There have been some recent studies where cinnamon was shown to have a positive effect on insulin (Insulin is needed by the body to convert carbohydrates and sugars from food into energy). In a recent study participants were given 1 gram of cinnamon a day. The results were a 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase.
Cinnamon also has a plethora of other health benefits, including the ability to boost brain function, specifically attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed. In addition it has been shown to improve digestion, tone tissues, relieve congestion, provide muscle and joint pain relief, relieve menstrual cramping (better buy a case of this stuff!!), thins blood for better circulation, relieve arthritis pain, prevent urinary tract infections, prevent tooth decay and gum disease and kill harmful bacteria.
The moral? Spicing up your favorite oatmeal or tea with cinnamon can be an extremely strategy for staying lean, as well as receiving a host of other health benefits.
Interesting.
Most people aren't aware of this, but when we in the US buy "cinnamon" at the store, we aren't getting true cinnamon, but the less expensive cassia, slightly different-tasting and botanically quite different from real cinnamon.
I wonder if the test was done with real cinnamon or with cassia. I wonder if cassia has the same or similar effects on insulin metabolism.
Posted by: Kevin Kennedy-Spaien | April 27, 2006 at 09:10 PM