According to The Huffington Post, cinnamon may help diabetics control their glucose levels. The finding was based on a review of 10 trials that involved 543 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers compared those who took cinnamon supplements from 120 milligrams to six grams daily between four to 18 weeks with those who didn't. In six out of 10 trials, researchers used the supplement Cinnamomum cassia, which the participants drank before, during, or after their meals.
They found that those who drank additional cinnamon had lower levels of glucose. Those who did also enjoyed the additional benefit of lower LDL "bad" cholesterol levels, and higher HDL "good"cholesterol levels.It is believed that the compound cinnamaldehyde found in the spice may be responsible in stimulating and releasing insulin, effectively reducing blood sugar.
This may come as great news to diabetics, as cinnamon is easy to come by. However, proper diet, exercise, and medication are still necessary to keep their condition under control.
"It's not going to replace your diabetes medications, so if you're thinking about taking cinnamon [for diabetes control], definitely talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about it," Olivia Phung, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, concludes.
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