The Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon – The Spice of Life

Cinnamon is likely in your pantry right now and may be a benefit to your health !

Cinnamon has references throughout history for its antimicrobial and anti- fungal properties. In some older literature many thought it was able to fight of the plague. Numerous sources claim that it is  a anti-cancer, anti-aging and a powerful anti- oxidant.

What’s the evidence?

Should we be taking supplements?

How much and for what??

Let’s remember medicine started from herbs and plants so it makes sense that we have come full circle and can now look back and see what is may can do for our health.

Cinnamon and Diabetes

The strongest evidence rests with Diabetes. Two small studies show a reduction of blood sugar is type 2 diabetics taking 1 gram of cinnamon a day when compared to a group that took none. The amount of the blood sugar reduction was significant so that it was comparable to a oral diabetic drug. The problem? When you look at the study the design was good but it was too small – only 18 people in the study. Another similar study of 60 people showed a similar reduction in blood sugar as well as a  reduction in LDL cholesterol and trigycerides suggesting a heart benefit as well. The best part was that the doses in these studies were small – only 1 -3 teaspoons of cinnamon sprinkled on your food were needed daily. The FDA cautions against doses higher than 6 grams because of liver toxicity. Also, it is important to point out that not all cinnamon is the same.

Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon

There are two main types of Cinnamon – Ceylon which is milder, more expensive and comes from Sri Lanka and Cassia which is sweeter, more fragrant and comes from Cohina. Interestingly Cassia cinnamon is what we usually see in the united states on the shelves.  This form is not as good for us and also may contain more of the dangerous and toxic chemicals at higher doses. So it is worth it to get the Ceylon cinnamon if you are Diabetic. The American Diabetic Association does not recommend it despite these small studies showing a benefit.  A meta-analysis of 103 studies showed no impact on a patient’s hemoglobin A1C – a measure of the effectiveness of treatment over several months. I do recommend it to my diabetics – 1/2 a teaspoon sprinted on oatmeal or in your black coffee.

There is new research underway on the benefits of cinnamon on Alzheimer’s dementia and HIV.   One small study showed that it could prevent the virus from entering the cells which is similar to how the drug AZT works.

Cinnamon also contains polyphenols, flavanoids and phenolic acid. These are all compounds that can be important in reducing free radical damage and anti-aging.

The potential is high for this sweet-smelling spice. Just remember do not stop taking your current medications and there is still NO final, clear evidence for capsules or high dose cinnamon.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments !