Some of the simplest foods are sometimes the healthiest. Cinnamon is a popular kitchen spice used to flavour oats, desserts, coffee and hot chocolate. It also promotes insulin metabolism and improves blood sugar control.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants called phenols that decrease inflammation and promote blood vessel health. Its active ingredient is cinnamic acids, which is also found in fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Chinese researchers found that cinnamon extract improves blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes. Even small doses of cinnamon were helpful. People who consumed 120 milligrams per day of cinnamon for three months showed reduced blood sugar, triglycerides (blood fats) and haemoglobin A1c ( a marker of long term blood sugar regulation).
Including cinnamon in the diet might reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
(Nurtition Reseearch, 32:408-412,2012)
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