Cinnamon: A Power-Packed Spice for Diabetics
Cinnamon is known for its spicy taste and comforting, warm scent, but did you know it also holds medical power for diabetics?
A study in Diabetic Medicine showed that cinnamon is a powerful natural agent for stabilizing blood sugar by controlling blood glucose. Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Combined with proper nutrition and exercise, cinnamon can help diabetics improve their health.
Here are five ways cinnamon can help your metabolism:
- Cinnamon improves the effectiveness of your body’s insulin while slowing the stomach’s emptying of food, thereby reducing sharp spikes in blood sugar following meals.
- Cinnamon includes a bioflavonoid called proanthocyanidin that may alter fat cells insulin-signaling activity. Cinnamon also has “insulin-like effects” thanks to a bioactive compound, making it a potential natural substitute.
- Cinnamon improves blood sugar regulation by increasing glucose metabolism by 20.
- Cinnamon enhances antioxidant defenses. According to a 2009 study, polyphenols from cinnamon might act as both insulin sensitizers and antioxidants, making them of special interest to overweight individuals with impaired fasting glucose.
- Cinnamon also supports digestive function, stimulates circulation with blood-thinning compounds, and relieves pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, among other health benefits.
Adding cinnamon to your diet is a cheap, healthy and flavorful way to prevent or combat type 2 diabetes. Holding diabetes at bay never tasted so good!