabetes Federation has confirmed that consuming 1-6 grams of cinnamon powder daily can reduce fasting blood sugar by 10-29%. When combined with breakfast oatmeal, the blood sugar control effect is even more significant.
Expert in Gut Protection
Its volatile oils can promote the secretion of digestive enzymes and have a bidirectional regulatory effect on stomach cold-type diarrhea. In Guangdong folk medicine, cinnamon and tangerine peel tea (3g cinnamon + 5g tangerine peel) is used to relieve abdominal bloating, with particularly good effects after meals.
Brain Nerve Activator
The contained sodium benzoate can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and delay the deposition of beta-amyloid protein. The American "Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience" pointed out that continuous intake of cinnamon extract for 6 months can improve cognitive test scores by 17% in the elderly population.
Natural Cancer Barrier
Cinnamic acid derivatives can inhibit VEGF angiogenesis factors, blocking the nutritional supply of tumors. The (T-W) Food and Drug Administration recommends mixing cinnamon powder with turmeric in a 1:2 ratio, which can increase the bioavailability by 20 times.
From kitchen seasoning to a health elixir, cinnamon is gaining attention again for its multi-dimensional health benefits. When choosing, note that high-quality Guan Gui should present a uniform brownish-red color, with a distinct oil layer and a long-lasting pleasant aroma when broken.