The Role of Sweet Smelling Cinnamon in Controlling Sugar Levels in Diabetes
Cinnamon is a spice with a distinct fragrance and comes from the inner bark of a tropical tree. The sweet smelling, warm sticks on your spice shelf is not just a wonderful herb but it also has a large range of clinical benefits. You must be aware of the culinary use of cinnamon in flavoring baked goods and drinks as well as stews and sauces. But did you know that it has long been used in different cultures of the world as almost ‘panacea’ and finds use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Cinnamon has been in wide use in the cuisines prepared in Asia, Middle East and North Africa.
Researcher’s take on the role of cinnamon in diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder related with insulin resistance, increased glucose and lipids, inflammation, reduced antioxidant activity, increased weight gain and increased glycation of proteins. Research studies have shown that Cinnamon can reduce all the above factors in animal and human subjects. The research has provided the evidence for beneficial effects of cinnamon whether used in whole form or Cinnamon extract. Latest research has shown that patients suffering from Type @ diabetes when regularly take eat cinnamon showed a faster improvement in the fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Time and again it has been concluded that cinnamon has antiglycemic effect in diabetic patients and hence its use has been proven to be beneficial. Hence, the daily use of ½ to 1 teaspoon is definitely beneficial in reducing blood sugar levels, though there is insufficient evidence and hence limited clinical use. Some researchers have also stated that Cinnamon may be playing the role of insulin substitute in patients of diabetes. Cinnamon has been effective in lowering blood sugar levels because it has a similar effect on the body as insulin which is produced in insufficient amounts in those suffering from Diabetes.
Can cinnamon be used as a treatment for diabetes?
As one of the oldest and most frequently eaten spice, cinnamon has been used as an herbal remedy in Ayurveda. The volatile oils present in cinnamon such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol are responsible for its sugar lowering effects. Cinnamon can be used as a food adjunct in diabetics but it cannot take over in the treatment of diabetes. Cinnamon should be made part of regular diet since it can reduce glucose in the blood, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. The reasonable cost, easy availability and general safety profile have made cinnamon a great option for diabetic population.
Almost 1.2 teaspoon of cinnamon can show improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. It can improve insulin sensitivity and show a better blood glucose control. AN improvement in the insulin resistance also finds help in controlling weight as well as reducing the risk of heart diseases. Along with an improvement in blood glucose, research studies have also shown cinnamon to be beneficial in improving triglycerides, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
How does it work?
Various models have been proposed for the activity of cinnamon in lowering blood sugar level. There are evidences suggesting that cinnamon polyphenols mimic insulin like activity and hence help the individuals suffering with Type II diabetes. Cinnamon constituents can also increase the number of insulin receptors and glucose transporters both of which are important in glucose absorption and metabolism. Different research studies on animals and humans have concluded that cinnamon reduces the metabolism of glucose and lipids in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus and can act as an alternative for the treatment of diabetes. There are still doubts regarding the whole body sensitivity of insulin and the ability of cinnamon in controlling type II diabetes remains questionable, but studies have confirmed its benefits in diabetes when used as food adjunct. Cinnamon can also alleviate the symptoms associated with diabetes.
The nutritional benefits
Apart from the clinical efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels and managing diabetes, one teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 mg of calcium, 1 mg of iron, 1+ gm of fiber, and a good percentage of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and manganese. It also has carbohydrates in it. The amazing nutritional quality of cinnamon make it a must have spice in your daily recipes.
How to take Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be made part of many recipes and taken regularly in diet. It is one of the important ingredients in baking. It has also been used in preparing turkey, stews, sauces and curries. You can also sprinkle cinnamon on marmalade toast and have it for the health reasons. Cinnamon can be added to coffee, top yogurt, cottage cheese or ricotta. Unsweetened soy milk with cinnamon can also be taken or a dash of honey can be added to the above for sweetening effect.
There are many other ways in which cinnamon can be taken as a remedy of diabetes.
1) Boil some cinnamon sticks, cool it and add a slice of orange and drink the liquid.
2) Cinnamon stick can be added to rice while cooking for beautiful fragrant flavor and enormous health benefit.
3) Cinnamon tea can be prepared and a cup daily will show enormous health benefits.
4) Cinnamon powder can be added to pancake mixtures. Fresh grounded cinnamon can also be sprinkled on breakfast cereals. Whole cinnamon sticks can used to prepare squash soup which is a great and healthy soup.
5) The flavor of cinnamon allows it to replace small amounts of sugars in stove top recipes, sauces, meat and vegetable dishes. This is helpful in reducing the sugar intake as well as lowering the blood sugar level.
6) The easiest home remedy for diabetes is to sprinkle cinnamon into hot and cold cereal, yogurt, coffee or tea once a day as it has been suggested by experts that about ½ teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help in reducing the blood sugar and reduce the risk for developing dangerous complications of diabetes.
Incorporate cinnamon in your daily diet for a month and experience the amazing health benefits.
