Diabetes is a disease that affects more and more people nowadays, and what is worse, the rate of diabetes among children is high too. Patients who suffer from diabetes take adequate medication to keep their blood sugar levels at bay, but certain foods can help with that too, and cinnamon is one of them.
Cinnamon is a popular spice used mostly in desserts and beverages. There are two varieties of cinnamon, Ceylon and cassia. Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of an evergreen tree. The bark is stripped down from the tree in small pieces that are then dried and used to obtain the spice.
Cinnamon has many medicinal properties and it can help with flatulence, hypertension, skin infections, arthritis and fatigue. Recent research has shown that it is very beneficial against diabetes too.
Diabetes and blood sugar levels
Diabetes is a disease that requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and more healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. The main factor in this disease is insulin. Insulin is produced in pancreas and its role is to help the body’s cells to convert glucose into energy.
People who are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes do not produce sufficient insulin, while in Type 2 diabetes the body produces enough insulin but it is not able to use it appropriately.
High levels of blood sugar occur due to ineffective insulin function and they can damage several organs, which is why it is important to maintain normal sugar levels.
Cinnamon and diabetes
After observing that people who eat a lot of cinnamon have fewer problems with their blood sugar levels, researches have focused on the properties of this spice, and they have found it contains and active ingredient that comprises of methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP). MHCP increases the insulin sensitivity by working on its receptors, and it promotes glycogen synthesis.
One specific study has found a strong link between Type 2 diabetes and cinnamon cassia powder. The participants in the study have eaten small amounts of cinnamon each day and their lowered their levels of blood sugar, as well of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Even though several studies have found cinnamon to be effective against diabetes, they did not conclude that this spice can treat diabetes entirely. People who have diabetes should not rely on cinnamon only, and they should use it as a supplement along with the medication their doctors prescribed.
Cinnamon can be added in small amounts to coffee, desserts, bagels, pretzels and many more, but if someone plans on using cinnamon pills for diabetes, it is best to consult with their doctor first, because this spice might interfere with medication for diabetes.
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