Cinnamon has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries, and now modern research is backing up many of these old health claims. Cinnamon supplements are commonly used to manage diabetes, stomach ulcers, inflammation and to promote cardiovascular health. Always consult your doctor prior to starting a new supplement as there can be side effects and adverse reactions with other medications.
The Diabetes Link
According to a study published in "Diabetes Care," adults with Type 2 diabetes who took 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon daily benefited from reduced serum glucose levels by the end of the 40-day study. The same study also found that cinnamon may be effective at lowering triglyceride levels and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Participants in the control group saw no marked improvement in any of these levels.
Inflammatory Conditions
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center advises that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can cause a number of conditions ranging from certain types of arthritis to skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis. As an added bonus, cinnamon is also contains antioxidants that protect cells against harmful free radicals. If you suffer from an inflammatory condition, talk to your doctor about whether a cinnamon supplement is right for you.
Alzheimer's Disease
The ScienceDaily website notes that an extract found in cinnamon also may be able to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Researchers from Tel Aviv University found the extract, CEppt, in cinnamon bark. It appears to inhibit development of the disease. Unfortunately, this knowledge isn't going to benefit anyone just yet. You would need to consume a toxic amount of raw cinnamon to derive the benefits. Going forward, researchers are looking to extract the CEppt from cinnamon so people can derive the benefits without the toxicity.
Warning
If you are taking blood glucose-lowering medications or blood-thinning medications, only take cinnamon supplements with extreme care and under a physician's orders. Cinnamon can interact with both types of medications. You also should be cautious when taking cinnamon if you have any diseases or conditions related to a hormonal imbalance because cinnamon may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
References
- "DiabetesCare;" Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People with Type 2 Diabetes; Alam Khan, et al.; December 2003
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cinnamon
- Cleveland Clinic: Inflammation: What You Need to Know
- ScienceDaily; Alzheimer's Prevention in Your Pantry; American Friends of Tel Aviv University; June 2011
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