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Cinnamon Can Help Control Your Blood Sugar

Cinnamon

A Swedish research team has again confirmed previous studies from 2000 and 2004, showing the positive effect of cinnamon in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

This new study found a meaningful decrease in blood sugar in patients who consumed 6 grams of cinnamon with their rice pudding, versus those who ate their's plain.

They were also seeking to find whether cinnamon had any effect on satiety, but the results were negligible at best.

Cinnamon has previously been indicated as a potential insulin substitute for those with type 2 diabetes -- researchers have found that cinnamon contains a bioactive component with "insulin-like" effects.

It has also been determined that this inexpensive spice increases glucose metabolism 20-fold.



American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 6, 1552-1556, June 2007


Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Previous studies found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels among this group.

Cinnamon's other benefits include:

  • Supporting digestive function
  • Relieving congestion
  • Relieving pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds that may relieve arthritis
  • Helping to prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease
  • It's a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill E. coli and other bacteria

Cinnamon is an incredibly inexpensive and, not to mention, great tasting tool for diabetics and the likelihood of this food causing any long-term complications is very small. But although this is wonderful news well worthy of repeating, you should remember that simply adding cinnamon to your diet will not "cure" you of diabetes.

The really great news is that virtually anyone with type 2 diabetes can be permanently "cured" of this disease and horrible premature disability and death by committing to a nutritionally typed appropriate diet and exercise program. This is important to understand because what nearly all  conventionally trained physicians are teaching their patients about diabetes is actually killing them.

The best route to cure diabetes (as well as prevention of it) is to avoid foods that increase insulin, meaning limiting your intake of grains and sugars. In addition, you should be sure to get daily exercise to improve insulin sensitivity.

So go ahead and have your cinnamon, it is one of my favorite spices, but don't for a second believe that it is the final solution for diabetes. If you do you will be just as deluded as the patients taking oral hypoglycemics and believing they are "controlling" their diabetes.

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Comment on This Article Community Comments (46)
 
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
I was looking into this just last week.  I found 2 things that I thought were important. 

First, in the US we don't get "real" cinnamon.  We get cinnamon (cassius), which is, of course, cheaper.  This has a compound called coumarin that is rough on the liver even in small doses.  "Real" cinnamon (from Sri Lanca) has almost no coumarin.  The German govt. has asked people to stop taking cinnamon supplements because they are getting way too much of it.  The only supplement I have found is Cinnulin PF (sold by various people, Pure Encapsulations being one).  It still uses the "cheap" cassius, but they take out the coumarin. 

Second, I found that cinnamon works two ways.   (i) it mimics insulin, thereby helping to lower blood sugar, and (ii) it stimulates insulin production, which is, of course, a drag.  I only found one source that said this, but it cautioned me. 

Let's just say I stopped putting cinnamon on my watermelon (which is quite delicious)!

I found all of this heavy googling, but can point to references if anyone wants them.

 
kelann
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 1/2007
kelann  
Replied

jennifer howard
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
jennifer howard  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
I  would like to discuss the second point you made. Do we know how cinnamon stimulates the production and/or release of insulin? I assume that using cinnamon moderately on a fairly regular basis would be beneficial, and I do so since reading about the blood sugar benefits of cinnamon in my eastern medicine text. However, I often wonder how and where to get real cinnamon and how to store and use it properly. Perhaps a follow up article on this would be a good idea.


kelann
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
kelann  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Here's a link to the article that mentions that it stimulates insulin production in addition to mimicking insulin.  (Click here.)  With respect to "real" cinnamon, it is always (as I understand it) from Sri Lanka/Ceylon (same place).  I called Frontier Organic spice company, and all of their ground cinnamon is the cassius (the "bad" kind with coumarin), but their cinnamon sticks are from Sri Lanka, and are the "good" kind.  Also, the Cinnulin PF (which is a trademark like the Neptune krill oil) is the "bad" kind, but the coumarin is removed, so it's okay, too.  With respect to quantity, I've seen two different things.  One that said that <1.5 grams had no effect, but another that said 1 gm. had as much effect as a lot more--although the dosage gave variable results in rats (more cinnamon = better control of blood sugar), in people, it didn't.   And another that said the effects lasted longer in those who took more once the cinnamon was stopped.

Please note that I am only reporting what I've read variously and don't know anything myself "officially".  However, if I were to take cinnamon, I would either (i) use the "real stuff" (here's a link to the "real" kind, but I'm not sure if organic also sell it ground) or (ii) use the Cinnulin PF.  The coumarin is supposed to be pretty bad.

As to palatability, I've found that I can pretty much ton it on stuff, although I stopped after seeing the coumarin info.  It's great on apples, peaches and watermelon!

Hope the links are helpful! 


Pauletta
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 3/2007
Pauletta  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Kelann,
I just love this site, so much great information for FREE!!!  Thank you Dr. Mercola.
I am very interested in buying Ceylon cinnamon and I went to the site in your post "link".  Very informative, I am going to purchase the 1lb. cinnamon and the cin. toothpicks.  However, I want to check with you about credibility, have you ordered from the site?  Do you recommend the products?  I am very cautions when ordering online.  I do not know about my insulin levels but I think they are probably high.  My drug of choice is SUGAR and I am making a valient effort to get off sugar.  I am making great strides with the help of Dr. Mercola.  I No longer eat sugar substitutes, thank God.  Paulette  


kelann
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
kelann  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Hi, Pauletta!

No, I've never ordered from them before, and I don't know anything about them as vendors.  I just came across their site as I looked for information.  If it's not organic, it could be subject to irradiation, heavy metals, etc. from the soil, blah blah.  I know the Frontier sticks are Ceylon (not the ground cinnamon, just the sticks), and if you had a grinder could grind it to a powder.  Then it would definately be Ceylon and organic!

Good luck!  Sugar is my drug of choice, too.  Here's an odd one for you: Since I've laid off gluten, I don't crave sugar.  It was almost instantaneous.  I eat fruit, etc., but I mean SUGAR, and I'm sure you know what I mean!  Go figure, but I'll take it!


Pauletta
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 3/2007
Pauletta  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Hi Kelann,

I guess I will try the Frontier Sticks, I have a coffee grinder which works very well for flax seeds, which I grind fresh everyday.
Very interesting that giving up gluten eliminated your sugar craving.  How difficult was it to give up gluten, seems like it is in everything i love, bread, grain etc.  Paulette


kelann
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 1/2007
kelann  
 
Posted On Jun 13, 2007
Hi, again, Pauletta!

Sorry for the digression, everyone else.  Giving up gluten totally was no biggie because I'd mostly already done it. I'd switched from breads and pasta to eating amaranth, quinoa, steel cut oats and brown rice, and rice pasta.  I was still eating the delicious organic, wild fermented breads from the Grindstone Bakery (a plug--their stuff is really hearty and delicious, although my husband doesn't like it at all, as it is too salty for him).  So all I had to do was cut out that one slice a day, but it has made a difference, oddly enough, and it wasn't "wheat wheat" it was kamut and spelt, etc.  Incidently, they do make gluten-free breads that aren't full of all that junk (various starches and other really processed stuff) like most gluten-free breads are.  I haven't had it, but I've heard it's very good.  They bake fresh on Mondays and ship on Tuesdays, or something very close to that structure, so it's fresh stuff.  But I'm just going bread-free myself, for now, anyway (one must morph on).

Good luck with the cinnamon!


Geroge
Novice User Novice User Joined On 7/2007
Geroge  
 
Posted On Jul 05, 2007
I have received the real Cnnamon from Ceylon which I purchased online three days ago, Thanks to your link. It is truly delicious and nothing like the Cassia we get in the US. Unfortunately most of are ignorant of the fact that we have been consuming Cassia instead of Cinnamon all these years.

The Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sweeter and as a result I am sure reduce on the sugar in all my recipes.

Thank you Kelann



FayeJ
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 6/2007
FayeJ  
 
Posted On Jul 07, 2007
Your note is well taken kelann. I suppose like everything else it is:
take in moderation.
I have organic cinnamon, not sure where it was grown but use it on oatmeal porridge, just a sprinkling.

 
 
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Ah, more confusion.
Cinnamon is also touted to lower cholesterol. I tried a 60-day diet-related approach to lowering my cholesterol that included a lot of cinnamon. My trial failed. Initially I attributed that to the fact that I was already eating "right" and that a few almonds, blueberries, cinnamon etc. were not enough to make a difference. Now I'm wondering whether the real reason was that my "cinnamon" was not true cinnamon.

Jeez...you've gotta run faster and faster just to stay in place....

 
Islander
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 3/2007
Islander  
Replied

Geroge
Novice User Novice User Joined On 7/2007
Geroge  
 
Posted On Jul 10, 2007
Hi Islander

I too had been fooled by Cassia for all these years and only now I know how to identify real Cinnamon.

The real Cinnamon is so tastly that I just put it on toast each morning and follow up with a Cinnamon Tea.

Could some one please tell me whether the Cinnamon Tea also helps my diabetic condition ?

 
 
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
Cinnamon, has been around for many centuries as a spice.  It obviously had some benefit to be around that long.  Now we are finding out what it is.

Mary

 
mmc88121
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 11/2006
mmc88121  
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SamVed
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 5/2007
SamVed  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
This beautiful news reminds me of a previous research on cinnamon:

News release prepared by:
Keener A. Tippin II, 785-532-6415

K-STATE MICROBIOLOGIST RESEARCHES SPICES TO KILL E. COLI IN APPLE JUICE

    Researchers at Kansas State University have found that cinnamon is effective in eliminating E. coli bacteria in apple juice. [...]

    Daniel Y.C. Fung (785-532-5654) a K-State food microbiologist, and Erdogan Ceylan, a research assistant, studied the antagonistic effect different doses of cinnamon alone and in combination with preservatives would have on E. coli bacteria in apple juice. Ceylan added 1 million E. coli bacteria cells to one milliliter of pasteurized apple juice. The number of bacteria cells added to the juice was higher than the amount of bacteria cells that would be found in consumer food products and was done for experimental purposes only. After adding approximately 0.3 percent of cinnamon — roughly over one teaspoon of the spice to a 64-ounce bottle — about 99 percent of the E. coli was killed.

    "Nobody expects apple juice to be a problem," Fung said. "But there have been previous outbreaks of E. coli. We found out that some spices can inhibit the growth of E. coli."

    "The objective of this research was to study the inhibitory effect of cinnamon on E. coli 0157: H7 in apple juice and reduce the amount of preservatives used in apple juice," Ceylan said. "We can do it with chemicals but we think using natural resources is a better way."

   [...] Fung and Ceylan released their findings at the annual meeting of the Institute of Food Technologists.

    8/99

    Information provided by K-State Media Relations and Marketing may be reproduced without permission.

http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/NewsReleases/spices8109.html

 
 
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
I think this is good, however, I try an imagine the next step, which will be to figure out what you are going to eat with it.  Bread, crackers--grain products!  Oatmeal might be an alternative, but I think when you promote something as healthy, you have to think of what it will be eaten with...  Carolyn

 
sunshinehair11
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2006
sunshinehair11  
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davidBZ
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2007
davidBZ  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
How about on acorn squash, in spice rubs for all kinds of meats, or combined with cocao nibs, chiles, and some unheated honey for a xocolatl type dessert?  Cinnamon is just a spice, and a versitile one at that.  Be a little creative and you can come up with all kinds of uses for it.


Anathema
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 2/2007
Anathema  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
This may be weird, but I sprinkle a bit into my green tea so I'm not eating the cinnamon in the traditional sweets it's associated with. 


Aunt Boo
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2007
Aunt Boo  
 
Posted On Jun 12, 2007
Try cinnamon with your meat.  It is one of the major spices in my chili recipe, and I put it in our venison burgers.  A little cumin seems to compliment the flavor nicely.

Or, grate some on roasted sweet potatoes (with real butter, yum yum) and always in your applesauce. 


Kelly in NC
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2007
Kelly in NC  
 
Posted On Jun 13, 2007
I thought the same thing, sunshinehair, my husband was recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.  After taking the Diabetes class at our local hospital, I know that he would never eat rice pudding.  Rice is pretty much a thing of the past, along with bread, crackers, etc.

I like the idea from Anathema about sprinkling it in your green tea.  I just recently discovered how much I like green tea.  I get my favorite, promagranite green tea, from www.republicoftea.com.  I really like the site, it's easy to use and I'm not very computer savy.  I haven't bought alot of green tea previously, but I thought the prices and the service were good. 

 
 
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
I LOVE CINNAMON! 

The more residual cinnamon oil, like the fancy Indonesian, the better.

Yes, I've known for a long time cinnamon definitely control blood glucose NATURALLY, EFFECTIVELY, WITH NO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS, RENEWABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY, AT LOW COST.

Stick that in your pipe, and smoke it, Big Pharma & FDA!

Remember, When Cinnamon Is Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Have Cinnamon!

;-)

Uncle Russ


 
Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Replied

Cacao
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
Cacao  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
Be careful and use caution. I took two teaspoons of cinnamon to regulate my blood sugar and I temporarily went blind for a few hours.

If I feel a little congested or I feel the start of a flu bug I take the following:

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon raw honey
mixed and dissolved in one cup of clean water

Organic Cinnamon
http://www.wholespice.com/aboutus.asp

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent desease.  : )


cheftodd
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 4/2007
cheftodd  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
Russ they might try smoking it.


Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
 
Posted On Jun 11, 2007
Chef Todd: Cinnamon is already an excipient in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and pipe blends...

But if we start Big Pharma executives on Cinnamon, then we can boost them up to Cinnabon's, laden with trans fats, hydrogenation, HFCS, refined sugars, glycerin/glycerol, modified GMO corn starches, gums, colloids, preservatives, stabilizers and emulsifiers, along with artificial flavors & colors... 

Once we've got Big Pharma executives on Cinnabon Crack, we upgrade them to Cinnamon Hemlock Teas (using their model of marketing and distribution and branding), and all former problem regulatory issues, go into the assets column, on pre position cemetery and funeral home stock futures, we've invested in, prior to the rush of Big Pharma Executive Cadavers in need of burial or cremation.

Every disaster remains an opportunity...

;-)

Uncle Russ


OZONE
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2007
OZONE  
 
Posted On Jun 30, 2007
I am a type two  and i drink a lot of cinnamon tea everyday. I was on meds for two years before i learnes how to do thinks right. Started eating right and eat at home most of the time. also lost 35 lbs. take two raw cinnamon sticks break them up heat in a pan of water for about an hour, very good and i leave on the counter to drink all day and take with me.

 
 
 
 
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