Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles have found that consuming approximately a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can significantly lower blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes, potentially preventing the onset of diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. High blood sugar can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and infections. The study involved 18 overweight or obese adults diagnosed with prediabetes and the participants were then divided into two groups: one group took a cinnamon capsule, while the other took a placebo. The group taking the cinnamon supplement showed significantly lower blood sugar levels and smaller glucose peaks compared to those taking the placebo. A registered dietitian nutritionist cautioned that larger studies are still necessary to confirm these findings.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, involved 18 overweight or obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 who had been diagnosed with prediabetes. The participants were put on a diet low in polyphenols for the first two weeks, after which they were divided into two groups. Each group took 16 capsules per day, either containing cinnamon or a placebo. The researchers monitored the participants’ blood sugar levels using continuous glucose monitors and found that those who took cinnamon had consistently lower glucose levels compared to the placebo group. The study also suggested that cinnamon could encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome, which may influence glucose levels. However, the researchers noted that the study’s small sample size may not be representative of all individuals with prediabetes and obesity.
This study is not the first to suggest a potential link between cinnamon and lower blood sugar levels. A 2020 study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that taking cinnamon supplements with a meal was shown to lower the likelihood of developing diabetes after three months. In addition to its potential benefits for blood sugar control, cinnamon is also known for its high levels of polyphenols and compounds like cinnamaldehyde and catechins, which can boost insulin’s ability to connect with cells and reduce harmful inflammation. Cinnamon extract has also been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems in both Eastern and Western medicine for years and is believed to increase blood flow and improve blood oxygen levels to help fight off illness.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other health issues. The global rise in type 2 diabetes cases is largely attributed to factors such as obesity, with experts estimating that the number of diabetes cases will more than double by the year 2050. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, with dietary factors playing a significant role in the rise of the condition. The American diet, high in sugar and processed foods, is known to contribute to the risk of developing diabetes.
Cinnamon is a popular and abundant household spice that is known to have medicinal and soothing properties. It contains large amounts of plant antioxidants that help protect the body from disease and has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used in Chinese herbal medicine and contains essential oils that display antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Additionally, cinnamon has been suggested to reduce blood pressure and ease digestive discomfort.
