Previous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that cinnamon extracts increase lipid (cholesterol) metabolism, glucose (sugar) metabolism, and insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar) release. Due to these effects, researchers have postulated that cinnamon intake could help treat diabetes. Now research reports that cinnamon supplementation improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels in type-2 diabetics.
The study, published in Diabetes Care, investigated whether cinnamon supplementation would improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in type-2 diabetics. Researchers at NWFP Agricultural University in Peshawar, Pakistan, administered 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon or wheat-flour placebo capsules daily to 60 male and female type-2 diabetics who were not taking insulin, for 40 days. Blood samples were obtained from the participants.
Researchers found blood sugar levels were reduced by 18 to 29 percent in all of the cinnamon groups. Interestingly, those taking the lowest (1 gram) dose of cinnamon had the most improved glucose levels. Findings also revealed that blood triglyceride (fat) levels were reduced by 23 to 30 percent and blood cholesterol levels by 12 to 26 percent in all of the cinnamon groups. However, LDL (bad) cholesterol was reduced by 10 to 24 percent in only the 3- and 6-gram groups. The placebo groups did not demonstrate any significant differences in blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
"In conclusion, cinnamon reduced serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes," write the study authors. "Because cinnamon would not contribute to caloric intake, those who have type 2 diabetes or those who have elevated glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, or total cholesterol levels may benefit from the regular inclusion of cinnamon in their daily diet. In addition, cinnamon may be beneficial for the remainder of the population to prevent and control elevated glucose and blood lipid levels."
REFERENCES:
1. Khan A et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003 Dec;26(12):3215-3218.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 4, 2006 02:49 PM
