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 spice featured in cinnamon buns, and oatmeal? Cinnamon, is often touted for its potential medicinal properties. It has some incredible health benefits, including helping with weight loss and lowering cholesterol and most recently researchers have been investigating how cinnamon can help people with diabetes.
Double blind placebo studies indicate that the spice can lower the blood-sugar of type 2 diabetics as much as medication. But having said that, just remember before attempting to embrace a cinnamon regime, it is important to discuss such supplementation with your family doctor.
“History and scientific literature is 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 take the Ceylon cinnamon supplement. They recommend that initially you being 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.
“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.
