Top Benefits of Cinnamon Supplements: Blood Sugar, Heart Health & More
The simple spice most of us have in our kitchen, cinnamon, is much more than a flavor adjunct.
Cinnamon not only gives our foods a nice taste but is also known to have many health benefits. It has been widely used worldwide with anthemic effects since ancient times.
Recently, cinnamon has been added to the list of supplements that make people healthier by reducing their cases of type 2 diabetes and improving cholesterol levels.
But how do cinnamon supplements work, and should they be taken as a supplement?
So, without further ado, let’s explore all the facts you want to learn about cinnamon supplements and their functionality.
What are cinnamon supplements?
The proposed types of cinnamon products are cinnamon supplements prepared in concentrated forms of spice and sold in capsules, tablets, and powders.
These supplements use bioactive components extracted from cinnamon, especially cinnamaldehyde, which contributes to several of the benefits of cinnamon.
It differs from the regular cinnamon used in cooking or baking, but supplements are efficient and easy to take (1).
Cinnamon supplements have some essential health benefits that you need to know.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Perhaps the most widely publicized effect of cinnamon is its effect on blood sugar levels.
Different research has found that cinnamon can reduce the level of insulin resistance, thus helping the body use insulin well.
It has been shown that cinnamon supplements might help people with type 2 diabetes keep postprandial blood sugar stable (2).
One research study published in the Diabetes Care journal concluded that supplementation of cinnamon might lower fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic people by 18–29 percent.
Since cinnamon helps to affect insulin resistance, it can help reduce the chances of contracting type 2 diabetes in people at risk.
Heart Health Support
Cinnamon supplements may also help support heart health in the same way by decreasing several factors linked to heart disease.
These are reduced LDL cholesterol (labeled ‘bad’ cholesterol) and triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol (labeled’’ cholesterol).
Also, cinnamon can fight inflammation throughout the body, which has been proven to cause heart disease.
Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help to shield your body from oxidation by free radicals.
A diet rich in antioxidants is necessary for repairing damaged cells, preventing aging, and preventing diseases, including cancer (3).
Incorporating cinnamon supplements into your diet is beneficial because you are giving your body an extra shield against the daily harsh impacts.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Since acute inflammation is associated with various diseases, chronic inflammation is associated with arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Most importantly, cinnamon extracts comprise substances such as cinnamaldehyde, which possess very high anti-inflammatory properties (4).
Cinnamon supplements are widely known to have anti-inflammatory effects, including benefits for sufferers of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases or conditions.
Organs of the Brain and Cognitive Function
Currently, there is evidence that cinnamon has the potential to improve brain function as part of neurological protection.
Together, cinnamon has benefits in boosting cognitive capacity and memory and offers a protective shield against diseases such as Alzheimer’s (5).
Research done on rats even showed that cinnamon might also be able to shield cells in the brain from destruction.
Cinnamon Supplement Guide
These are some factors one should consider when purchasing cinnamon supplements.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cinnamon supplement:
- Choose Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon): This type of cinnamon is better for regular consumption, as it has a lesser amount of coumarin, which, if taken in large quantities, contributes to liver damage.
- Look for standardized extracts: For the greatest benefit, choose supplements containing cinnamon extracts, which are standardized for cinnamaldehyde.
- Check for third-party testing: The products that we take daily should have gone through lab tests conducted by different centers that can determine the quality of our supplements. To identify the best brands, try to choose products with the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certificate and NSF International.
Cinnamon supplements contain potent nutrients that help add value to the diet. Remember this as you read about how to take cinnamon supplements below.
Supplements containing cinnamon can be purchased as tablets or capsules; the dosage for the capsules varies based on the type of cinnamon and the expected health benefit.
It is widely available in capsules and tablets, and most products on the market today contain 500 mg to 100 mg of cinnamon extract per serving.
Some products should be used according to the instructions on their packaging or even a doctor’s recommendation.
For general well-being, the recommended dosages of cinnamon extract range between 500 mg and 1000 mg per day.
Like with any other supplement, if you are interested in cinnamon for regulating blood sugar levels or for heart health, you may need to get a prescription for the right dosage for your body.
Side Effects of Cinnamon Supplements
While cinnamon supplements are generally safe for most people, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:
- Liver Damage (in excessive doses): Taking large quantities of cassia cinnamon, or what is more prevalent in supplements, can bring about liver damage triggered by coumarin. However, it is suggested that Ceylon cinnamon should be preferred because its coumarin content is much lower than that of Cassia cinnamon.
- Allergic Reactions: Cinnamon can cause mouth and skin irritation or other gastrointestinal problems in certain people. If any reactions occur, stop using the product and contact your physician.
- Interaction with Medications: Diabetic clients are advised to avoid cinnamon since it can have a hypoglycaemic effect and, therefore, interfere with the therapeutic dosages of prescribed drugs. As with most supplements, cinnamon can interact with medicines that lower blood sugar, such as insulin, so it is advisable to talk to a healthcare practitioner before taking cinnamon supplements.
Cinnamon Supplements and Weight Loss
For diabetic patients, cinnamon has the advantage of stabilizing their blood sugar levels. It may also help in weight control by suppressing their appetite.
Thanks to its anti-hyperglycemic properties, cinnamon improves the stability of sugar and insulin, thus avoiding the feeling of hunger or craving for unhealthy food products.
For the same [weight loss], they can add value to cinnamon supplements, but they should be taken after consulting the dietitian and exercising regularly.
Final Thoughts
Supplements are also beneficial sources derived from natural products derived from a single botanical, such as cinnamon. Cinnamon is essential in supporting the health of anybody willing to stabilize their blood sugar level, protect their hearts, and reduce the level of inflammation in their body.
Based on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, cinnamon has the redundant potential to deliver several health benefits necessary for the proper functioning of the human body.
It is always recommended to check with a doctor before taking any new supplement program with your body, as you may be having other health problems or on other drugs. If taken correctly, cinnamon supplements can add to your health regime and allow you to reap the virtues of this potent spice.
✨ Try our premium Ceylon cinnamon today and feel the difference!🌿
FAQs
Is it safe to take cinnamon supplements every day?
It is agreeable that cinnamon supplements are safe for most individuals when used in the recommended proportion. However, to reduce this risk, you should ensure that you get the best supplements, particularly the ones made from Ceylon cinnamon.
Can using cinnamon supplements assist with diabetes?
Yes, cinnamon supplements are purported to enhance the peripheral use of insulin and normalize blood glucose concentration, and they may, therefore, be of direct benefit to patients with type 2 diabetes. However, before using cinnamon supplements for diabetes treatment, it is recommended that one consult their doctor.
When will cinnamon supplements work?
People's use of cinnamon nutrient supplements may take time before they start showing a response. Some patients may feel improvements in a few weeks; however, supplement intake should remain constant, and they should also improve their nutrition.
Are there health benefits from cinnamon supplements? Can they help one to lose weight?
Cinnamon can inhibit your appetite, fight cravings, and stabilize your blood sugar to help you lose weight; however, cinnamon must be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What is the most effective cinnamon supplement to take?
Cinnamon supplements include capsules, tablets, and powders. Capsules and tablets are the most preferred dosage forms because they offer a standard dosage. To minimize the side effects, only products made from Ceylon cinnamon should be purchased.
Related studies:
1. Title: Blood Sugar Regulation
This study found that daily cinnamon intake significantly reduced fasting serum glucose levels by 18-29% in type 2 diabetes patients over 40 days.
Link: 10.2337/diacare.26.12.3215
2. Title: The Effect of Cinnamon on Glucose of Type II Diabetes Patients
This study demonstrated that cinnamon supplementation led to significant reductions in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels among type 2 diabetes patients.
Link: 10.1186/1472-6823-9-14
3. Title: Antioxidant Activity of Cinnamon Extracts
The study quantified the antioxidant capacity of cinnamon extracts, linking high levels of antioxidants to reduced oxidative stress and potential chronic disease prevention.
Link: 10.1021/jf0206584
4. Title: Anti-inflammatory Effects
This experimental study showed that cinnamaldehyde significantly reduced markers of inflammation in arthritis models, suggesting its potential therapeutic benefits for inflammatory diseases.
Link: 10.2147/JIR.S200407
5. Title: Cognitive Function and Neurological ProtectionThis animal study demonstrated that cinnamon extract improved memory performance and provided neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline associated with aging.
Link: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00089
