An ancient remedy in the East, cinnamon is starting to gain renown in the West. Valued for centuries for its ability to support digestion, stop bacterial growth, and soothe common cold symptoms, cinnamon is now known for many other health benefits.
Cinnamon has traditionally been available as a powder, stick, or essential oil. The “true” cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree.
Cinnamon is now available as a dietary supplement. Further research is necessary to prove all its benefits, but indications abound that cinnamon is a safe, cost-effective remedy for many health issues.
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Cinnamon Extract and Diabetes Cinnamon extract has introduced an exciting new front in diabetes research. A growing number of clinical studies indicate that water-soluble cinnamon extract lowers blood sugar levels. One possible reason for this ability to lower blood sugar is its bioact... more
Cinnamon extract has introduced an exciting new front in diabetes research. A growing number of clinical studies indicate that water-soluble cinnamon extract lowers blood sugar levels.
One possible reason for this ability to lower blood sugar is its bioactive nature. Cinnamon was shown in one study to be more powerful than 48 other plant, herb, and spice extracts’.
Studies show that cinnamon extract improves glucose metabolism and transport, aiding energy production, and activates insulin. In this way, cinnamon extract aids weight loss and even helps to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon extract also has potential as a natural method of restoring proper LDL in the body and regulating cholesterol levels.
Research on cinnamon’s effect on human brain function is developing. In one study, participants exposed to the smell or taste of cinnamon performed better in memory tests and processed information faster.
Another study revealed that cinnamon extract, taken orally by animals, actually corrected cognitive impairment connected with Alzheimer’s Disease. So it seems to be good for mental fitness!
Cinnamon extract has been found to lower systolic blood pressure and, in some studies, has even been linked to the death of tumor cells.
Widely known for its antiseptic nature, cinnamon oil appears in small amounts in many mouthwashes, toothpastes, detergents, and lotions. Chinese medicine traditionally values cinnamon oil for its pungent smell and ability to ease congestion and coughing. Cinnamon powder is believed to help prevent irritable bowel syndrome.
Because cinnamon extract hinders the oxidation of some foods, it could possibly serve as a food preservative. Additionally, cinnamon extract has been used in folk medicine to stimulate hair growth, since the extract causing a tingling sensation when applied to the scalp, increasing blood flow to the area.
Laboratory experiments suggest that cinnamon extract might possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
No consensus on dosages of cinnamon extract exists. A rule of thumb often prescribed is 6 to 8 milligrams per kilogram that a person weights.
For patients with diabetes, often just 1 to 1.5 grams of ground cinnamon or 80 milligrams of ethanol extract are prescribed, with no negative reactions reported. As a powder, though, cinnamon is less strong, and up to six or more grams of the powder can be taken safely each day. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon equals approximately 4 grams.
Cinnamon oil extract is much stronger and typically should only be consumed in just a few drops at a time, for just a few days in a row. An alternative to the fat-soluble cinnamon oil is its water-soluble cousin, which can be made at home using simple techniques.
People considered overweight, or in a pre-diabetes condition, with Metabolic Syndrome or low blood sugar, should consider taking cinnamon extract. Cinnamon extract cannot replace diabetes medicine for those already diagnosed with the condition.
The FDA considers cinnamon safe for general use and has not been shown to produce adverse reactions when consumed at normal amounts in food. Because of a lack of study in this area, pregnant or nursing women are advised not to use cinnamon extract in a large or standardized dose regularly unless directed to do so by a physician.
Cinnamon extract is suspected to act as a blood thinner in some cases and should be used with caution, especially by those using other blood thinners or experiencing clotting problems.
Although lab experiments show it to have an anti-inflammatory effect, cinnamon extract could cause inflammation of the mouth. It has also been linked to bronchial constriction, facial flushing, and skin rashes, especially when taken by someone allergic to it.
Taking extremely large amounts of cinnamon extract could lead to liver complications, due to the coumarin that exists naturally in cinnamon. Likewise, when taking cinnamon extract regularly, monitor your own blood sugar levels to ensure that they do not drastically drop.
Large quantities of cinnamon, of the bark and especially of the oil, can increase intestinal movement, breath, and heart rate for short amounts of time. This quickened body function is typically followed by a sort of sedation, including drowsiness and, in some cases, mild depression.
To locate and compare products containing cinnamon extract, use the supplement finder now!
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