Adding some spice to your life may do more than enhance the flavor of foods. Preliminary evidence indicates that the common spice cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels – a benefit for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. A study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care reported on people with type 2 diabetes who were given differing daily amounts of cinnamon (one, three or six-gram capsules). Regardless of the amount of cinnamon they received, the study group reduced their blood glucose levels by 18 to 29 percent compared to those receiving a placebo. They also experienced a reduction in their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol which would additionally lower cardiovascular risk.
If you are diabetic, consider adding at least one-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon to your foods or beverages twice daily and see what effect it has. Realize this may not be consistent or desirable for a lowering effect as overall studies show a dosage of 3-6 grams of cinnamon per day is needed for success. Start with a supplement dosage of 1 gram, three times a day with meals and track the results. If it works for you, cinnamon should be used as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, other medications and lifestyle measures such as metabolically active exercise like sprinting or weightlifting; a healthy diet that is low in all types of sweeteners and refined carbohydrates; and shedding extra pounds – all are proven ways to help control glucose levels.
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