Native to the South Asian region, Cinnamon derives its name from the arabic term amomon, meaning “fragrant spice” The unique health-giving properties of cinnamon come from the essential oils found in the bark of the cinnamon tree.
Cinnamon is one herb that has been studied extensively and these studies have confirmed its value in the management of type-II diabetes and heart disease. In an European study conducted to determine the effect of cinnamon on fasting glucose levels, results showed that daily supplementation with cinnamon significantly improved fasting glucose levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity. In another study sixty people with diabetes were treated with 1, to 6 grams of cinnamon in pill form daily. After 40 days, fasting blood-sugar levels were reduced by 18 to 29%, triglycerides (a type of cholesterol) by 23 to 30%, LDL (bad) cholesterol by 7 to 27%, and total cholesterol by 12 to 26%.In another recent study conducted in 2009, in patients who were either overweight or obese with impaired fasting glucose tolerance, daily cinnamon supplementation helps reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. Several other studies have further demonstrated the efficacy of cinnamon supplementation in the management of type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
On the basis of current evidence, it can safely be concluded that daily intake of cinnamon is an important value addition in the management of type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
Refs:
1. Hlebowicz J, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1552-6.
2. Khan A, et al. Diabetes Care. 2003; 26(12)”3215-8.
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