It’s commonly found in spice racks in homes around the world. But did you know that cinnamon, a spice cultivated from tree bark, is more than just a taste sensation featured in buns, gum, and oatmeal? Cinnamon, is often touted for its medicinal properties.The spice has some incredible health benefits, including helping with weight loss and lowering cholesterol. And get this, researchers have been studying how cinnamon can provide help to people with diabetes.
Double blind placebo studies indicated that the spice can lower the blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetics just as much as diabetes medication. But having said that, just keep in mind that before embracing a cinnamon regime, it is important to discuss such supplementation with your family doctor.
“History and scientific literature are replete with evidence of the beneficial impact of spices and herbs on health and wellness,” Kantha Shelke, a principal at Chicago-based Corvus Blue LLC, a food science and research company notes. “Studies consistently show spices and herbs have a significant role in improving health by helping reduce the intake of calories, fat, and sodium while making healthy eating more appealing.”
Now here's the key thing about cinnamon. There are two types of the spice. Ceylon cinnamon is safer in large doses and is found in supplements. But the version of cinnamon sitting in most spice racks can thin your blood and cause liver and kidney damage when consumed in high doses. So health experts insist that you only take the Ceylon cinnamon supplement. They recommend that initially, you begin with a lower dose and gradually increase your intake. Because cinnamon appears to slow the breakdown of starch it is a good idea that you sprinkle the spice on your food. Experts say blood sugar levels can drop 25 to 50 points over the course of two hours following a meal featuring the spice.
“Cinnamon has also been shown to help people with blood risk factors like glucose and insulin resistance,” confirms Shelke. “The anti-diabetic effect of cinnamon may be experienced in about three months with a daily intake of one gram.”
Now be aware that people who already have liver or kidney damage or take a blood-thinners should avoid cinnamon supplements. But talk to your doctor regardless of your situation.
