Cinnamon appears to have multiple benefits, including the ability to lower triglyceride levels, according to a study published in "Diabetes Care" in 2003. In an article from the James Ford Bell Library, "A Taste of Paradise: Cinnamon," Troy David Osborne notes the use of cinnamon as far back as 65 A.D. In the Middle Ages, it was primarily used as a food additive for flavor, but also served as a symbol of elite social status. Even then, cinnamon was thought to have curative properties.
Importance
Triglycerides are a type of fat that can build up in the blood. Triglyceride levels are often tested along with cholesterol levels by means of a blood test called a lipid panel. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, when blood levels are higher than clinical recommendations, there can be an increased risk of heart disease. Triglycerides make the blood thicker and sticky, which makes the heart work harder to pump the blood. Treatments include diet, lifestyle, herbs and medications.
What to Look For
Cinnamon is harvested from the bark of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is available in liquid capsules, in ground powdered form, as sticks or quills, as tea and as oil. True cinnamon comes from the species Cinnamomun zeylanicum. Different cinnamon plant species are used and labeled as cinnamon. Cassia is a related cinnamon species that is commonly used as a cinnamon supplement. It is often called Chinese cinnamon, Indonesian cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon. This is the type of cinnamon used in the 2003 study.
Dosing
Taking as little as 1/2 tsp. a day of ground, water-soluble cinnamon has been shown to lower triglyceride levels. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon is equivalent to 1 g of cinnamon. In the 2003 "Diabetes Care" study, subjects were given 1, 3 or 6 g of cinnamon daily. All amounts were shown to improve triglyceride levels. The most prudent approach is to start with the smallest dose of 1 gram per day and increase if needed.
Side Effects
Cinnamon has been used medicinally to treat digestive problems, the common cold, bad breath and, most recently, diabetes. According to a report in June 2008 in the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology," a patient reported rosacea exacerbation after self-initiation of cinnamon supplements to treat high blood sugar. However, the authors report no widespread occurance of this side effect. Other side effects may include increased heart rate, facial flushing, diarrhea and breathing difficulties, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines."
Considerations
Keep in mind that there is no conclusive evidence that cinnamon will improve triglyceride levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Furthermore, the 2003 study was conducted on individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. It is not known whether cinnamon supplementation will have the same effect in people without diabetes who have high triglyceride levels. It is important to inform your doctor of any supplements you may be taking or considering. Thomas Behrenbeck, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, recommends focusing on lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and losing excess weight, to treat high triglyceride levels.
References
- "Diabetes Care": Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes
- "Encyclopedia Britannica": Cinnamon
- "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology": Severe Exacerbation of Rosacea Induced By Cinnamon Supplements
- Mayo Clinic: Does Cinnamon Lower Cholesterol?
- Mayo Clinic: Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?
