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Cinnamon and Diabetes
Cinnamon is a sweet but pungent spice that is derived from the inner bark of the branches of wild cinnamon trees, which grow in tropical areas across Southeast Asia, South America and the Caribbean.
The use of cinnamon dates back thousands of years and was highly prized among many ancient civilisations.
Cinnamo, often used in cooking and baking, is increasingly being linked to improvements in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes mellitus.
Research has suggested that cinnamon can help to improve blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
How does cinnamon affect diabetes?
- Have an anti-clotting effect on the blood
- Relieve pain in arthritis sufferers
- Boost the body’s immune system
- Stop medication-resistant yeast infections
- Help in relieving indigestion
- Reduce the proliferation of leukaemia and lymphoma cancer cells
- Preserve food by inhibiting bacterial growth and food spoilage
- Be a great source of vital nutrients, including calcium, fibre, managanese and iron
The majority of these health benefits are associated with use of true cinnamon (also known as Ceylon cinnamon) and not cassia bark cinnamon, which is the species involved in most diabetes research.
From where can I buy cinnamon?
In the UK, cinnamon is sold in many forms, including cinnamon sticks, powder, tea, oil and tablet supplements (cinnamon extract). These products can be found in most health stores and Asian food shops, as well as in larger supermarkets.