Cinnamon Can Help Lower Blood Sugar, But One Variety May Be Best
If I say cinnamon, you say ... sugar? It's a popular combination, of course. But if you're interested in the health-promoting effects of cinnamon, you may want to think anew about the spice. For instance, says John Critchley, executive chef at Bourbon Steak Restaurant in Washington, D.C., why not add it to savory dishes? He uses cinnamon to create a spice and herb rub for lamb loin. He also whips up a great spinach salad with raisins, pine nuts and cinnamon. Critchley is a fan of the intense aromatics in cinnamon, especially in Saigon — a cousin of the cassia varieties of cinnamon most commonly used in the U.S. and Europe. And he says adding cinnamon to spice blends is a great way to layer flavors when you're cooking. And when you start to look at the potential health-promoting effects of the spice, there's even more incentive to experiment with it in the kitchen. Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees. It has long been considered a medicinal plant. There are several varieties, harvested from southern China to Southeast Asia. For years, there have been hints that adding cinnamon to your diet can help control blood sugar. And a recent spate of studies adds to the evidence that the effect is real. "Yes, it does work," says Paul Davis, a research nutritionist with the University of California, Davis. He authored a recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Food that concluded that cinnamon lowers fasting blood glucose. "According to our results, it's a modest effect of about 3 to 5 percent," Davis says. This is about the level of reduction found in the older generation of diabetes drugs, he says. That makes the findings of interest not just to the 25 million Americans who already have diabetes, but also to the 80 million other people — nearly 1 in 4 of u Continue reading >>
Can You Lower Blood Sugar With Cinnamon?
You’ve no doubt heard that type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic levels in this country and many others. That means that millions more people have pre-diabetes, blood sugar that is headed in the wrong direction though it doesn’t yet qualify as outright diabetes. There are ways to reverse this condition. In fact, you might be able to lower blood sugar with cinnamon. How to Lower Blood Sugar Naturally: Q. My doctor says I have pre-diabetes. I have read your columns about the advantages of Ceylon cinnamon for people with diabetes. Would this help me with my pre-diabetes? Ceylon cinnamon is hard to find. Would Saigon cinnamon work as well? Are there other natural herbs or spices I should consider taking? Which Cinnamon Helps Lower Blood Sugar? A. Cinnamon and other spices and herbs rich in plant polyphenols can help control blood sugar and insulin spikes after meals (Bozzetto et al, Diabetologia, July 2015). One placebo-controlled trial found that a supplement containing cassia cinnamon, chromium and carnosine successfully lowered fasting blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes (Liu et al, PLOS One, Sep. 25, 2015). Polyphenols, compounds found in cinnamon as well as tea, coffee, grapes, wine, cocoa and berries, slow the absorption of glucose (sugar) from the digestive tract and stimulate insulin secretion (Kim et al, Nutrients, Jan. 5, 2016). Most studies of cinnamon to lower blood sugar have used ordinary cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) rather than the more expensive Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylonicum). Cassia cinnamon is the kind usually found on grocery store shelves. Saigon cinnamon is closely related to cassia cinnamon. Must It Be Ceylon Cinnamon to Lower Blood Sugar? You shouldn’t need Ceylon cinnamon to get the blood sugar benefits. If you take either ca Continue reading >>
Can Taking Cinnamon Supplements Lower Your Blood Sugar?
A slew of supplements on the market claim to help reduce blood sugar levels and cut the risk of heart attack for people with diabetes . Garlic, magnesium and coenzyme Q10 are among the most common that people try. But it may surprise you to know that an old favorite — cinnamon — is getting more attention. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy While results are still unclear, there have been some small studies about cinnamon and blood sugar that show promising results. However, to date, there isn’t strong enough evidence to recommend cinnamon to people with diabetes for medicinal purposes. Cinnamon, a spice made from tree bark, is often touted for its potential medicinal properties. People have tried cinnamon to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and fight bacteria. For more than a decade, researchers have been working to understand if it can help people with diabetes. Numerous studies have looked at this issue, and some have found no benefit at all from cinnamon. Other small studies have found that cinnamon can lower levels of glucose , cholesterol and triglycerides (fat in the blood). Here’s a sampling of small studies that show a potential benefit for taking cinnamon: In a small study in Diabetes Care, 30 people with type 2 diabetes were split into three groups taking 1 gram, 3 grams or 6 grams of cinnamon supplements daily. Thirty other people took a placebo. After 40 days, everyone taking cinnamon had lower glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. The placebo group saw no change. A more recent study in Nutrition Research analyzed 69 patients Continue reading >>
Does Cinnamon Help Diabetes?
It’s fine to sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal or use it in baking. Go ahead and enjoy it if you like its taste. But if you hope that it will help you manage your diabetes, you might want to pause before you head to your spice rack. It's not yet clear if cinnamon is good for diabetes. Research findings have been mixed, and the American Diabetes Association dismisses cinnamon’s use in diabetes treatment. Several small studies have linked cinnamon to better blood sugar levels. Some of this work shows it may curb blood sugar by lowering insulin resistance. In one study, volunteers ate from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. (One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon.) The researchers found that cinnamon cut cholesterol by about 18% and blood sugar levels by 24%. But in other studies, the spice did not lower blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Unless you have liver damage, it should be OK for you to enjoy it in food. If you do have liver problems, be careful, because large amounts of cinnamon may make them worse. you might like If you are considering cinnamon supplements, talk with your doctor first, especially if you take any medication. Also, look for brands labeled with a quality seal. These include the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, or Consumerlab seal. This helps assure that the supplement actually has the ingredients stated on the label and doesn't have any contaminants or potentially harmful ingredients. Unlike medications, supplement makers don't have to prove their products are safe or effective. But the FDA can order a supplement off the market if it proves it's unsafe. Use caution if you also take other supplements that lower blood sugar levels, including: Bitter melon Devil's claw Fenugreek Garlic Horse chestnut Panax Siberian ginseng The s Continue reading >>
Cinnamon And Diabetes: Effect On Blood Sugar And Overall Health
People with diabetes often face dietary restrictions to control their blood sugar and prevent complications. Although research is in a preliminary stage, cinnamon may help fight some symptoms of diabetes. It is also unlikely to cause blood pressure spikes, or disrupt blood sugar. So, people with diabetes who miss a sweet pop of flavor may find that cinnamon is a good replacement for sugar. Can cinnamon affect blood sugar? Cinnamon has shown promise in the treatment of blood sugar, as well as some other diabetes symptoms. Research on the effects of cinnamon on blood sugar in diabetes is mixed and in the early stages. Most studies have been very small, so more research is necessary. People with diabetes who are interested in herbal remedies, however, may be surprised to learn that doctors are serious about the potential for cinnamon to address some diabetes symptoms. A 2003 study published in Diabetes Care, compared the effects of a daily intake of 1, 3, and 6 grams (g) of cinnamon with a group that received a placebo for 40 days. All three levels of cinnamon intake reduced blood sugar levels and cholesterol. The effects were seen even 20 days after participants were no longer taking cinnamon. A small 2016 study of 25 people, published in the Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, found that cinnamon may be beneficial for people with poorly controlled diabetes. Participants consumed 1 g of cinnamon for 12 weeks. The result was a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels. However, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine had a different result. The study, which used a more reliable method, had slightly more participants, at 70. The researchers found that 1 g of cinnamon per day for 30 days and 60 days offered no improvements in blo Continue reading >>
Does Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?
Q: I've heard cinnamon helps lower blood glucose. Is it true? A: A few studies have indicated that cinnamon minimally improves blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Regular ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks were used in the studies. The amount suggested was 1/2 teaspoon per day. This amount of cinnamon can be combined in foods such as applesauce or yogurt. However, the research on cinnamon is not conclusive, and the use of cinnamon has not become part of common clinical practice. More research is needed before conclusions can be made about cinnamon's role in treating diabetes. Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., is a certified diabetes educator. Continue reading >>
Does Cinnamon Conflict With Metformin?
I've heard that cinnamon helps control blood sugar. How much truth is there to this, and would it in any way conflict with me taking metformin? Continue reading >>
Fact From Fiction: Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetes?
Cinnamon bark is usually derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum. The most common species of cinnamon available is cassia or Chinese cinnamon, but other varieties include Indonesian cinnamon (Padang cassia or Korintje), Vietnamese cinnamon (Vietnamese cassia) or Sri Lanka (Ceylon) cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is often a combination of these forms of cinnamon, and is the most common type found, at least in North America. Cassia cinnamon has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US and is considered safe in the amount commonly found in food and beverages.[1] The volatile oils (those that give cinnamon its distinctive odor) in cinnamon consist mainly of a substance known as cinnamaldehyde. Other substances found in cinnamon include coumarin and polyphenols such as hydroxychalcone. Cinnamaldehyde has antibacterial properties, antitumor properties and some immune system effects. The polyphenol hydroxychalcone appears to be responsible for the reported antidiabetic effects of cassia cinnamon and to a lesser degree, other forms of cinnamon. The Anti-Diabetes Actions of Cinnamon Research in a number of animal models of diabetes indicate that cassia cinnamon can increase insulin secretion, though its effects on blood sugar levels does not seem to be very significant. In clinical trials, the evidence that cassia cinnamon can effectively lower blood sugar levels and lower A1c percentage has been inconsistent. Some clinical studies have indicated that cassia cinnamon can lower the fasting blood sugar, HbA1C percentages, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure when compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes while others have not demonstrated any effect. The doses Continue reading >>
Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good For You
TIME Health For more, visit TIME Health. Scientists have long suspected that cinnamon can help prevent blood-sugar spikes and protect against insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. But how, exactly, has remained a mystery—and while some studies have suggested a strong effect, others have been inconclusive. New research presented Saturday at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting suggests a potential mechanism for these effects, lending support to the idea of cinnamon as a metabolic powerhouse. In fact, researchers say, the spice’s benefits may extend far beyond blood-sugar control. Amy Stockert, associate professor of biochemistry at Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, has been studying cinnamon for years. In 2012, her research showed that type 2 diabetics who took daily cinnamon supplements saw greater reductions in blood sugar than those who took a placebo. Some of these effects lasted even after participants stopped taking the supplements, says Stockert, which suggested that lasting changes had been triggered at the cellular level. “We started to suspect that one of the proteins involved in gene expression was being influenced by cinnamon,” she says. Her new research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, focuses on Sirtuin-1 (also called Sirt-1)—a protein that’s active in insulin regulation. “We know that Sirt-1 acts on another protein that affects how glucose is transported,” says, “so it made sense that it might be the key player.” Scientists know that Sirt-1 is activated by resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine that’s been touted for its anti-aging and cholesterol-lowering properties. Cinnamon contains similar compounds, known as phenols, which Stocke Continue reading >>
Stabilize Your Blood Sugar With Cinnamon
I love the aroma of cinnamon, and its health benefits make it one of my favorite spices. Cinnamon has been used since ancient times to aid digestion, and a teaspoon has more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries. Plus, studies show that cinnamon helps blunt the rise in blood sugar that can occur when you eat a carbohydrate-rich meal—good news, since a spike in blood sugar raises levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors, which may increase the risks of diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. Take 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon infused in hot water 3 times a day to ease indigestion, or 2 to 4 teaspoons daily to see an impact on blood sugar levels. Both true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or C. verum) and cassia (C. cassia) are sold as "cinnamon." If you take more than 1 to 2 teaspoons, get true cinnamon, such as Frontier Organic Fair Trade Cinnamon ($6.50; frontiercoop.com); cassia contains coumarin, a compound that in large amounts can adversely affect the liver. Spice it up Two new ways to add cinnamon to your diet: 1. Sprinkle a teaspoon over ground coffee before brewing. Research shows that hot-water extraction (the process that occurs when you brew coffee or make cinnamon tea) is one of the best ways to get the good stuff out of the spice. 2. Dust 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon on apple slices and place in a container for an after-lunch treat; the spice prevents fruit from browning. Send your questions for Dr. Low Dog to [email protected] Tieraona Low Dog, MD, is the author of Life Is Your Best Medicine. Continue reading >>
Can Cinnamon Improve Blood Sugar Control?
Video of the Day The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 24 million people have type 2 diabetes and it is the seventh leading cause of death. Lifestyle interventions are needed to lower incidence and mortality from type 2 diabetes. All avenues of treatment and prevention need to be explored. Cinnamon and cinnamon extract could be used as a complementary and alternative medicine to prevent diabetes and in diabetes management. A meta-analysis of eight randomized place-controlled clinical trials in the “Journal of Medicinal Food” found that cinnamon and cinnamon abstract lowered fasting blood glucose. Blood sugar dropped on average by about one-half a point, and decreases ranged from about one-third to three-quarters of a point. Two Grams of Cinnamon A clinical trial with 58 people with type 2 diabetes involved the administration of 2g of cinnamon over 12 weeks. Patients who took cinnamon along with their prescribed medication had significantly lower average blood glucose levels at the end of 12 weeks compared to patients who took only their prescribed medication. Average blood glucose dropped from about 189 to 180 mg per deciliter of blood with the addition of 2g of cinnamon. Healthy individuals may benefit from cinnamon supplementation. Three grams of cinnamon given daily over a two-week period improved the body’s response to the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. Effects of cinnamon on controlling glucose were seen on the same day. More Research is Needed Per research, 2 to 3g of cinnamon per day can significantly improve fasting blood glucose and the body’s response to insulin. Improvements, however, are not long term and stop as soon as cinnamon supplementation is stopped. There is limited research on cinnamon and the mechanism by which i Continue reading >>
Diabetes Treatment: Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar?
Is it true that cinnamon can lower blood sugar in people who have diabetes? Answers from M. Regina Castro, M.D. Whether cinnamon can lower blood sugar is a topic of debate — but some research suggests that cinnamon may be helpful as a supplement to regular diabetes treatment in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2012 review of several recent studies concluded that the use of cinnamon had a potentially beneficial effect on glycemic control. One study published in 2009 found that a 500 mg capsule of cinnamon taken twice a day for 90 days improved hemoglobin A1C levels — a reflection of average blood sugar level for the past two to three months — in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C levels greater than 7 percent). More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine how cinnamon supplementation could lead to these benefits. One theory is that cinnamon increases insulin action. If you have diabetes, remember that treatment is a lifelong commitment of blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise and, sometimes, diabetes medications or insulin therapy. Consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your diabetes treatment plan. Continue reading >>
How Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar And Fights Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease characterized by abnormally high blood sugar. If poorly controlled, it can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney disease and nerve damage (1). Treatment often includes medications and insulin injections, but many people are also interested in foods that can help lower blood sugar. One such example is cinnamon, a commonly used spice that's added to sweet and savory dishes around the world. It provides many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar and help manage diabetes. This article tells you everything you need to know about cinnamon and its effects on blood sugar control and diabetes. Cinnamon is an aromatic spice derived from the bark of several species of Cinnamomum trees. While you may associate cinnamon with rolls or breakfast cereals, it has actually been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and food preservation. To obtain cinnamon, the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees must be removed. The bark then undergoes a drying process that causes it to curl up and yield cinnamon sticks, or quills, which can be further processed into powdered cinnamon. Several different varieties of cinnamon are sold in the US, and they are typically categorized by two different types: Ceylon: Also called "true cinnamon," it's the most expensive type. Cassia: Less expensive and found in most food products containing cinnamon. While both types are sold as cinnamon, there are important differences between the two, which will be discussed later in this article. Cinnamon is made from the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees and is generally categorized into two varieties. A quick glance at cinnamon's nutrition facts may not lead you to believe that it's a superfood (2). But while it doesn't contain a lot of vitamins or minerals, it d Continue reading >>
Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetes?
Chances are you have a bottle of cinnamon in your spice cupboard. And chances are you never thought of cinnamon as medicine. However, cinnamon has been used medicinally since ancient times. This popular spice was used in ancient Egypt, China, and India for culinary and medicinal purposes, and its use has also been documented in the Bible. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon and cassia, both derived from the bark of evergreen trees. Ceylon cinnamon is grown in South America, Southeast Asia, and the West Indies, while cassia cinnamon is grown in Central America, China, and Indonesia. Ceylon cinnamon bark looks like tightly rolled scrolls, while cassia cinnamon is more loosely rolled. Cassia is the variety most commonly sold in the United States. Most people think of cinnamon as a flavoring for desserts or as a warm, robust scent for candles and potpourri. But this spice may do more than make your house smell good. Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003 looked at 60 men and women with Type 2 diabetes who were taking diabetes pills. The participants took either 1, 3, or 6 grams of cassia cinnamon or a placebo, in capsule form, for 40 days. After this time, blood glucose levels dropped between 18% and 29% in all three groups that received cinnamon. However, only the participants who had taken the smallest amount of cinnamon (1 gram) continued to have improved blood glucose levels 20 days after they stopped taking it, for reasons the researchers didn’t quite understand. In the study, cinnamon also helped lower triglycerides (a blood lipid) and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels. The benefits continued after 60 days, 20 days after participants had stopped taking Continue reading >>
Cinnamon Improves Glucose And Lipids Of People With Type 2 Diabetes
Abstract OBJECTIVE—The objective of this study was to determine whether cinnamon improves blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 60 people with type 2 diabetes, 30 men and 30 women aged 52.2 ± 6.32 years, were divided randomly into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consumed 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon daily, respectively, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were given placebo capsules corresponding to the number of capsules consumed for the three levels of cinnamon. The cinnamon was consumed for 40 days followed by a 20-day washout period. RESULTS—After 40 days, all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18–29%), triglyceride (23–30%), LDL cholesterol (7–27%), and total cholesterol (12–26%) levels; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups. Changes in HDL cholesterol were not significant. CONCLUSIONS—The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The incidence of cardiovascular diseases is increased two- to fourfold in people with type 2 diabetes (1). Although the causes of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are multifactorial, diet definitely plays a role in the incidence and severity of these diseases. The dietary components beneficial in the prevention and treatment of these diseases have not been clearly defined, but it is postulated that spices may play a role. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves Continue reading >>
