There are several distinct kinds of cinnamon marketed in the US, and they are often divided into two groups:

• Ceylon: This type of cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is the priciest.
• Cassia: Most cinnamon-containing food products use this type, which is less expensive.

Although both varieties are marketed as cinnamon, there are significant differences between them that will be covered later in this article.

It Has Antioxidants, Which Have Numerous Positive Health Effects

You may not think that cinnamon is frequently regarded as a superfood based on a cursory check of the nutrition information for the spice. The typical serving amount of cinnamon is one teaspoon (tsp), which only includes a few nutrients. However, many recipes call for more than 1 tsp, and cinnamon in bigger quantities does contain a significant quantity of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it has higher levels of antioxidants, which are responsible for many of the health advantages of cinnamon.

A study of 84 individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) revealed that ingesting 1,500 mg of cinnamon, the Superfood daily, resulted in a substantial rise in blood antioxidant levels after 8 weeks. Antioxidants are crucial because they aid the body in reducing oxidative stress, a form of cell damage by dangerous free radicals. One study found that giving people with type 2 diabetes 1 gramme of cinnamon extract daily for 12 weeks decreased fasting blood sugar levels and enhanced indicators of oxidative stress.

This is crucial since almost every chronic illness, including type 2 diabetes, has been connected to oxidative stress.

It Can Imitate Insulin & Increase Insulin Sensitivity

High blood sugar levels result from insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or improper cell response to insulin in people with diabetes. Cinnamon’s ability to mimic the actions of insulin and speed up the absorption of sugar into cells may help reduce blood sugar and battle diabetes. Improving insulin sensitivity, which makes insulin more effective in delivering sugar to cells, can also aid in lowering blood sugar levels.

Compared to a placebo, eating 1.5 g of cinnamon powder daily for 12 weeks significantly decreased fasting insulin levels and increased insulin sensitivity in 80 PCOS patients. A similar study discovered that giving 137 persons with high blood sugar levels 250 mg of cinnamon twice a day for two months increased their insulin sensitivity.

It Lowers Fasting Blood Sugar & May Decrease Haemoglobin A1c

Numerous research implies that cinnamon may enhance blood sugar control. A review of 16 research found that in persons with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, cinnamon dramatically reduced fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared to a placebo. According to certain studies, it may reduce hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar management.

For instance, a literature review found that cinnamon might lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 52.2 mg per deciliter and haemoglobin A1c in persons with type 2 diabetes by 0.27% to 0.83%. Cinnamon supplements may result in small reductions in fasting blood sugar levels and haemoglobin A1c, according to another analysis of 11 trials. Researchers cautioned that additional study was required and that cinnamon should not be used as a substitute for prescription drugs or dietary and lifestyle modifications in managing blood sugar levels.

It Lowers Blood Sugar After Meals

Your blood sugar level after eating is referred to as postprandial blood sugar. The amount of blood sugar that rises after eating depends on the size and carbohydrate content of the meal. These changes in blood sugar can raise oxidative stress and inflammatory levels, which can harm your body’s cells and lead to chronic illness. These post-meal blood sugar surges can be controlled with the use of cinnamon. According to some research, it accomplishes this by slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach.

According to a 2007 research, having 1.2 tsp, or 6 g, of cinnamon with a plate of rice pudding delayed stomach emptying and reduced ensuing blood sugar rises compared to drinking rice pudding alone. According to several research, cinnamon may reduce blood sugar levels after meals by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine.

It May Lower The Risk Of Common Diabetes Complications

Cinnamon may help with blood sugar control and reduce the risk of several problems related to diabetes, such as heart disease and stroke. For instance, a review of 13 research found that cinnamon may lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, two markers of heart disease risk.

A 2020 study discovered that taking at least 2 g of cinnamon daily as a supplement might dramatically reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 8 weeks. Alzheimer’s disease & other forms of dementia are sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes due to the growing evidence linking diabetes to the developing of these conditions. Type 3 diabetes is a clinical diagnosis that is not generally accepted by the medical profession and is classified in a highly contentious manner.

According to studies, the cinnamon extract may lessen the formation of beta-amyloid and tau plaques and tangles, which are frequently associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, only animal experiments and test tubes have been used for this research. To verify these results in people, more research is required.

Ceylon vs Cassia: Which is better?

Typically, cinnamon is divided into two types: Ceylon and Cassia. A few distinct types of Cinnamomum trees can produce cassia cinnamon. It may be found in most food items and the grocery store spice section and is often affordable. The Cinnamomum verum tree is particularly where Ceylon cinnamon is come from. Ceylon cinnamon has more antioxidants than Cassia cinnamon while being less common and often more costly.

Ceylon cinnamon could provide additional health advantages because it has a higher antioxidant content. Nevertheless, even though various research on animals and in test tubes have emphasised the advantages of Ceylon cinnamon, the majority of studies showing the health advantages of cinnamon in people have employed the Cassia type.

How Much Should You Take?

Cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in several studies. However, there is still disagreement on the optimal amount to eat to gain benefits while reducing hazards. The effects of 1-6 g per day, either as a supplement or a powder added to meals, have generally been the subject of most studies.

Bottom Line

One of the main hormones that control metabolism and energy utilisation is insulin. Transporting blood sugar from your circulation to your cells also needs it. Cinnamon can effectively lower blood sugar levels and minimise insulin resistance by enhancing insulin sensitivity.

The coumarin content of Cassia cinnamon might change, so bear that in mind. To prevent exceeding the recommended consumption of coumarin, it may be preferable to adhere to lesser amounts of roughly 0.5–1 g of Cassia cinnamon per day. On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon has a substantially lower coumarin content and can be used up to 1.2 tsp. (6 g) per day without any adverse effects. Before including cinnamon pills in your regimen, see a doctor. You might wish to start with a lesser dose and increase it gradually to prevent negative health consequences.

Numerous studies have found that, in addition to its numerous health advantages, cinnamon can help control typical diabetic problems and reduce blood sugar levels. Use Ceylon rather than Cassia if you wish to take cinnamon supplements or add it to meals to help drop your blood sugar. Ceylon cinnamon is more costly but has more antioxidants and less coumarin, which might harm the liver. Please visit the website of Srihatech and learn more through the amazing health blogs.