Cinnamon is becoming a popular supplement among diabetics for it’s components and their effect on blood glucose and cholesterol. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, and an anti-clotting effect on the blood. Based on recent studies, cinnamon may lower blood glucose, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes.
The results of a study from 2003 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 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 of the levels of cinnamon intake showed results, leading researchers to believe that as little as 1 gram a day of cinnamon may be especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon has many other health benefits in addition to supporting normal blood glucose and cholesterol. In Midevil times cinnamon was used to treat coughing, hoarseness and sore throats. This spice has also shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. It is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
New research is currently being developed on the amazing effects of cinnamon. All of this information proves that cinnamon is an extremely beneficial herb for promoting overall wellness.
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Sources:
Khan, MS, PHD, Alam, Safdar, MS, Mahpara, Ali Khan, MS, PHD, Mohammad Muzaffar, Khattak, MS, Khan Nawaz, and Anderson, PHD, Richard A.. “Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes Care 26(2003): 3215-3218.