Cinnamon has been prized, and in some civilisations worshipped, as a medicine for over 2,000 years. In ancient Egypt, it was said to have been a gift from the kings. Ground from the bark of the plant, cinnamon contains more than 20 different phytonutrients including beta- carotene and tannin. Cinnamon provides a rich source of minerals including calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Cooking tip: Try adding it to coffee, chilli and sprinkle it on yoghurt-based desserts.