Cinnamon is a spice taken from the inner bark of various species of the Cinnamon tree (genus Cinamomum). There are two different kinds of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. Both are beneficial, but the type you should use is controversial. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin in higher amounts, which can be harmful in high doses. For this reason, Ceylon is often preferred as a supplement.
In my research and experience, Ceylon cinnamon may have more antioxidants and is often touted as the best for medicinal use; however, Cassia has more benefits for treating diabetes and controlling blood sugar. For general use, I prefer Ceylon, but for diabetes control, I prefer Cassia.
Medicinal Use
For medicinal use and preventative care, the common suggested dose for โtrue cinnamonโ (Ceylon) is 1-2 grams of cinnamon with each meal. You can add it to a smoothie or food, use it in tea, or put it in capsules for easy consummation. Each capsule will hold about 500 mg, tightly packed, so take 2-4 capsules with each meal if needed.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Cassia cinnamon dramatically lowers fasting blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity with consistent use. Taking 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily is enough to show beneficial effects immediately and full effects over time (6 grams is approximately 2 teaspoons). See warning section below.
Cinnamon improves sensitivity to insulin, a key hormone in regulating metabolism and blood sugar. In some metabolic conditions, the body may become insulin resistant. By increasing insulin sensitivity, cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and helps prevent or treat diabetes. Additionally, cinnamon decreases the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal. It slows the breakdown of carbohydrates and prevents blood sugar spikes. Another compound in cinnamon acts like insulin to improve glucose uptake in the cells. Care is needed as cinnamon may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Reduces Triglycerides and Cholesterol
1 to 6 grams of cinnamon lowers triglycerides and โbadโ LDL-cholesterol. The full effects are seen over time, but one to two months of use should bring triglyceride and cholesterol levels down significantly.
Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonโs and Alzheimerโs
Cinnamon has been shown to protect the neurons in the brain.Animal studies have found that it helps normalize neurotransmitter levels, which could help improve motor function in Parkinsonโ patients. It also has two compounds (cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin) that inhibit the buildup of brain proteins (called โtaueโ) that are found in Alzheimerโs patients. We do not have human research on these processes yet; however, it is easy to add cinnamon, along with turmeric and other brain protecting herbs, to daily diet.
Anti-Inflammatory
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight free radicals and help lower your risk of disease.
Heart Disease
Because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, cinnamon can help reduce the risk of heart diseases. It reduces blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol, which contribute to heart disease.
HIV
Cassia cinnamon helps the bodyโs fight against HIV-1, the most common HIV form in humans.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
Evidence shows that cinnamon inhibits the growth of some bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria on surfaces, especially when cinnamon oil is used. We have no data on whether cinnamon will treat internal infection.
Warning
Coumarin may increase cancer risk in animals. More research is needed for humans. Coumarin may also cause liver damage in large amounts. Some people have an allergy to cinnamaldehyde, a compound found in cinnamon. The reaction unusually presents as mouth sores. As always, please check with your doctor for possible medication interactions.
Leave a Reply