Balance Your Blood Sugar With Cinnamon Tea
There are approximately 29 million people living with diabetes in the United States thats nearly 10 percent of the population. With obesity rates reaching an all-time high, its frightening to know that around 90 to 95 percent of all diagnoses are type 2 meaning lifestyle factors play a significant role.
Whats even more frightening is that one out of three American adults is currently living with prediabetes and 90 percent of these individuals are unaware that they have it. For those who are borderline diabetic, if they do not change their lifestyle habits, 15 to 30 percent of this population will develop diabetes within five years.
Once you do develop this disease, its too late. There is no cure and although symptoms can be managed, serious complications can arise from heart disease and kidney failure to blindness and the loss of limbs. To avoid these serious complications, you need to take preventative measures far before any issues arise.
Cinnamon: the all-natural blood sugar balancer
In order to reduce your risk of insulin resistance while maintaining your overall health, you need to make good decisions on a daily basis. That means changing current habits and routines instead of reaching for a soda with lunch, drink water. Instead of eating processed foods, opt for whole food options. Instead of chowing down a piece of cake after dinner, drink cinnamon tea.
Exclusive: Reduce Arthritis Pain And 20 Other Benefits Of Cinnamon
Ingredients
Final Words: Should You Consume Cinnamon For Diabetes Prevention
Cinnamon is a sweet spice that has health benefits for diabetic patients and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon, typically used in cooking and baking, has been linked to enhancements in the treatment of conditions, including diabetes mellitus.
Research has concluded that cinnamon can improve blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity.
The consumption of organic food is highly recommended by health experts and nutritionists, as it can safeguard your children and family from cancer-inducing pesticides sprayed on the farm.
Is Pork Bad For Diabetics
Eating even small amounts of red meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, may increase the risk of diabetes. A 2020 study showed that eating just 50 g red meat or fish each day can raise diabetes risk by 11%. Also, people with diabetes should consider avoiding or limiting the intake of: breaded, fried, and high-sodium meats.
Read Also: Symptoms When Blood Sugar Is High
Ceylon Vs Cassia: Which Is Better
Cinnamon is typically grouped into two different types Ceylon and Cassia.
Cassia cinnamon can be derived from a few different species of Cinnamomum trees. Its generally inexpensive and is found in most food products and the spice aisle of your grocery store.
Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is specifically derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree. Its typically more expensive and is less common than Cassia, but studies have shown that Ceylon cinnamon contains more antioxidants .
Because it contains more antioxidants, its possible that Ceylon cinnamon may provide more health benefits.
Nevertheless, although several animal and test-tube studies have highlighted the benefits of Ceylon cinnamon, most studies demonstrating health benefits in humans have used the Cassia variety .
Summary:
Both varieties of cinnamon likely lower blood sugar and fight diabetes, but studies in humans are still needed to confirm that Ceylon provides more benefits than Cassia.
Cinnamon Offers Many Medicinal Properties And One Of The Most Prominent Ones Is Its Ability To Deal With The Problem Of Diabetes
- Consuming cinnamon regularly may be beneficial for managing diabetes
- It contains some anti-diabetic compounds that lower blood sugar level
- Here some great ways of including cinnamon in your regular diet
Cinnamon is widely used to add a distinct flavour to various dishes. The aromatic spice is not just a part of the culinary world, but is also a popular ingredient in ancient Ayurveda healing practices. Cinnamon offers many medicinal properties and one of the most prominent ones is its ability to deal with the problem of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that refers to unusually high amount of blood sugar in the body. The body is unable to produce enough insulin and process the glucose consumed, which eventually enters and stays in the bloodstream. This leads to spike in the blood sugar level. Cinnamon has certain qualities that help in maintaining the sugar level.
Cinnamon is known to control high blood sugar level
Read Also: Can A Diabetic Eat Macaroni And Cheese
Statistical Methods And Data Analysis
Data are presented as Mean ± SD or percentage. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software . The normal distribution of the variable was checked by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Qualitative variables, such as physical activity, were analyzed using Chi-square test. For comparison of variables before and after the intervention within each group, paired t test was used. Significant differences between groups were determined by using an independent t test. Statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.
Dont Have Time To Read
- Cinnamon is not full of vitamins or minerals. It is a rich source of antioxidants and antibacterial properties that help lower blood sugar levels.
- If you have diabetes, consume 12 teaspoons of cinnamon powder or stick to control your diabetes.
- If you have high sugar levels, consult your doctor before taking cinnamon in your diet. Overconsuming cinnamon may have an adverse impact.
- Use Phable Care App to consult Indias leading diabetologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate Accu-Chek instant and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Lets treat diabetes together.
Recommended Reading: Low Diabetes Symptoms
Cinnamon For Cholesterol Levels
Reducing cholesterol/ lipid levels is another proposed benefit of cinnamon.
And indeed, research indicates cinnamon supplementation 3 g/day for 8 weeks helps lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, with no major influence on HDL cholesterol.
Another review confirmed that supplementing with cinnamon for 4 to 12 weeks may help lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. And even help improve HDL.
Since diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, any natural substance that can help is worth including in your routine, especially since cinnamon can even be included in your everyday eating routine, too.
Cinnamon has also been shown to tackle high blood pressure, another heart disease risk factor.
How Much Ceylon Cinnamon Should I Take
The quantity and proper dosing dramatically depend on various factors. This includes the age, health condition of the consumer, and his metabolic functions. Until today, there has been no study quantifying the scientifically approved dosage of Ceylon cinnamon. SugarMD brand uses 750 mg of Ceylon cinnamon which is a conservative yet effective dose for Ceylon cinnamon.
Natural and organic products may be safe, but the dosing should be adjusted accordingly. When taken in large amounts, it may still cause an untoward reaction. When taking this, consumers should follow product labels.
Also Check: Clinical Manifestation Of Hyperglycemia
Cinnamon And Blood Sugar
Research looking at the potential effects of cinnamon on blood sugar levels suggest the spice may be beneficial in two ways. The first is by having an insulin-like effect in the bodyin other words, triggering cells to remove glucose from the blood. The second is by increasing the activity of the transporter proteins that move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells.
Conclusive studies investigating the use of cinnamon in managing diabetes are lacking. Those that do exist are contradictory, with some showing significant positive effects and others showing little to no effect.
However, there have been some positive findings. The conclusions tend to be limited given the small size of the studies. Others are simply poorly designed.
Among the positive findings, a 2013 meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials concluded that ingesting cinnamon can, in fact, lower fasting blood sugars. The analysis also found that cinnamon had a positive effect on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Cinnamon And 8 Other Herbs That Balance Your Blood Sugar
If you feel like the day is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, which leaves you dragging your butt to the coffee machine and constantly fighting cravings, dont worry, youre not alone. Nor are you weak, getting old, or just plain crazy.
Its time to stop fighting with your body and end the feeling of never having enough energy to face the day. How can we do that? By balancing blood sugar!
The fact is, the human body isnt well designed to handle the frequency and quantity of carbohydrate and sugar consumption in todays modern diet. These high glycemic index foods send blood sugar sky-high, prompting a surge of insulin released by the pancreas. The insulin is needed to usher glucose out of the blood and into cells. This occurs to reduce the level of sugar in the blood.
This system is adequate for the small, occasional amounts of sugar and carbohydrates that our ancestors consumed. But when you eat a bagel, a bran muffin or a fruit smoothie for breakfast, your system gets overloaded. Insulin is constantly pumped into the bloodstream in an effort to keep blood sugar in the normal range. With this constant barrage of insulin, the cells get desensitized and the insulin is no longer effective. This condition is called insulin resistance, and it is the first step toward developing type 2 diabetes.
When blood sugar and insulin are chronically high, the body gets inflamed,hormones are thrown out of whack, and we feel tired, moody and fraught with cravings.
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Cumin
You May Like: Bad Effects Of Insulin
Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar Levels And Has A Powerful Anti
Cinnamon is well known for its blood-sugar-lowering properties.
Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms.
First, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal.
It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your digestive tract (
The effective dose is typically 16 grams or around 0.52 teaspoons of cinnamon per day.
For more information on how you can lower your blood sugar levels, check out 15 easy ways to lower blood sugar levels naturally.
Summary
Cinnamon has been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar levels, having a potent anti-diabetic effect at 16 grams or 0.52 teaspoons per day.
How To Choose A Cinnamon Supplement
The two different types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon , have similar health benefits. Unfortunately, most studies dont specify what type of cinnamon they use.
However, some evidence suggests Cassia may lead to liver problems when taken in large amounts, so for safety reasons, Ceylon cinnamon supplements do seem to be the best choice.
Don’t Miss: Hypoglycemia Metformin
Which Cinnamon Is Better For Blood Sugar
In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar and insulin tend to spike after meals. Insulin is often present, sometimes even plentiful, in type 2 diabetes, but it isnt efficient. There is a bewildering array of prescription drugs designed to improve the action of insulin there are also some non-drug approaches that may be helpful. You may have heard that cinnamon can help, but which cinnamon works best?
Add It To Indian Curries
Well, this is already a common way to use cinnamon in our kitchens. Saute a small cinnamon stick with other dry spices like cloves and peppercorns to make flavoursome curries.
Consuming cinnamon regularly may be beneficial for managing diabetes. However, it is recommended to exercise moderation while picking up the quantity of the spice. It is believed that 3-6 grams of cinnamon in a day is enough to avail its benefits.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
You May Like: Metformin Glipizide Combination Side Effects
How To Eat Cinnamon To Lower Blood Sugar While On Diabetic Medicine
Although a sprinkle of cinnamon on your breakfast cereal may not be an effective tool for lowering glucose levels, cinnamon extract, taken in capsule form, might improve blood glucose levels. Taking at least 1g, but no more than 6g of cinnamon daily might reduce fasting glucose levels by almost 30 percent and reduce triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels as well. Because cinnamon may have a drastic effect on your diabetes, always consult your doctor before adding cinnamon to your diet as part of your diabetes treatment plan. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely, as you may have to decrease your diabetes medication.
Use cassia cinnamon, the most common variety sold in the U.S. — although it’s grown in Central America, Indonesia and China — rather than Ceylon cinnamon.
Add cinnamon to your diet gradually. Start with 1g daily and take it gradually throughout the day, rather than taking it all at once. Record your glucose levels and note any changes to discuss with your doctor. Do not stop or alter your current diabetes medications without consulting your physician.
Gradually increase the amount of cinnamon in your diet, constantly monitoring your glucose levels. Researchers are not sure why cinnamon affects glucose levels, and several studies have shown mixed results. Diabetes Health reports that “data regarding cinnamons efficacy in reducing glucose levels in patients with diabetes is inconsistent at best.”
Tips
Warnings
Ceylon Cinnamon The Spice Every Diabetic Should Consider
Cinnamon is probably one of the most famous spices used throughout the world. People from all walks of life have used this as a seasoning for both sweet and savory dishes. However, one must not be fooled because this universal spice not only tastes good but also bring a lot of benefits to the table, especially this type of cinnamon called Ceylon Cinnamon.
Recommended Reading: Diabetes Rash On Stomach
How Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar And Fights Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease characterized by abnormally high blood sugar.
If poorly controlled, it can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney disease and nerve damage .
Treatment often includes medications and insulin injections, but many people are also interested in foods that can help lower blood sugar.
One such example is cinnamon, a commonly used spice thats added to sweet and savory dishes around the world.
It provides many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar and help manage diabetes.
This article tells you everything you need to know about cinnamon and its effects on blood sugar control and diabetes.
How Does Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar
Polyphenols are a type of compound found in many plants and its the polyphenols found in cinnamon that have been proposed to help with diabetes in several ways.
Polyphenols in cinnamon:
- assist the insulin receptors in beta cells respond more efficiently
- enhance insulin signaling
- improve glucose transport into cells
- improve glycogen storage
- may directly target insulin resistance
- delay stomach emptying, which balances hormonal chains involved in glucose regulation
- modulate liver enzymes and suppress the activity of genes that promote inflammation, fat storage, and oxidative stress
- may positively influence the gut microbiome and improve gut function
Don’t Miss: Normal Dose Of Metformin
Other Health Benefits Of Cinnamon For Diabetes
- Cinnamon is used for medicinal purposes as it has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- It helps to reduce high blood pressure.
- Cinnamon bark oil treats digestive imbalance and flatulence. The powerful spice increases blood flow and oxygen levels to combat an illness.
- Some studies suggest that it can help prevent Alzheimers disease.
- Experts have seen cinnamon to help prevent multiple sclerosis.
It Lowers Fasting Blood Sugar And May Decrease Hemoglobin A1c
Several controlled studies have demonstrated that cinnamon is excellent at reducing fasting blood sugar.
One review of 543 people with type 2 diabetes found taking it was associated with an average decrease of over 24 mg/dL .
While these study results are pretty clear, studies investigating its effects on hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, have yielded conflicting results.
Some studies report significant decreases in hemoglobin A1c, while others report no effect (
Summary:
Cinnamon can lower blood sugar following meals, possibly by slowing stomach emptying and blocking digestive enzymes.
Also Check: Diabetes Cottage Cheese
Adding Cinnamon To Your Diet
In addition to adding cinnamon to your food, there are also cinnamon supplements that you can buy online and at nutritional supplements stores. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of these supplements, although some manufacturers recommend 2,000 milligrams per day.
An April 2019 review in Clinical Nutrition reported that the most common side effects from cinnamon consumption include gastrointestinal symptoms and allergic reactions. Side effects tended to be transient and improve on their own treatment was stopped.
Cinnamon may be unsafe to use with medications or supplements known to reduce sugar levels, such as alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and psyllium.
That said, adding reasonable amounts of cinnamon to food isn’t likely to be harmful. In studies that found cinnamon had a positive effect on blood sugar levels, subjects ingested the equivalent of one teaspoon per day amounts small enough to easily work into a regular diet simply by sprinkling it on morning oatmeal, adding it to a chili recipe, or sipping it in tea.
As with all dietary supplements, it should be noted that supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Since much more research is needed to prove cinnamon’s effectiveness in reducing glucose levels, the American Diabetes Society does not endorse using cinnamon supplements to manage diabetes.
Can You Have Too Much
When used in moderation, cinnamon is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of side effects.
However, research shows that high amounts of the spice cassia cinnamon in particular can cause several adverse symptoms. This is due to the presence of a compound called coumarin, which has been shown to damage the liver in large amounts.
While Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts, cassia cinnamon is much higher in coumarin. Excess consumption of the coumarin found in cassia cinnamon has also been linked to other health problems, including an increased risk of cancer development.
Because of its anti-diabetic properties, cinnamon may also contribute to low blood sugar levels, especially if you take blood sugar-lowering medications already. Cinnamon consumption has also been associated with breathing problems and mouth sores in some people.
This spice is not known to cause negative reactions or allergies, especially when used in small amounts the way that it most commonly is. At times, when taking extract supplements or using cinnamon essential oil, its possible to take too much, which can interfere with other medicines and medical conditions.
Additionally, if youre using cinnamon essential oil, you might also want to test a small patch of your skin to first check for irritation and allergic reactions before using larger amounts to prevent negative side effects or allergic reactions.
Related: What Is Allspice? Benefits, Uses, Substitutes & More
Read Also: Symptoms And Complications Of Uncontrolled Diabetes Include All Of The Following Except