Cinnamon, or darchini in Urdu, is a common ingredient used to give food a unique flavor. The fragrant spice is a common component of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in addition to being used in cuisine. Of the various therapeutic benefits of cinnamon, its capacity to address diabetes is one of its most well-known effects. 

A blood sugar level that is abnormally high in the body is called diabetes. The ingested glucose eventually enters and remains in the bloodstream because the body is unable to digest it or make enough insulin. The blood sugar level rises as a result. Certain properties of cinnamon aid in regulating blood sugar levels. 

Although grocery stores carry a variety of cinnamon variations, they are often divided into two categories:

Ceylon: The priciest variety of cinnamon, also referred to as real cinnamon.

Cassia: This variety, which costs less, is present in the majority of foods that include cinnamon.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about cinnamon for diabetes and its impact on blood sugar management.

Cinnamon at a Glance

The inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree is where cinnamon is found. The bark of the tree spontaneously coils into quills that are referred to as cinnamon sticks when it is taken off the trunk and allowed to dry. The quills can be purchased whole or finely powdered. You can easily locate both varieties on the shelves of grocery stores and other locations that sell spices and cooking supplies.

Health benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon has been demonstrated to do the following in addition to controlling blood sugar and cholesterol:

• Possess a blood-clotting inhibitory impact
• Relieve arthritics’ discomfort
• Boost the immunological system of the body
• Halt yeast infections resistant to treatment
• Help with reducing indigestion
• Limit the growth of cancerous lymphoma and leukemia cells
• Food can be preserved by preventing bacterial development and spoiling.
• Be an excellent source of calcium, fiber, manganese, and iron, among other essential elements.

Using genuine cinnamon, also called Ceylon cinnamon, has been linked to most of these health advantages; this is not the case with cassia bark cinnamon, which is the species used in most diabetic studies.

Cinnamon for diabetes

How does cinnamon affect diabetes?

Cassia cinnamon, also known as cinnamon bark, may lower risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in persons with type 2 diabetes, according to findings from clinical research that was published in the Diabetes Care journal in 2003. 

After 40 days, it was demonstrated that a daily consumption of merely 1, 3, or 6 grams could lower the blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in 60 middle-aged diabetics.

According to a different study, even just 1g of cinnamon daily can improve insulin sensitivity and aid in the management or even cure of type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, 6 grams of cinnamon, without compromising satisfaction, considerably lowers postprandial blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and slows stomach emptying.

Numerous medical professionals assert that cinnamon has benefits for treating type 2 diabetes and regulating blood sugar due to the existing scientific evidence.

But keep in mind that, similar to many other natural substances, cinnamon has not yet received medical approval for the prevention or treatment of any illness.

How Is Cinnamon Useful For Managing Diabetes?

• It is well known that the spice encourages cells to take in glucose. Cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity, which aids glucose digestion by encouraging the pancreas to release more insulin. 

• It has some anti-diabetic ingredients that help slow down the pace at which our bodies absorb glucose. This aids those with Type-2 diabetes in preserving their fasting blood sugar levels.

• Enhancing the digestive tract is one way that cinnamon helps with diabetes. A healthy digestive tract processes, digests, and eliminates excess sugar to regulate blood sugar levels. 

How To Use Cinnamon To Deal With High Blood Sugar?

1. Drink Cinnamon Water

Drinking water flavored with cinnamon is the ideal way to take the spice for diabetes. Put a 2-inch piece of cinnamon bark in a glass of water to soak it. On an empty stomach, drink it first thing in the morning after leaving it overnight.

2. Sugar in Place of Cinnamon

With its subdued sweetness, cinnamon can be used to naturally sweeten a variety of sweets, including cakes, pies, and traditional Indian sweet dishes like kheer, halwa, and barfi. It can also be used as a healthy substitute for sugar in baking recipes.

3. Drink Cinnamon Tea Or Coffee

Add some cinnamon powder to your brewing coffee or use it to make spiced tea, or masala chai. Your hot cup of tea will taste better than ever thanks to the distinct flavor and several health benefits of cinnamon. 

4. Spice Up Your Oatmeal with Cinnamon

To enhance the nutritional value of your oats, add a pinch of cinnamon powder. You can also omit the sugar and honey; the flavor of cinnamon will enhance the flavor of your bowl of cereal and fruit.

Who should avoid cinnamon?

In addition to having fewer antioxidants than other plants, cinnamon has a high concentration of coumarin, a chemical compound that may be hazardous. Large doses of coumarin have been found in several tests on rats to be toxic to the liver, raising the possibility that coumarin may also harm livers in people.

As a result, 0.045 mg per pound (lb) or 0.1 mg per kilogram (kg) is the acceptable daily intake of coumarin determined by the European Food Safety Authority. For a 165-pound person, this translates to roughly half a teaspoon (2.5 g) of cinnamon daily based on average coumarin levels for Cassia.

Because cassia cinnamon has a high coumarin content, taking supplements containing cassia cinnamon or eating significant amounts of it in food can easily allow you to absorb more than the upper limit. It would be challenging to ingest more coumarin than is advised with Ceylon cinnamon because of its significantly lower coumarin content.

Keep in mind that there is no research on the long-term safety of cinnamon supplements for youngsters and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, before incorporating cinnamon into their daily routine, diabetics who take insulin or medicines should consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Regular consumption of cinnamon for diabetes may help with blood sugar management. However, it is advised to use discretion when determining how much spice to use. It is considered that 3-6 grams of cinnamon per day is sufficient to get its benefits.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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