There has been a lot of talk on the relationship between cinnamon and diabetes, and whether this sweet smelling spice actually helps diabetics. Typically, cinnamon is used as a flavoring for desserts or as a scent that is used in candles and potpourri. However, cinnamon has a long history of use by humans, and today, various research studies have been carried out to find out if there really is any relation between cinnamon and diabetes. The results are quite intriguing, and some are even unbelievable, making cinnamon all that more interesting.
Traditional medicine
However, the medicinal benefits of cinnamon have not been discovered recently. In the past, cinnamon was used medicinally since ancient times. The spice was used in ancient India, Egypt, and China for medicinal purposes including the treatment of digestive ailments, gas, bloating, stomach upsets and diarrhea. More recent studies have proven that cinnamon has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, and slows down food spoiling, as well as having antifungal properties. One study showed that sniffing the spice results in improved brain function, though the study was never published. However, even more interesting research on the spice is that to do with cinnamon and diabetes.
Diabetics
For those who are insulin resistant and diabetic, it comes as good news that cinnamon actually helps with the condition. Several cinnamon and diabetes studies show that taking as little as half a teaspoon of cinnamon everyday can improve your insulin sensitivity as well as blood glucose control. With improved insulin resistance, weight control is not as difficult for diabetics. It may also help to decrease the risk of heart disease, which is great news for everyone, diabetic or otherwise. However, while the results of many preliminary studies are somewhat mixed, the general conclusion is that cinnamon and diabetes are actually related, and that there are health benefits of the same.
Caution
However, it is important to be cautious if you want to use cinnamon for medicinal purposes. While the relationship between cinnamon and diabetes is almost indisputable, it is also important to know that cinnamon is not for everyone. First, there are some people who are allergic to cinnamon, especially if you take it in larger portions than the recommended half-teaspoon. Negative reactions may occur in form of skin rashes, irritation to the tissues of the mouth or stomach. In addition, cinnamon has a slight anti-clot effect in the blood, but too much of it could cause bleeding problems.
Consultation
Cinnamon and diabetes are an area of growing interest, and research will continue to be carried out on the same. However, if you are planning in include cinnamon as part of your diabetic treatment it is important that you consult your doctor to be safe, especially if you have liver problems. It is also important to note that though cinnamon could have great health benefits, cinnamon supplements are classified as a food and not a drug, and it is advisable to pay close attention to your blood sugar levels when using cinnamon.