The Healing Power of Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for centuries, both as a spice and as an herbal medicine.  There has been much debate on the healing power of cinnamon.  Some experts believe that cinnamon may be used to treat a wide array of diseases.  Most of the studies have been performed on animals.

The most promising studies have been the use of cinnamon to treat type 2 diabetes.  The effect of cinnamon either increases insulin sensitivity and/or slows the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.  One or both of those effect will lower your blood sugar thus helping control type 2 diabetes.

There has also been studies showing the effects of cinnamon as an antioxidant.  The antioxidants in cinnamon appear to attack free radicals similar to the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.  Another study has even shown cinnamon to lower blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure.

The evidence seems to indicate that adding cinnamon to your diet will improve your health.  But more human studies are needed to establish better protocol and dosage amounts.  Currently, most experts believe adding 2 to 4 teaspoons of cinnamon per day would be enough to benefit your health.  This amount of cinnamon could easily be added to your tea, oatmeal, toast, cereal, etc.  Happy Health!!

Source: Gruenwald et al, Cinnamon and Health, 2010