Elevated cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Cholesterol, a waxy substance, serves important purposes within your body, manufacturing hormones and cell and protecting nerves. But too much of the "bad" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Cinnamon, a spice long used for medicinal purposes as well as a food seasoning, has shown benefit in lowering cholesterol in some studies but not others. Do not take cinnamon to treat high cholesterol without your doctor's approval.
Actions
Cinnamon contains several oils that that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Cinnamon may also mimic the actions of statins, drugs that reduce cholesterol, by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver. HMG-CoA reductase blocks an enzyme that your body uses to manufacture cholesterol. Since most of the cholesterol in your body comes from the liver and not from dietary sources, decreasing liver production of cholesterol can help lower levels.
Positive Studies
A Pakistani study reported in the December 2006 issue of "Diabetes Care" reported on the effects of cinnamon on 60 people with type-2 diabetes. Subjects were divided into six groups, three placebo groups and three groups taking 1,3 and 6 grams of cinnamon daily, respectively. After 40 days, total cholesterol levels dropped 12 to 26 percent in the groups taking cinnamon, while the placebo group noted no effect. Low-density lipoprotein, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, dropped 7 to 27 percent. Researchers reported no significant changes in HDL.
Negative Studies
Not all studies have found a positive benefit from taking cinnamon to treat high cholesterol. Researchers from the University of Toronto who conducted a review of studies, which was reported in the September 2007 issue of the "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology," said that while one study did show a lowering of cholesterol levels, two others didn't. Cardiologist Thomas Behrenbeck states on MayoClinic.com that there's no strong evidence that cinnamon has any benefit in treating cholesterol, and that cinnamon isn't considered a treatment for those with high lipid levels.
Interactions
Cinnamon can interact with certain prescription drugs, including drugs that act as blood thinners and drugs that lower blood glucose levels. If you take drugs to treat either condition, ask your doctor before taking cinnamon supplements. Cinnamon products high in coumarin could cause liver damage.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Fats and Cholesterol: Out With the Bad, In With the Good
- "Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes; A. Khan, et al.; December 2006
- "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; From Type 2 Diabetes to Antioxidant Activity: A Systematic Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Common and Cassia Cinnamon Bark; J. Dugoua, et al.; September 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Does Cinnamon Lower Cholesterol Levels?; Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.; September 2010
- FamilyDoctor.org; Cholesterol: What Your Level Means; November 2010
