Cinnamon - Blood Sugar Normalizer - Digestive Aid

Cinnamon is amongst the oldest and most commonly used spices. Most of the science relating to blood sugar, however, has been using the common form of cinnamon and not the Chinese cinnamon - cassia. In using any spice, it is important to know what you are buying. Cinnamon has a long history of use not only for culinary purposes, but also for folk medicinal purposes. It has been used as a treatment for digestive disorders like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The German Commission E has approved cinnamon for use as a digestive aid. Cinnamon is known as a good antibacterial and antioxidant, which may also be reason for its use in foods and medicine. Cinnamon has been a favorite spice around the world for a millennia, not only because of its health benefits, but also because it flavors and preserves food. I use it in the making of porridge, along with diced apples and raisins.
Cinnamon has been in the news lately for the discovery of its insulin-like action and potential promise for treating type-2 diabetes. In addition, it is used to decrease blood glucose levels. It has already been identified as helpful in reducing triglycerides and cholesterol.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:
A well-published 2003 study examined the effect of cinnamon on 60 people with type-2 diabetes to determine how it influenced blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Participants were divided into six groups and given either placebo or 1, 3, or 6 grams of powdered cinnamon bark daily for 40 days. The authors concluded that the use of cinnamon reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type-2 diabetes. Based on this study, recommendations are to take half a teaspoon daily to significantly reduce blood sugar. The authors of the study suggest adding cinnamon to the foods you normally eat, not adding high-sugar and high-fat foods that contain cinnamon, such as pies and sweets.
A few other studies have focused on either cinnamon extracts or components in cinnamon. For example, to find out just how cinnamon was working to reduce blood sugar, an extract of cinnamon was tested in rats fed a high-fructose diet for three weeks. It was found that the administration of 300 mg of cinnamon extract per kilogram of body weight would prevent the development of insulin resistance by enhancing insulin signaling to the cells.
Another study was conducted on cinnamate, which is presumed to be an active component in cinnamon bark, to find out how it elicited its cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effects. In this study on rats, cinnamate was found to inhibit an enzyme in the rats’ livers, resulting in lower cholesterol levels. In addition, it was found to have antioxidant effects on membranes, possibly suggesting a use in protecting against certain degenerative diseases.
Cinnamon is best consumed in its whole-food form. The dosages used clinically for reducing blood sugar in the studies mentioned were 1 to 6 grams daily of dried and ground cinnamon bark. In order to supplement the diet, just a half teaspoon daily added to the regular diet should suffice. Other forms of cinnamon, such as cinnamon tea, may not be as effective.
Although more studies are needed to confirm cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar and cardiovascular health, it holds promise as a good and tasty preventive measure.

Update: (11/1/05) Diabetes - Surprise Protection - Cinnamon! A teaspoon a day can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes if you're at risk says Shari Lieberman, PhD. The proof: When USDA scientists gave 60 people with Type 2 diabetes cinnamon daily for 40 days, all experienced up to a 30% drop in blood sugar, fat and cholesterol levels.

Diarrhea! Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties combat diarrhea! Add one teaspoon to one cup of poiling water. Let steep 10 minutes, strain out the cinnamon and drink.