This Simple Spice may Sharpen Blood Sugar

Cinnamon has been shown to be quite the super-spice when it comes to diabetes. One of its most impressive health benefits, shown in several studies, is its ability to improve blood glucose control so it is definitely worth experimenting with to see out if it can benefit you. The great thing about it is that it’s so versatile and works in your morning oats, eggs or smoothie just as well as it adds a punch to your curry or casserole.

 

It has been described as having “insulin-like effects” due to containing a bioactive compound (proanthocyanidin).

 

The average recommendation is I teaspoon or 3 gm’s per day, most people add it to their food. It is important that you get a proper good quality cinnamon and do be aware that cinnamon flavoured powder is also available but to be avoided. If you cannot take it in your diet there are cinnamon extract supplements available but the same rule applies – make sure it’s the real deal.

Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day has been found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
It has also been found increase your glucose metabolism in fat cells by about 20-fold, which significantly improves blood sugar regulation. (U.S. dept of agriculture)

 

There are also studies which show cinnamon in a less favorable light when it comes to helping normalise blood sugars but like all products and drugs we all respond differently and there are no guarantees that it will work for you.

 

The American Diabetes Association published a study with the authors concluding “The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.”

 

It has also been shown by the US department of Agriculture to increase your glucose metabolism in fat cells by about 20-fold, which significantly improves blood sugar regulation.

 

While this all sounds marvelous, and it is, cinnamon in isolation is not the answer to your dreams. It will really only be of real benefit when combined with the real deal healthy foods and does not offer a license to justify maple syrup and cinnamon pancakes or having a cinnamon roll. Wishful thinking. Not happening!