Versatile Health Benefits of Cinnamon!

Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes

There have been several published scientific studies (randomized placebo-controlled trials) of cinnamon in patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. In a majority of these studies, results showed that cinnamon reduced blood sugar more than the placebo. There is a biochemical explanation of why cinnamon works this way and it involves glucose, insulin and insulin receptors. Glucose is a simple sugar that circulates in the blood. All cells depend on it for energy, so glucose needs a way to get from the blood stream and into cells. Insulin is a hormone that also circulates in the bold. When insulin attaches to structures on the outside of cells called insulin receptors, it’s as if the doors to the cell swing open and glucose is allowed in. In people with type 2 diabetes, cells resist this effect of insulin, so glucose doesn’t get into cells and builds up in the blood instead. Cinnamon contains several chemicals that stimulate insulin receptors so glucose can get into cells and that means levels in the blood go down. There’s some debate about which chemicals are the critical ones. Source: "Harvard Health Letter September 2009" Other Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
• In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.
• In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
• It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
• In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
• When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
• One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
• Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
• It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

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