The common kitchen spice cinnamon comes from the dried interior bark of a small evergreen tree that originally grew in Asia. It is rolled into sticks called quills then ground for more common use. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is called the true cinnamon. Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is the variety used in the USA and not quite as sweet as the former.
Cinnamon is an ancient herb that the Chinese began using almost 5000 years ago for diarrhea and kidney disorders. At the present time, research is showing there is more to this culinary herb then just its use as tea and on toast; it is proving its worth supporting type 2 diabetes and cholesterol management, and augmenting memory.
Cinnamon Aids Type 2 Diabetes and Cholesterol
A clinical trial, reported in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care, found that cinnamon showed significant improvement of blood glucose and cholesterol levels of sixty people with type 2 diabetes. Subjects took one to six grams of cinnamon daily, or a placebo, for 40 days.
All those who received the varying amounts of cinnamon showed improvement of blood numbers (but not those receiving a placebo). Those receiving six grams (roughly 1 ¼ tsp) of daily cinnamon reduced their fasting glucose by 29%, triglycerides by 30%, LDL cholesterol by 27% and total cholesterol by 26%.
As reported in the April 2004 of Agricultural Research Magazine, researchers found that cinnamon mimics the hormone insulin, and together they form a synergistic relationship, each performing better together than apart. Insulin is necessary to guide blood sugar (glucose) to the cells for energy creation. Experts believe that cinnamon bolsters enzymes that stimulate insulin receptors on the cells. Cinnamon is an excellent source of the mineral manganese, used by many enzymes in the body.
Cinnamon is a Powerful Antioxidant
In 2006 at the annual meeting of the American College of Nutrition, researchers presented a small study that showed a water-based extract of cinnamon (Cinnulin PF) had potent antioxidant (and insulin-like) effects on pre-diabetes and diabetes patients. Antioxidants are plant chemicals that help the body control free radicals that form in the natural process of cell respiration, but can also cause DNA damage.
Amazingly, one tsp of the common, ground cinnamon used in homes has more antioxidant potency than one cup of strawberries, and more than seven times the potency of ½ cup of red grapes. In 2007, the United States Department of Agriculture, in its Nutrient Data Laboratory, rated the top plant foods as to their antioxidant power with a scoring system called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC).
Chew or Smell Cinnamon for Memory Enhancement
In 2004 at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, Phillip Zoladz presented research done at Wheeling Jesuit University that found cinnamon enhanced brain function, improving attention and memory. The benefit occurs through chewing cinnamon gum or just smelling the scent.
Time-honored Uses of Cinnamon
Traditional use of cinnamon over the years has been for diarrhea. A simple tea (really termed an infusion) is to pour one cup boiling water over ½ tsp of ground cinnamon and steep for at least five minutes. Another use is based on herbalists’ experience that cinnamon has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Many people vow that cinnamon mouthwash is just as effective as popular commercial varieties in killing mouth bacteria, and a customary use has been to treat female (fungal) yeast infections. Cinnamon oil, used in aromatherapy, should not be consumed or used full strength on the skin.
Cinnamon: From Gold to Kitchen Spice to Health Star
The world’s oldest spice has new prestige as scientists discover new benefits besides just culinary use. Scientific proof backs cinnamon usage as a way to help type 2 diabetics manage their blood sugar, a way to lower triglycerides and cholesterol, a way to bump up valuable antioxidants and a way to enhance memory. Traditional use based on observation and experience supports cinnamon as a remedy for diarrhea, and values its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
This is an educational article only. Seek the advice of your heath care professional for further information. Cinnamon may interact with prescription drugs, especially anti-clotting medicine. Never stop taking a prescribed medicine without consulting your physician.
Reference
“Encyclopedia of Spices.” The Epicentre, accessed June 17, 2009.
Arlene Lengyel - Arlene is a graduate of Clayton College of Natural Health with a Doctor of Naturopathy degree. Naturopathy promotes an all-inclusive, ...
