Chapter 11 In the News
Diabetes
Cinnamon Helps Type 2 Diabetes
Cinnamon can improve glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood, according to a study conducted by Alam Khan, PhD, a researcher with the NWFP Agricultural University in
Peshawar, Pakistan. Khan’s study appeared in the December issue of Diabetes Care and demonstrates that in lab studies cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves have all shown promise in enhancing insulin reaction.
This is the first study to pin down the effects of cinnamon. Cinnamon extracts can increase glucose metabolism, triggering insulin release that also affect glucose metabolism. Groups that took a little less than one teaspoon of cinnamon per day had reduced blood glucose levels of 18% to 29%. Participants taking lower amounts had no significant difference. In groups taking cinnamon, blood cholesterol levels also went down by as much as 26%. Cinnamon should be part of the daily diet for persons with type 2 diabetes but more than a sprinkle is needed.
Reference; WebMD- Cinnamon Helps Type 2 diabetes, by Jeanie Lerche Davis. WebMD
Medical News-1/26/2004