Cinnamon and Diabetes

There has been a lot of attention being paid to cinnamon and diabetes recently. If you think cinnamon is simply something to sprinkle in your cappuccino or mix in your hot tea, think again. The popular spice has medicinal value that is even making pharmaceutical companies pay attention!

According to some studies, cinnamon may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also help reduce blood pressure, slow digestive process, and cause blood sugar to rise more slowly after eating! It also increases your body's sensitivity to insulin so that glucose can enter cells.

Studies have also shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Of course, you should consult your health care provider before making any major changes - especially when you have diabetes.

Cinnamon therapy is not thought to be effective for Type One Diabetes because it is based on a physical issue - the fact that the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin.

The component in cinnamon that mimics insulin is methylhydroxychalcone polymer or MHCP. This is a water-soluble chemical compound that acts like insulin in the system, increasing sugar intake of the cells.

The results of a study on cinnamon and diabetes that was conducted in Pakistan showed lower levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days, with levels continuing to drop for 20 days after that. The study was made up of 60 people with Type 2 diabetes who were divided into 6 groups of 10. Three groups received cinnamon in the form of capsules totaling 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon a day. The other three groups received placebo capsules. The capsules were taken three times a day, after meals. All three levels of cinnamon showed results, leading researchers to believe that as little as 1 gram a day of cinnamon may benefit people who have Type 2 diabetes.

Scientists studying cinnamon say that it seems that cinnamon may lower blood glucose, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes.

There are actually two forms of cinnamon that are commonly found in foods. The first, Cinnamomum verum, also known as “true” cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, is commonly used in sweet pastries. Cinnamomum cassia, also known as cassia, Chinese cinnamon or “bastard” cinnamon, is used as a stronger spice in a variety of foods. In fact, it is cassia-based cinnamon that is often seen on the grocery shelves and is most often cheaper than true cinnamon.

Taking cinnamon in high doses can result in high levels of coumarin, a blood thinner. To avoid this it may be wise to use cinnamon sticks and steep them since coumarin is not water-soluble. Cinnamon can also be added to oatmeal, coffee before brewing, hot chocolate, orange juice, salads, meats, etc. The active components are not destroyed by heat. You can also get cinnamon in a supplement form that contains no coumarin, but some people say that it upsets their stomach.

Today, taking advantage of the benefits of Cinnamon in supplement form may be a more practical choice than just relying on the small amounts you may eat in foods. As a supplement, Cinnamon can make an excellent addition to your health program by helping to support sugar and fat metabolism. Save 20% - 50% on All Vitamin World Brand Items! Shop Now >

So, it is a fact that cinnamon has a lot of benefits. Why not add it to your diet and see what happens?

Mike and Vicki Alexander are a paid affiliate of Vitamin World.