Cinnamon (2024)

Cinnamon is a sweet but pungent spicethat is derived from the inner bark of the branches of wild cinnamon trees, which grow in tropical areas across Southeast Asia, South America and the Caribbean.

The use of cinnamon dates back thousands of years and was highly prized among many ancient civilisations.

Cinnamon, often used in cooking and baking, is increasingly being linked to improvements in the treatment of conditions such as diabetes mellitus.

Research has suggested that cinnamon can help to improve blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

How does cinnamon affect diabetes?

Results from a clinical study published in the Diabetes Care journal in 2003 suggest that cassia cinnamon (cinnamon bark) improves blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and may reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. [71]

A daily intake of just 1, 3, or 6 grams was shown to reduce serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL or bad cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days among 60 middle-aged diabetics.

Another study reported in the July 2000 edition of Agricultural Research Magazine found that consuming just 1g of cinnamon per day can increase insulin sensitivity and help manage or reverse type 2 diabetes [72]

In addition, more recent analysis published in 2007 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that 6g of cinnamon slows stomach emptying and significantly reduces hyperglycemia after meals ( postprandial blood glucose ) without affecting satiety.

As a result of the scientific evidence available, many health experts claim that cinnamon contains properties that are beneficial for blood sugar regulation and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

However, bear in mind that like many natural compounds cinnamon is yet to be medically approved for prevention or treatment of any disease.

What are the health benefits of cinnamon?

In addition to regulating blood glucose and lowering cholesterol, cinnamon has been shown to:

  • Have an anti-clotting effect on the blood
  • Relieve pain in arthritis sufferers
  • Boost the body’s immune system
  • Stop medication-resistant yeast infections
  • Help in relieving indigestion
  • Reduce the proliferation of leukaemia and lymphoma cancer cells
  • Preserve food by inhibiting bacterial growth and food spoilage
  • Be a great source of vital nutrients, including calcium, fibre, managanese and iron

The majority of these health benefits are associated with use of true cinnamon (also known as Ceylon cinnamon) and not cassia bark cinnamon, which is the species involved in most diabetes research.

From where can I buy cinnamon?

In the UK, cinnamon is sold in many forms, including cinnamon sticks, powder, tea, oil and tablet supplements (cinnamon extract). These products can be found in most health stores and Asian food shops, as well as in larger supermarkets.

Caution

If you’re planning on using cinnamon supplements or making dietary changes, consult with your doctor or healthcare team first.

Cinnamon (2024)

FAQs

Has anyone successfully done the Cinnamon Challenge? ›

In a 2012 episode of the Discovery Channel series MythBusters, each member of the Build Team attempted the challenge. Kari Byron and Grant Imahara failed, while Tory Belleci completed it by tucking his spoonful into his cheek and letting saliva accumulate in his mouth until he could swallow.

How much cinnamon do you need for the Cinnamon Challenge? ›

The “Cinnamon Challenge” entails swallowing a tablespoon of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking fluids.

What does a cinnamon craving mean? ›

Cravings can sometimes be your body's way of signaling a nutrient deficiency. For example, a craving for cinnamon may indicate a need for more manganese, calcium, or fiber in your diet. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to properly assess your nutrient needs.

What is the name of the fake cinnamon? ›

So What's the “Fake” Cinnamon? A plant called cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), by contrast, is native to southern China and spans a much larger territory, making it more readily available—and way cheaper. This is the stuff you often see sold as cinnamon sticks, says Johnson.

Has anyone lost weight with cinnamon? ›

It's important to note that cinnamon alone will not lead to long-term weight loss. But it might be beneficial to add cinnamon to your healthy diet and exercise plan to help you reach your weight loss goal.

Why can't people do the Cinnamon Challenge? ›

Dangers of the Cinnamon Challenge:

Cinnamon powder contains an inert substance called cellulose, which can lodge in the lungs. Cellulose doesn't break down, so when it gets into the lungs it sits there long-term and can lead to chronic inflammation and eventually scarring of the lungs.

What is the max cinnamon intake? ›

Modulate the dosage - According to the US Department of health, Cinnamon appears to be safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts up to 6 grams (1.2 tsp.) daily for 6 weeks or less with a week of rest after six weeks. We prefer and suggest you take Ceylon Cinnamon 5 days per a week with a rest on the weekends.

What to do if I inhaled cinnamon? ›

Hanoian-Fontana warns that cinnamon is an irritant that may trigger an allergic reaction. “If someone has a severe allergic reaction, and goes into respiratory distress, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.”

Is 1 tsp of cinnamon a day too much? ›

For the majority of people, cinnamon is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts – no more than 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circ*mstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis.

Does cinnamon burn belly fat? ›

Cinnamon can boost metabolism, since the body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like action in the body, which is seen in the way sugar is broken down in the body. Cinnamon can also improve body metabolism, targeting the fat deposited in the abdominal area.

What happens to your body if you eat cinnamon everyday? ›

In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, Manaker says that eating cinnamon every day can lower blood pressure too. Since high blood pressure is linked to cardiovascular disease, this is another way that consuming cinnamon lowers your risk.

What does eating a spoon of cinnamon do? ›

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Some research suggests that it may help you manage blood sugars, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is a spice that has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

Which type of cinnamon is healthiest? ›

All types of cinnamon contain a compound known as coumarin, which is known to be harmful in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon has much less coumarin than cassia cinnamon. If you are concerned about coumarin, Ceylon cinnamon is a safer option for your spice rack.

Is McCormick real cinnamon? ›

The cinnamon bark is harvested directly from the tree—McCormick sources premium quality whole cinnamon, which mitigates the chance for added ingredients and contamination that could be encountered by sourcing a pre-ground product.

Is McCormick cinnamon ceylon or cassia? ›

McCormick, a more than 125-year-old company, is a trusted name in the food industry that you can count on to deliver a marriage of quality and affordability. Their ground cinnamon is classified as cinnamon cassia, so the flavor profile is much stronger and sweeter than Ceylon cinnamon.

How do you beat the cinnamon challenge? ›

Before you put the cinnamon in your mouth, put the back of your tongue up to block your throat. This will prevent cinnamon from entering your throat and choking you. To prove that I did it. While letting the cinnamon sit in the front of your mouth, let it become a paste from your saliva.

Is it good to brush your teeth with cinnamon? ›

Cinnamon oils, extracts, and their compounds may help prevent cavities, treat gum disease, and fight fungal and bacterial infections. Thus, hygiene products containing cinnamon may have some uses for oral health and pain relief.

Who has the most cinnamon? ›

According to data from World Atlas, Indonesia is the world's predominant producer of cinnamon.

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