Health Use of Cinnamon

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or cinnamon as it is commonly known, is the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree of the laurel family. This spice is cultivated for its delicious aroma and sweet flavor. In addition to its popularity in baking, cooking and flavoring drinks, cinnamon is being studied for its health benefits. As with any new treatment or supplement, consult your doctor first.

Blood Sugar Control

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in the world, so it's no surprise that one of the most studied benefits of cinnamon is blood sugar control. In a 2003 study published in "Diabetes Care," 60 men and women with diabetes were given either 1 g, approximately less than 1/2 tsp., 3 g or 6 g of cinnamon per day or a placebo pill for 60 days. Serum glucose significantly decreased by 18 to 29 percent in all three of the groups given cinnamon. Vanschoonbeek, et al., studied the effect of cinnamon on 20 postmenopausal women diagnosed with diabetes. After six weeks of supplementation, there was no significant difference in plasma glucose levels between cinnamon and non-cinnamon groups.

Triglycerides

Researchers are investigating cinnamon's role in improving markers of heart disease. The Diabetes Care study also reviewed triglyceride levels before and after cinnamon intake. After 40 days, the groups taking cinnamon capsules showed a decrease of 23 to 30 percent in triglyceride level compared to those given the placebo pill who had no change. Conversely, Ziengenfuss et al. found no difference in triglyceride level in pre-diabetic participants who took 500 mg of cinnamon extract compared to those who did not. All subjects had triglyceride levels within normal clinical levels.

Cholesterol

In the same study published in Diabetes Care, the investigators looked at total cholesterol, LDL or "bad cholesterol" and HDL or "good cholesterol." Subjects who consumed cinnamon had a decrease in cholesterol levels by 13 to 26 percent after 20 days. LDL cholesterol levels decreased in the 3 g and 6 g groups and HDL cholesterol did not change. In a review of current literature, two studies showed no change in participant lipid profile.

Warning

Although the potential health benefits for cinnamon is intriguing, it is important to consider the potential dangers. Consult your health care provider before starting any new treatments or supplements. U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture Research Services notes that table cinnamon contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds. Fat-soluble compounds accumulate in the body after long term ingestion. Currently, there is no data on possible long term side effects of table cinnamon consumption. A review of research studying effects of cinnamon reveal none of the six human studies reported clinically significant side effects. However, some case reports and case studies report cinnamon in excessive amounts may have adverse effects.

Potential

Despite current research, there is not a consensus on cinnamon's effect on health including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar. There is a lot of potential for positive heath effects, but more research needs to be done before a general recommendation can be made.