According to the American Diabetes Association, there are currently 17 million Americans suffering from diabetes- 90-95% of which are type II, which is the inability to properly use insulin. It has been discovered that diabetes tends to be genetic, so those with family members diagnosed with the disease are at risk. Luckily, several studies have been conducted which suggest that consumption of cinnamon can be a key to reducing vulnerability.
In 2003, a study was conducted in Pakistan to determine whether or not cinnamon could help diabetic patients. Along with a daily regimen that included diabetic medication, 30 men and 30 women were given anywhere between 1, 3, and 6 mg of cinnamon daily for 40 days. After 40 days, all levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels. Changes in HDL cholesterol were not significant and members of the placebo group did not notice significant changes. Even 20 days after the study, benefits were noted (Ali Khann).
This study can be viewed at the following website.(http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/12/3215)
Furthermore, it was discovered that the active ingredient responsible for mimicing insulin is MHCP- methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (www.holforddiet.com/content.asp). This chemical is also a powerful antioxidant. Thus, it can safely be said that a natural form of insulin can be consumed in a variety of different forms. Tea, softgel tablets, oil,and the natural spice in either stick or ground form all offer this water-soluble chemical compound.
Along with helping counteract the effects of diabetes, cinnamon is known to aid in digestion. It has been said that King Solomon used to use cinnamon to cure his indigestion and many are looking to this aromatic spice to help with cramps, diarrhea, nausea and flatulence. This may be in part to its use as an antiseptic- it is commonly used to prevent food from spoiling. Tea is the recommended form of ingestion if the target problem is digestion.
Finally, cinnamon has been noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. The US Department of Agriculture has conducted research on this topic. Medicinalnewstoday.com states that cinnamon blocks inflammation, giving it potential to prevent arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
Whether you use cinnamon in your morning cereal or sprinkle it in your morning java, cinnamon is a natural and effective way of staying healthy. If the taste does not agree with you, try taking it in its supplemental form. Many vitamin and healthfood stores offer bottles, usually in counts of 100, ranging from 50 mg to 1000 mg.
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