Cinnamon is a well known cooking and baking ingredient, popular for its sweet and spicy flavour. But did you know that cinnamon also holds some of the highest antioxidant properties of any spice? As a result, the benefits cinnamon offers go much further than taste and aroma. Cinnamon has been shown to steady blood sugar levels and to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Many people also find it to be a beneficial weight loss aid.
Cinnamon is taken from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. This aromatic spice naturally contains beneficial levels of iron, manganese, calcium, and flavonoids. It is also a source of dietary fibre. For cinnamon supplements, the bark is dried and ground into powder form.
The origin of cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man. It derives from Cinnamomum Zeylanicum; a small tree that originated in Sri Lanka, and has since been grown in various tropical regions around the world, including Brazil and India.
The use of cinnamon for medicinal purposes dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptian period and was even mentioned in the Bible and the Qu’ran. During the Roman period, cinnamon was considered so valuable for its medicinal purposes that it was 15 times more costly than silver.
In the modern world there are two main types of cinnamon available. Ceylon Cinnamon is often referred to as ‘true cinnamon’ that originated from Sri Lanka. It is generally purer and more expensive. Cassa Cinnamon is generally considered to be a lower quality cinnamon that derives from China.
Blood sugar & cholesterol levels
Cinnamon supplements show much promise in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is thought that cinnamon inhibits the action of certain digestive enzymes, which are known to increase the rate glucose enters the blood. This helps to reduce ‘spikes’ and ‘crashes’ in blood sugar levels.
A 2003 study involved participants with type 2 diabetes. Researchers split participants into four sub-groups. They were instructed to take either 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon or a placebo daily. Those supplementing with cinnamon split their total daily intake into three smaller doses, which were taken with meals. This continued over a 40 day period. At the end of the trial, findings showed that all participants supplementing with cinnamon had:
- reduced fasting blood glucose by 18 to 29%
- reduced triglycerides by 23 to 30%
- reduced LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27%
- reduced total cholesterol by 12 to 26%
Indigestion
The volatile oils in cinnamon help to keep gastric juices flowing through the stomach. They may offer some relief from spasms that cause bile from the stomach to travel back up the oesophagus. Cinnamon may also help to reduce bloating after eating.
Infections
Preliminary studies suggest that the volatile oils within cinnamon may offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits. As a result, they show promise in helping to fight internal infections and boosting the immune system. This may also help to enhance energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. One study found that cinnamon helps to destroy the fungus Candida albican, which causes yeast infections and thrush.
Weight loss
Cinnamon supplements can be a valuable tool for natural weight loss. Their ability to regulate insulin means blood sugar levels remain steady during the fasting periods between meals. As a result, the body does not suffer from ‘crashes’ in energy that occur when blood sugar levels drop. This can also help to curb food cravings. ‘Spikes’ in blood sugar levels also cause the body to increase its storage of fat. By reducing these ‘spikes’, cinnamon supplements may help to lower the body’s metabolism of sugar into fat.
When should I take cinnamon supplements?
Cinnamon supplements are most effective when taken alongside food to reduce the ‘spikes’ in blood sugar that occur straight after a meal. When taking cinnamon supplements try to split your total daily intake into smaller doses, so that you can take some with lunch and some with your evening meal. Ideally, try not to take cinnamon first thing in the morning as your blood sugar levels will already be low.
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, then consult with a medical profession prior to starting any supplement regime. Cinnamon supplements are not advised during pregnancy.
At 2000mg, our Super Strength Cinnamon supplement offers one of the highest strengths available on the market. We have sourced the finest Ceylon Cinnamon extracts for use in this premium-grade supplement. More.
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