Does Cinnamon Have Health Benefits For Diabetics?

1 min

Adding some spice to your life may do more than enhance the flavor of foods. Preliminary evidence indicates that the common spice cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels – a benefit for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. A study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care reported on people with type 2 diabetes who were given differing daily amounts of cinnamon (one, three or six-gram capsules). Regardless of the amount of cinnamon they received, the study group reduced their blood glucose levels by 18 to 29 percent compared to those receiving a placebo. They also experienced a reduction in their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol which would additionally lower cardiovascular risk, and likely demonstrates how refined sugar and carbohydrates in excess can impact cholesterol

If you are diabetic, consider adding at least one-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon to your foods or beverages twice daily and see what effect it has. Realize this may not be consistent or desirable for a lowering effect as overall studies show a dosage of 3-6 grams of cinnamon per day is needed for success. Start with a supplement dosage of 1 gram, three times a day with meals and track the results. Be sure to do this in conjunction with your doctor and monitor blood sugars more closely, especially if you are on insulin. If it works for you, cinnamon should be used as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, other medications and lifestyle measures such as metabolically active exercise like sprinting or weightlifting; a healthy diet that is low in all types of sweeteners and refined carbohydrates; and shedding extra pounds – all are proven ways to help control glucose levels.

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