Cinnamon is actually the bark of bushes and trees traditionally grown in Asian countries. Cinnamon actually has medicinal uses. Now we know it can be helpful for diabetics and others needing to control insulin, helping glucose to metabolize. The compound that causes this effect is a type of flavenoid, MHCP. Cooking does not affect the cinnamon's potency. Cinnamon extract is useful in inhibiting the bacteria, H. pylori, which causes many ulcers.
Cinnamon even contains an antioxidant, glutathione, helping to counter lipid (fat) oxidation. Please check out where we get our Cinnamon.