Diabetes presents many dietary challenges, as keeping your blood sugar stable is key. How can cinnamon help with diabetes?
Cinnamon is a heavenly spice that seems to add the missing piece to so many recipes. True cinnamon is called Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon), and originates from the island Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon). Ceylon cinnamon is harder to find in the US but is gaining popularity in Europe and South America.
It has a less strong, bitter taste than the cinnamon we are accustomed to in the US, which is Cinnamomum aromaticum (Cassia). Cinnamon has been used since 2000 BC, where it was held in very high regard for relieving arthritis, coughs, and sore throat.
Although research is still preliminarily, there is some strong evidence showing that cinnamon may help control blood sugar, and therefore may be useful for people with diabetes.
Studies on cinnamon and blood sugar
• A 2003 study published in the journal Diabetes Care compared the effects of cinnamon versus a placebo. They found that the cinnamon group had lower levels of blood sugar and cholesterol.
• A 2016 study published in the journal Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology found that cinnamon helped persons with poorly controlled diabetes.
• A 2016 analysis of studies looked at 11 studies and found that they all showed lower blood sugar levels in participants who received cinnamon.
• A study published American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed that cinnamon sped up the emptying of the stomach, resulting is lower blood sugar after eating.
While bigger studies are needed to confirm the benefits of cinnamon for blood sugar, the results look very promising.
Try adding cinnamon to your morning coffee, breakfast, or smoothies to help keep your blood sugar in check.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Cinnamon and Diabetes: Effect on Blood Sugar and Overall Health.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 10 May 2017.
2. “Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes Care.U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2003. Web. 10 May 2017.
3. “Anti-diabetic and Antioxidant Effect of Cinnamon in Poorly Controlled Type-2 Diabetic Iraqi Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.” Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology.U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 Feb. 2016. Web. 10 May 2017.
4. “Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes? A Narrative Review.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2016. Web. 10 May 2017.
