Use Cinnamon to Improve Fat Storing Hormone Resistance and Diabetes

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 03/22/2024

Living with diabetes is difficult, and those struggling with this condition should be informed about all the possible remedies available for their use.

Learn about the little known effects of cinnamon on blood sugar control and how it can help with diabetes management.

The Power of Cinnamon in Managing Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Imagine a common spice sitting on your kitchen shelf, holding the potential to manage diabetes. This isn't fiction; it's science-backed fact.

Understanding the Role of Cinnamon in Potentiating Insulin

Cinnamon is more than just an aromatic addition to our dishes.

Recent diabetes research reveals that cinnamon improves blood glucose levels significantly. In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, regular consumption can help lower fasting serum glucose concentrations.

Astonishingly enough, this humble spice has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity. Adding cinnamon to your diet could decrease your reliance on heavy-duty diabetes medications.

How High ORAC Value Contributes to Blood Sugar Management

You might be wondering: how does cinnamon achieve these effects?

The answer lies within its high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value - a measure of antioxidant potency. Studies have suggested that antioxidants are crucial in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels by combating oxidative stress associated with elevated sugars.

Packed full of polyphenols and flavonoids- potent antioxidants- consuming even half a teaspoon daily reduces serum glucose concentration effectively over time. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for managing both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus conditions.

close up cinnamon

Different Types of Cinnamon - Which One to Choose?

When managing diabetes mellitus, not all cinnamon is created equal. The two main types, Cassia and Ceylon, have distinct characteristics affecting their efficacy in monitoring blood sugar.

A Closer Look at Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon, often called 'false' or 'Chinese', is most commonly found on supermarket shelves. This type can help lower fasting serum glucose levels due to its high coumarin content.

This makes Cassia a popular choice for those looking for an affordable way to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus with natural remedies.

Unveiling Health Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon

Cinnamon is less common but offers unique health benefits. This includes potent antioxidant properties, which may increase insulin sensitivity. While studies are ongoing, early findings suggest that adding this spice to your diet could support healthy blood sugar levels.

It's also worth noting that, unlike Cassia, Ceylon contains far less coumarin, making it safer for regular consumption. Now, you might be wondering:

Incorporating More Cinnamon Into Your Diet

There are many easy ways to include cinnamon in your diet to benefit from its potential health attributes.

Easy Ways to Add More Cassia/Ceylon To Your Meals

The first step in harnessing the power of cinnamon is adding it to your meals. Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon both have unique flavors that can enhance various dishes.

  • Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to yogurt for breakfast. This enhances flavor and helps manage fasting blood sugar levels throughout the day.

  • You could stir some into coffee or tea, making them flavorful while simultaneously reaping their health benefits.

  • Toss vegetables like kale and spinach with olive oil and a pinch of cassia/cinnamon before roasting them for an aromatic twist.

Precautions When Using Natural Remedies Like Cinnamon For Diabetes Control

Natural remedies like cinnamon have shown promising results in managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exercise caution and observe specific guidelines when adding natural remedies, such as cinnamon, to your routine for managing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Potential Interactions with Diabetes Medications

Specific interactions can occur between cinnamon supplements and conventional diabetes medications.

This is because both aim to lower blood sugar levels. If you're already on medication for controlling your fasting serum glucose levels, adding a potent supplement like Ceylon or Cassia cinnamon extract might cause an excessive drop in blood sugar - known as hypoglycemia.

The Importance of Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring

Incorporating natural substances such as true cinnamon into your diet necessitates regularly monitoring fasting blood sugar levels. It helps ensure that the addition isn't causing any drastic fluctuations that could be harmful over time.

Blood sugar monitoring devices are widely available, making this process easier.

Selecting High-Quality Cinnamon Supplements

Not all dietary supplements are created equal; some may contain contaminants or not provide the claimed benefits due to poor quality control during manufacturing processes.

To avoid these issues while selecting a suitable brand offering high-quality Ceylon or cassia cinnamon capsules, consider checking third-party testing certifications from organizations like NSF International or the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP).

  1. Maintain appropriate dosage: While studies show consuming up to six grams daily reduces serum glucose significantly without side effects for most people, individual tolerance varies greatly.

  2. Avoid if pregnant: Due to its potential impact on uterine contractions, women who are expecting should refrain from using large amounts.

  3. Beware allergenic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions upon ingesting even small quantities - symptoms include skin rash and difficulty breathing among others.

Ketogenic foods

Oatmeal and Cinnamon for Keto and Diabetes

Oatmeal is a food with a moderate to high carbohydrate content, making it generally unsuitable for both the ketogenic diet and for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan that aims to induce ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Oatmeal's carbohydrate content can disrupt ketosis and hinder the keto diet's effectiveness. So, while it may seem that cinnamon and oatmeal is the best start to your day, in reality it is not an acceptable breakfast.

For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. Foods with high carbohydrate content, like oatmeal, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

To maintain stable blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes typically need to limit their intake of high-carb foods, including oatmeal.

Instead of oatmeal, people following a keto diet can choose low-carb alternatives like flaxseed, chia seeds, or coconut flakes. These options offer nutritional benefits without significantly impacting carbohydrate intake.

Conclusion

Cinnamon presents a promising natural remedy for managing diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Incorporating cinnamon into daily meals can offer significant health benefits, but caution is advised, especially when taking diabetes medications. While oatmeal may seem healthy, its high carbohydrate content makes it unsuitable for diabetes management and keto diets.

Choosing low-carb alternatives alongside cinnamon can better support stable blood sugar levels and overall health for individuals with diabetes.

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