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Low-Carb Cinnamon Bark

Jun 14, 2011 | By Chris Dinesen Rogers
Low-Carb Cinnamon Bark
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Low-carbohydrate foods have less of an impact on your blood sugar, making it easier for you to manage your blood sugar levels, particularly if you are pre-diabetic. But being low-carb may not be the only benefit that cinnamon bark offers. Although there is no clinical evidence, herbalists believe that the supplement may be effective in maintaining steady blood sugar levels, according to Drugs.com. However, consult with your physician before using cinnamon to control your blood sugar.

Function

Your body breaks down food carbohydrates that you ingest into glucose. When you eat something high in carbs, you will have an influx of glucose in your bloodstream, causing a spike in your blood sugar levels. Your body then produces insulin to help turn the glucose into energy for your body. If your body cannot produce insulin or if it is insulin resistant, your blood sugar levels will remain high, which can cause serious health consequences, notes MayoClinic.com

Low-Carb Diet

Diabetics and persons with pre-diabetes have insulin production and resistance issues and therefore must control their blood glucose levels to avoid complications of the disease. Low-carb foods help because they create less glucose in the blood. A 2005 study in "Nutrition and Metabolism" found that a low-carb diet was an effective way to control blood glucose. The effects were so dramatic that most of the participants in the study were able to reduce or discontinue their diabetes medications.

Cinnamon

A teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains 6 calories and a scant 2 g of carbohydrates. Considering that current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines call for 271 g of carbs per day, cinnamon qualifies as a low-carbohydrate food. From a nutritional perspective, it contains small amounts of vitamin A, calcium and potassium.

Benefits

A 2010 study in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" found that cinnamon could help lower blood glucose levels. In addition, cinnamon has antioxidant properties which can lower the risk factors associated with the development of heart disease and diabetes. Drugs.com adds that cinnamon has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, making the body more receptive to the effects of insulin, which could be why it helps lower blood sugar levels.

Guidelines

Before you take low-carb cinnamon or any dietary supplement, consult your doctor. These supplements are not subject to the U.S. Food Administration's approval process. Because of its effects on blood sugar, you should use caution if you are currently taking medication to treat your diabetes. Like hyperglycemia, low blood glucose levels are equally risky and potentially life-threatening. According to Drugs.com, skin irritations and allergic reactions are possible when you are exposed to cinnamon in large quantities.

References

Article reviewed by ShellyT Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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