Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar.. Study Reveals
Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Interest in natural solutions to support health is growing, with cinnamon emerging as a common ingredient believed to offer benefits beyond merely flavoring food.
Beyond its traditional use in cooking, cinnamon has begun to attract scientific attention for its potential role in helping to regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in certain groups. But how accurate are these benefits? And how might incorporating cinnamon into the daily diet affect health?
Cinnamon has long been used to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular and nervous system health. Today, it is also valued for its distinctive flavor and its potential role in helping to regulate blood sugar levels and assist with weight management, according to Verywell Health.
Research suggests that cinnamon, derived from the bark of cinnamon trees, may help lower blood sugar levels. Extensive studies have shown that, over time, it can reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels by approximately 0.1 percent, and lower fasting blood sugar by about 11 mg/dL in individuals with type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
However, some other studies indicate that cinnamon’s effect on lowering HbA1c may be limited or inconsistent, meaning results are not uniform across all research.
On the other hand, cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index, which reflects how well the body responds to insulin.
Reduced insulin sensitivity (also known as insulin resistance) is a key factor associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.
It is worth noting that most studies examining cinnamon’s effect on blood sugar levels have focused on individuals with type 2 diabetes, while its benefits for non-diabetic individuals remain insufficiently clear.
How might cinnamon contribute to lowering blood sugar levels?
Cinnamon is believed to affect blood sugar levels through several potential mechanisms, including:
- Enhancing feelings of fullness, which may help reduce food intake.
- Lowering post-meal glucose levels by slowing carbohydrate digestion.
- Delaying gastric emptying, thereby limiting rapid spikes in blood sugar after eating.
Studies have used varying doses of cinnamon, ranging from 0.5 to 6 grams per day, equivalent to approximately less than a quarter teaspoon to about two and a third teaspoons.
Practically, adding between half a teaspoon and one teaspoon of cinnamon daily to food, spread throughout the day, can be part of a balanced diet.
To observe any potential effect on lowering blood sugar levels, it is recommended to consume cinnamon regularly for at least eight weeks, keeping in mind that its effect remains supportive and does not replace medical treatment or specialized health guidance.
