A Bit of Cinnamon per day, takes the sugar at bay (?!?)
Cinnamon apparently it's not just one of our favorite scents of Christmas time; indeed new findings seem to suggest a role in keeping under control our blood-sugar levels. A relatively recent study showed that the typical American dessert, Apple Pie, revealed an unexpected effect on blood glucose levels of diabetic subjects participating to the study. They all improved their blood glucose levels. In other words, it was not observed the expected increase in blood sugar, considering the high calories and Glycemic index value of Apple Pie. The Scientists, following through this observation, found out that Cinnamon was the active ingredient in Apple Pie, responsible of the beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
The link between Cinnamon and improvements in Diabetes was further reinforced by the observation that Diabetic subjects treated with daily doses of Cinnamon per day (2 to 6 gr-grams) showed substantial improvements, instead, when the treatment was stopped, their blood-glucose levels started to rise again. A few mechanisms by which Cinnamon may lower blood-glucose levels have been proposed. For instance, Cinnamon may have insulin-like properties setting up the mechanisms causing glucose to be withdrawn from the bloodstream and stored into tissues in the form of glycogen.
One study made on rats reported that Cinnamon caused an increase in the protein called IRS-1, Insulin Receptor Substrate 1, a key player in the transmission of signals from Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factors Receptors to intra-cellular pathways mediating Insulin effects. One result of IRS-1 increase is the enhancement of glucose uptake in muscle tissue. An increase in the protein called GLUT-4, has also been reported. GLUT-4, or Insulin-regulated Glucose Transporter found in adipose and striated muscle tissues, is responsible for Insulin-regulated glucose translocation from the bloodstream into the cell.
In the most cited study on Cinnamon effects on glucose levels, published in Diabetes Care in 2003, the authors Khan and colleagues, evaluating 60 people with type II Diabetes after treatment with varying doses of Cinnamon for forty days, reported not only reduction in fasting glucose, but also in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These results would lead to consider Cinnamon, in general, an important regulator of metabolic pathways.
However, the enthusiasm around Cinnamon and about using it in our daily nutritional regimens, was quenched by a few studies made in other labs in USA and Europe which did not seem to confirm the data obtained by Khan and colleagues in 2003 as well as by other Scientists.
What should we conclude about all this?
Well, first of all, who is familiar with Academic research knows fully well how data can be very different from one lab to another. Many parameters may vary in experiments, from the operators to the different reagents used from lab to lab in the same type of experiment. It's not so surprising finding differences, even substantial discrepancies in similar studies. It may happen. Not questioning the bona fide of the Scientists involved, we should though exert our best judgement in following one or the other position regarding Cinnamon use in our nutritional regimens.
It's always highly recommendable consulting medical and health experts before deciding to add or change something in our daily regimens. Especially those who are already under medication should exert extreme caution in implementing something new in their diet, in any and every case. For example, some concern has also been raised by the presence of a compound, called Coumarin, in some types of Cinnamon which can reduce the blood's ability to clot. So, people using blood thinning medications, as Coumadin, for example, should limit or not consume at all Cinnamon. Their physicians could better suggest what to do, in those cases.
In all other cases, though, may be it's possible to find some confidence on the numerous observations from the past in Cinnamon's multiple uses for health benefits at times in history when the Scientific methods used today in Academic labs were not so well established and practiced. The Chinese used Cinnamon more than 4.000 years ago, especially for treating cough and colds. In medieval times, it was also used by physicians for similar health problems. It has been used as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal too and it's considered a valid aid in the prevention of urinary tract and yeast infections. Its high content of anti-oxidants with anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties, recently discovered in Cinnamon, makes of it also a prevention tool for reducing the risk of heart disease.
Some use Cinnamon in their milk, tea, yogurt, in their cakes or as a spice in their meal, just a sprinkle of it.
Who knows! May be it's worthy a try, using the caution requested and starting with just a small sprinkle of it.
Just, one more thing....
Do you know that Cinnamon is one of the natural and chemical-free repellents able to keep ants out of your house? Yes, apparently, together with mint, red chili powder and black pepper, Cinnamon is one of the most effective natural substances to make ants crawl away from any corner of your home...
And to conclude: HAPPY EASTER To all of You!!
Sources:
Khan A et al. Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids in People with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003;26:3215-18
Vanschoonbeek K et al. Cinnamon Supplementation Does Not Improve Glycemic Control in Postmenopausal Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Journal of Nutrition. 2006;136:977-980
http://www.livestrong.com/article/300329-cinnamon-the-glycemic-index/
www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2008/12/25/5703/cinnamon-should-it-be-taken-as-a-diabetes-medication/
