The Surprising Link Between Cinnamon and Blood Sugar Control
Balancing blood sugar is vital for overall well-being. However, most individuals need to learn about natural approaches to this phenomenon.
There is a spice that can pull a lot of weight in controversial stakes, such as stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Say hi to cinnamon—an ingredient that has been used for several centuries as a spice, a seasoning, and so much more.
Critics recommend research work stating that cinnamon can greatly reduce blood sugar levels and is a natural element that will benefit the health of everyone.
In this article, you’ll discover how cinnamon helps your body manage glucose, how and when to take it, and what the research says.
Cinnamon can control sugar or increase the number of natural remedies in the everyday diet.
Blood Sugar Regulation Barring the Facts
Staying healthy through monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for a proper supply of energy, mood swings, and general health.
High and low blood sugars are no good; high sugars cause energy loss and irritability, and if sustained over time, sugars cause diabetes.
Cinnamon is obtained from the internal bark of trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum and has long been used for medicinal purposes ranging from calming the stomach and heartburn to acting as an antioxidant.
However, new research reveals that cinnamon significantly regulates blood sugar levels, especially if one has poor insulin sensitivity or type 2 diabetes.
Now that we know how cinnamon affects blood sugar let's discuss why you should incorporate it into your diet.
Understanding how this spice affects blood sugar is of great importance as one reads this passage to discover more.
Exploring Cinnamon and the Reception of Insulin
Cinnamon works in several ways to help regulate blood sugar:
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: In simple terms, it is a hormone that assists your body to take in glucose in the blood. Cinnamon has compounds that make your body more sensitive to insulin, which means that your cells attract sugar directly from the blood (1). This assists in decreasing the whole level of glucose in blood circulation.
Lowers Post-Meal Blood Sugar Spikes: In a 40-day research study, ground cinnamon intake with a meal sharply decreases postprandial glucose concentration (2). This is especially useful to people who suffer from elevated blood glucose levels during or shortly after eating, which is rather frequent with diabetes.
Reduces Insulin Resistance: Cinnamon and Ii play a role in preventing the development of insulin resistance, whereby the cells in your body fail to respond to the hormone insulin (3). The pre-relevant of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance coupled with increased blood glucose levels.
Summary of Cinnamon's Blood Sugar Benefits:
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces insulin resistance
- It helps reduce the levels of blood glucose after eating
Introducing cinnamon in your everyday diet might result in better blood sugar level regulation, say no to energy lows, and delay the chances of having diabetes.
Types of Cinnamon: This article compares the two types of cinnamon products to determine which is most appropriate for blood sugar control.
Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Both are good for health, but the ideal one for anyone interested in managing blood sugar levels is Ceylon cinnamon.
Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon): Known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon is much finer and more fragrant than the more commonly available Cassia. It contains much smaller amounts of coumarin, which in large amounts can produce liver toxicity. That is why Ceylon cinnamon can be considered safer in everyday practice.
Cassia Cinnamon: This is the variety you get in supermarkets, which is more commonly used. Cassia cinnamon has higher levels of coumarin, which can negatively impact your liver when you consume large amounts. Starchy foods should be consumed less frequently, although they can aid in maintaining an excellent blood sugar level.
Now, let’s learn about cinnamon, which is best for controlling blood sugar.
Ceylon cinnamon is, therefore, the least dangerous and most beneficial for long-term use of cinnamon on a moderate basis.
Science Supporting Cinnamon For Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Some of the Major Research findings on Cinnamon and Blood Sugar Control
Numerous types of research have pointed out that cinnamon positively regulates blood sugar.
Here are some key findings:
In a study published in Diablo Care magazine in 2013, cinnamon extract helped enhance insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 diabetes and lower their blood sugar levels (4).
A 2009 meta-analysis in The Journal of Medicinal Food proved that cinnamon can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by 24%.
Cinnamon has been shown to lower the glycemic index in clinical trials done after meals, and it is most beneficial for patients with insulin resistance.
Although more research is needed to uncover how cinnamon works, these controlled scientific studies indicate that cinnamon is a safe and effective supplement when used in conjunction with other building blood glucose control strategies.
How to Add the Spice Cinnamon To Your Diet
There isn’t a hard and fast rule about how to incorporate this spice into your diet since there are many ways to do it.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Add it to your morning smoothie: You can mix cinnamon into your smoothie to bring warmth and rich flavor to the recipe. Add bananas, berries, and protein powder to it, and it becomes a healthful, delicious snack that is not bad for blood sugar either.
- Sprinkle it on your oatmeal or cereal: This is a fast and simple way to consume cinnamon. Add some to the top of your bowl of cereal for an added incentive in the morning.
- Stir it into your coffee or tea: Cinnamon is perfect for serving with coffee or herbal teas. If served hot, adding about a pinch of cinnamon powder enhances the cup's taste and health benefits.
- Use it in baked goods: Cinnamon is a traditional spice added to healthy recipes such as muffins, pancakes, and even bread. For an even greater impact on blood sugar, choose whole grains and natural sweetening agents.
Buy Organic Ceylon Cinnamon from the Wild Foods Company. This cinnamon, with no additives, is the healthiest and helps you maintain healthy blood sugar.
What Are the Possible Risks Associated with Cinnamon for Diabetes?
While cinnamon is generally safe for most people, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Excessive Cassia Cinnamon: There are indications that high doses of Cassia cinnamon (more than one teaspoon per day) for consumption over some time pose possible health risks related to the coumarin content and lead to liver toxicity (5).
Allergies: Some people may be allergic to cinnamon. Signs could be skin rashes, itching, or gastrointestinal disturbances.
Medication Interactions: Anyone taking drugs for diabetes or blood sugar levels needs to consult with the doctor before incorporating cinnamon supplements since they interfere with some types of drugs.
If you are going to use cinnamon regularly, replace it with Ceylon cinnamon due to the presence of coumarin.
Other Natural Means of Managing High and Low Blood Sugar
That is why cinnamon is effective for managing your blood sugar but is twice as effective when used with other home remedies. Here are some additional foods and herbs that can help regulate blood sugar:
- Turmeric: Has curcumin, which positively affects insulin sensitivity.
- Bitter Melon is widely used to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It also increases energy and alleviates chronic fatigue.
- Fenugreek is a frequently used herb for controlling high blood sugar levels and enhancing the function of insulin.
- Gymnema Sylvestre: An herb established to help cure hunger for sweet foods and decrease blood sugar levels.
Combining these natural solutions with cinnamon can help you achieve standard blood sugar levels.
Final Thoughts
Notably, cinnamon has good prospects as a natural supplementary in regulating blood sugar levels.
That being said, Asiabell's benefits in enhancing insulin sensitivity, regulating postprandial blood glucose, and preventing insulin resistance make the herb exceptionally valuable in this role. Thus, you need not worry and can start enjoying Ceylon cinnamon's benefits in your everyday life by selecting only the best product for the task.
Try adding cinnamon to your foods today to help you better control your blood sugar without needing any medicines.
🌿 Add Wild Foods' Organic Ceylon Cinnamon to your routine today and experience the benefits for yourself! 🍃
FAQs
How many teaspoons of cinnamon should one consume for managing blood sugar?
The suggested daily dose of cinnamon is 1-2 tablespoons (approximately 2-4 grams). However, you should ask a doctor for advice if you suffer from any chronic diseases.
Is Ceylon cinnamon superior to Cassia for managing blood sugar?
Yes, Ceylon cinnamon is safe for everyday consumption because of its low coumarin content, which can affect the liver in high doses.
Is it possible to control blood sugar through cinnamon instead of medication?
So, cinnamon is useful in controlling blood sugar levels, but it does not replace the prescribed medicine. Never stop the treatment without speaking with your doctor first.
Related studies:
1. Title: Cinnamon Improves Insulin Sensitivity
This study highlights that cinnamon polyphenols significantly enhance insulin sensitivity through various mechanisms, including the activation of insulin receptor pathways.
DOI: 10.1017/S0029665108000086
2. Title: Cinnamon Lowers Post-Meal Blood Sugar Spikes
The research indicates that consuming 6 g of cinnamon can effectively reduce post-prandial glucose levels at one hour after a meal in both normal and obese participants.
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.619782
3. Title: Cinnamon Reduces Insulin Resistance
This meta-analysis demonstrates that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduces insulin resistance, as measured by HOMA-IR, particularly in Type 2 diabetes patients.
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-01057-2
4. Title: Cinnamon Lowers Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
The study reveals that cinnamon extract not only lowers fasting blood glucose levels but also enhances insulin sensitivity in diabetic subjects through improved insulin signaling mechanisms.
DOI: 10.3945/jn.113.174682
5. Title: Cinnamon and Liver Toxicity from Cassia Cinnamon
This study concludes that high doses of Cassia cinnamon do not adversely affect liver enzymes or insulin sensitivity in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting minimal liver toxicity risks at these dosages.
DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-96