Cinnamon is synthesized from the brown bark of the cinnamon tree and has been used as a spice and medicine for centuries. It contains several vital nutrients such as manganese, dietary fiber and iron. Most of cinnamon’s benefits -- including lowering blood sugar levels -- can be attributed to its antioxidant properties.
Lowers Blood Gluose Levels
Cinnamon might lower blood glucose levels in healthy people, according to a study published by researchers at the University of Lund in Sweden. Subjects consumed 300 g of rice pudding with or without 6 g of cinnamon. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after the test meal. Scientists reported in the June 2007 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” that those in the cinnamon group had lower blood glucose levels compared with those who didn’t have cinnamon.
HbA1c Levels
Glycated hemoglobin, also called HbA1c, is an indicator of blood sugar control over a three month period. Higher HbA1c levels indicate poor blood glucose control. Scientists at Thames Valley University in the United Kingdom studied the impact of cinnamon on HbA1c levels in Type 2 diabetics. Patients were assigned 2 g of cinnamon or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that those in the cinnamon group experienced decreases in HbA1c levels compared with those in the placebo group. The findings were published in the October 2010 issue of “Diabetic Medicine.”
Cinnamon Extract
Cinnamon extract may also help to reduce glucose levels, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. Scientists found that overweight and obese patients consuming 250 mg of cinnamon extract daily for 12 weeks lowered their blood sugar levels compared with those who had a placebo, according to research published in the February 2009 issue of the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition.”
Caution
Cinnamon seems to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels in the dosage of 2 g to 6 g daily for 12 weeks. If you are pregnant or taking medications, consult your health care provider before taking cinnamon.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying, and Satiety in Healthy Subjects; J. Hlebowicz et al.; June 2007
- "Diabetic Medicine"; Glycated Haemoglobin and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Cinnamon in Multi-Ethnic Type 2 Diaebtic Patients in the UK: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial; R. Akilen et al.; October 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Antioxidant Effects of a Cinnamon Extract in People with Impaired Fasting Glucose That Are Overweight or Obese; A.M. Roussel et al.; February 2009
