How Cinnamon Can Lower Your Blood Sugar - A Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes, the disease which was once considered the wealthy man's burden, is no longer affiliated to the rich. It has become a common malady that is spreading its vicious tentacles far and wide day by day. It is a major abetting factor for heart attacks, kidney failures and stroke. As time goes, diabetes causes vision impairment too.



The complexity of diagnosis and treatment is further increased by the various types of diabetes and the exclusive medication required for each type. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the inability of the body to produce insulin altogether which results in increased blood sugar levels because insulin aids in the proper dissipation of glucose into the blood. This type necessitates total dependence on insulin injections. The other type of diabetes, type 2 is the most commonly occurring form of the disease. It is caused by the insulin deficiency and the failure of the body to utilize the insulin secreted by pancreas. The stark effect of this is obesity.



We cannot feel relieved by the fact that type 2 is not as bad as type 1 because, type 2 gradually morphs into type 1 diabetes as we age and our immune system becomes weak and ultimately results in total dependence on insulin. The ray of hope in this case is that with proper exercise, healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, the type 2 diabetes can be controlled. Herbal alternatives are most sought after, due to their very minimal side effects. Cinnamon is considered as the herbal panacea for the type 2 diabetes because of its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol and glucose. Research has shown that a daily intake of minimum 1g of cinnamon reduces the serum glucose level significantly in the long run.



To understand the effectiveness of cinnamon, it is essential to understand the factors that increase the blood sugar levels. Heavy consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, in other words, hydrogenated oils result in clogging of arteries with cholesterol which makes the cell wall and artery passage thin, preventing the glucose from reaching the cells. The key substance in cinnamon, methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP), reduces this cholesterol level resulting in better absorption of glucose. It also improves the ability of the fat cells to respond to insulin which is a key benefit for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes also triggers multiple undesirable effects. One such defect is the malabsorption of necessary salts. One such salt whose absorption is prevented is magnesium. Cinnamon is a vital source of magnesium, hence supplementing our body with the necessary nutrients. MHCP in cinnamon reduce the insulin resistance in our body and triggers the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.



Excessive quantities of anything result in negative effect. The research world is polarized on the benefits of cinnamon in reducing blood sugar levels. A particular research even says that MHCP is just a water-soluble polymer and does not have any additional qualities. The side-effects of cinnamon are mostly restricted to a specific set of conditions and there are no definite side effects affecting everybody. Studies have shown that excessive usage of cinnamon results in oral erythema multiforme which is lip swelling and mouth ulcer. It is not advisable for persons with haemophilic problems because its anti-clotting properties will cause profuse bleeding. Due to this reason, cinnamon intake is not recommended during menstruation too. Cinnamon is also a common allergy food so it cannot be recommended for everyone.



It is proven that cinnamon is greatly beneficial for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and its side effects are pronounced only in specific conditions of health like pregnancy. But it is always recommended and advised to consult the physician before trying out alternative remedy.

Diabetes - Natural Treatment With Cinnamon

New study confirms that cinnamon's two pronged effects can help to prevent the onset of Type II diabetes



Writing in the June 2007 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Swedish researchers have found that cinnamon reduces the sudden rise in blood glucose levels that is one of the underlying causes of Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. It achieves this by delaying the emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. This study provides further scientific evidence that cinnamon can play an important role in preventing the onset of these ubiquitous diseases.



One of several biochemical mechanisms responsible for the cause of Type II diabetes is insulin resistance. And one of the causes of insulin resistance is the consumption of foods that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar - i.e high glycaemic index (high GI) foods. A diet consisting of predominantly high GI foods leads to sudden, rapid rises in blood sugar levels that over the years may lead to insulin resistance.



Insulin resistance is a state where the cell receptors no longer respond adequately to insulin. By failing to respond to insulin the cell is unable to allow glucose through its protective cell membrane and will be deprived of its energy source. This in turn leads to the malfunctioning of intracellular processes and ultimately the diseases, Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) and Type II diabetes.



Reducing sudden post-postprandial rises in glucose levels is thus of prime importance if one is to prevent the onset of this group of diseases. One way to achieve this is to eat foods with a low GI rating - there are lists of these foods freely available in books, magazines and on the internet. Another is to eat foods that will reduce the rapid rise in glucose levels associated with the consumption of high GI foods.



One of the factors influencing the absorption of glucose is the speed at which the stomach empties. As we know, the stomach has a valve at its junction with the small intestine called the pyloric valve. This valve is usually closed while we eat and will remain so until various nerve and hormonal signals allow it to open. These signals are dependant on several factors including the type of food in the stomach and how relaxed the individual is at the time.



Rapid stomach emptying occurs soon after a high GI meal and will cause a rapid rise in blood glucose - not what we want if we are to avoid developing insulin resistance. One way to moderate this process is to eat foods that slow the rate at which food enters the small intestine.



A recent study published in the June 2007 edition of the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition shows that cinnamon is very effective at slowing gastric emptying. Researchers at University of Lund in Sweden used a crossover trial to study the effects of cinnamon on the gastric emptying time and blood glucose levels. They found that volunteers who ate rice pudding with cinnamon had far slower gastric emptying times than those who ate the rice pudding without cinnamon. In addition, those in the cinnamon group did not have the rapid rise in blood glucose levels that those in the plain rice pudding group experienced.



Previous studies have shown that cinnamon can increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors directly. This new study shows that it can achieve this indirectly too - that is by delaying gastric emptying thereby minimizing the harmful effect of high GI foods.



For centuries cinnamon has been used as a flavourant for confectionaries and it is these foods that are the prime culprits when it comes to metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes. By adding cinnamon to sweet foods we have been inadvertently reducing the impact that they have on these diseases! However we do need to take greater quantities of cinnamon and other spices if they are to play an effective role in the prevention of these conditions.



Cinnamon is one of several valuable spices that can help to prevent and even treat metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes. Those who do not include enough of these spices in their diets can take a spice supplement that contains all of these important spices.

Diabetes - Natural Treatment With Cinnamon

New study confirms that cinnamon's two pronged effects can help to prevent the onset of Type II diabetes



Writing in the June 2007 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Swedish researchers have found that cinnamon reduces the sudden rise in blood glucose levels that is one of the underlying causes of Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. It achieves this by delaying the emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. This study provides further scientific evidence that cinnamon can play an important role in preventing the onset of these ubiquitous diseases.



One of several biochemical mechanisms responsible for the cause of Type II diabetes is insulin resistance. And one of the causes of insulin resistance is the consumption of foods that cause a rapid rise in blood sugar - i.e high glycaemic index (high GI) foods. A diet consisting of predominantly high GI foods leads to sudden, rapid rises in blood sugar levels that over the years may lead to insulin resistance.



Insulin resistance is a state where the cell receptors no longer respond adequately to insulin. By failing to respond to insulin the cell is unable to allow glucose through its protective cell membrane and will be deprived of its energy source. This in turn leads to the malfunctioning of intracellular processes and ultimately the diseases, Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) and Type II diabetes.



Reducing sudden post-postprandial rises in glucose levels is thus of prime importance if one is to prevent the onset of this group of diseases. One way to achieve this is to eat foods with a low GI rating - there are lists of these foods freely available in books, magazines and on the internet. Another is to eat foods that will reduce the rapid rise in glucose levels associated with the consumption of high GI foods.



One of the factors influencing the absorption of glucose is the speed at which the stomach empties. As we know, the stomach has a valve at its junction with the small intestine called the pyloric valve. This valve is usually closed while we eat and will remain so until various nerve and hormonal signals allow it to open. These signals are dependant on several factors including the type of food in the stomach and how relaxed the individual is at the time.



Rapid stomach emptying occurs soon after a high GI meal and will cause a rapid rise in blood glucose - not what we want if we are to avoid developing insulin resistance. One way to moderate this process is to eat foods that slow the rate at which food enters the small intestine.



A recent study published in the June 2007 edition of the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition shows that cinnamon is very effective at slowing gastric emptying. Researchers at University of Lund in Sweden used a crossover trial to study the effects of cinnamon on the gastric emptying time and blood glucose levels. They found that volunteers who ate rice pudding with cinnamon had far slower gastric emptying times than those who ate the rice pudding without cinnamon. In addition, those in the cinnamon group did not have the rapid rise in blood glucose levels that those in the plain rice pudding group experienced.



Previous studies have shown that cinnamon can increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors directly. This new study shows that it can achieve this indirectly too - that is by delaying gastric emptying thereby minimizing the harmful effect of high GI foods.



For centuries cinnamon has been used as a flavourant for confectionaries and it is these foods that are the prime culprits when it comes to metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes. By adding cinnamon to sweet foods we have been inadvertently reducing the impact that they have on these diseases! However we do need to take greater quantities of cinnamon and other spices if they are to play an effective role in the prevention of these conditions.



Cinnamon is one of several valuable spices that can help to prevent and even treat metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes. Those who do not include enough of these spices in their diets can take a spice supplement that contains all of these important spices.

How Cinnamon Can Lower Your Blood Sugar - A Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes, the disease which was once considered the wealthy man's burden, is no longer affiliated to the rich. It has become a common malady that is spreading its vicious tentacles far and wide day by day. It is a major abetting factor for heart attacks, kidney failures and stroke. As time goes, diabetes causes vision impairment too.



The complexity of diagnosis and treatment is further increased by the various types of diabetes and the exclusive medication required for each type. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the inability of the body to produce insulin altogether which results in increased blood sugar levels because insulin aids in the proper dissipation of glucose into the blood. This type necessitates total dependence on insulin injections. The other type of diabetes, type 2 is the most commonly occurring form of the disease. It is caused by the insulin deficiency and the failure of the body to utilize the insulin secreted by pancreas. The stark effect of this is obesity.



We cannot feel relieved by the fact that type 2 is not as bad as type 1 because, type 2 gradually morphs into type 1 diabetes as we age and our immune system becomes weak and ultimately results in total dependence on insulin. The ray of hope in this case is that with proper exercise, healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, the type 2 diabetes can be controlled. Herbal alternatives are most sought after, due to their very minimal side effects. Cinnamon is considered as the herbal panacea for the type 2 diabetes because of its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol and glucose. Research has shown that a daily intake of minimum 1g of cinnamon reduces the serum glucose level significantly in the long run.



To understand the effectiveness of cinnamon, it is essential to understand the factors that increase the blood sugar levels. Heavy consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, in other words, hydrogenated oils result in clogging of arteries with cholesterol which makes the cell wall and artery passage thin, preventing the glucose from reaching the cells. The key substance in cinnamon, methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP), reduces this cholesterol level resulting in better absorption of glucose. It also improves the ability of the fat cells to respond to insulin which is a key benefit for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes also triggers multiple undesirable effects. One such defect is the malabsorption of necessary salts. One such salt whose absorption is prevented is magnesium. Cinnamon is a vital source of magnesium, hence supplementing our body with the necessary nutrients. MHCP in cinnamon reduce the insulin resistance in our body and triggers the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.



Excessive quantities of anything result in negative effect. The research world is polarized on the benefits of cinnamon in reducing blood sugar levels. A particular research even says that MHCP is just a water-soluble polymer and does not have any additional qualities. The side-effects of cinnamon are mostly restricted to a specific set of conditions and there are no definite side effects affecting everybody. Studies have shown that excessive usage of cinnamon results in oral erythema multiforme which is lip swelling and mouth ulcer. It is not advisable for persons with haemophilic problems because its anti-clotting properties will cause profuse bleeding. Due to this reason, cinnamon intake is not recommended during menstruation too. Cinnamon is also a common allergy food so it cannot be recommended for everyone.



It is proven that cinnamon is greatly beneficial for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and its side effects are pronounced only in specific conditions of health like pregnancy. But it is always recommended and advised to consult the physician before trying out alternative remedy.