What is Cinnamon?
Acquired from the bark of various tree species of Cinnamomum, Cinnamon is referred to as a spice that has several benefits in terms of medicine and lifestyle. The Cinnamon spice is commonly used as an aromatic flavour added to different kinds of dishes, such as the famous cinnamon rolls, breakfast cereals, teas, and other types of cuisines. The aromatic touch of this spice is one of the main reasons why it became a good choice of condiment that adds a sweet and delectable taste to many food recipes.
Two of the major components of Cinnamon are cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. These organic compounds provide the aromatic odour and taste of Cinnamon, making it an indulging spice with the right amount of medical and significant effects to the body. Before its final form as a powder, the bark of Cinnamomum is cut out and goes through a process of drying. This process enables the bark to transform into sticks that can be produced into powder.
Additionally, prior to becoming an essential additive to many menus, Cinnamon has already been utilized as a main source and aid for traditional medicine. Other than that, the said spice has long been valued as a good alternative for the practice of preserving food.
Commercially, there are two known types of Cinnamon sold across the globe. These are Ceylon and Cassia. While they may be associated with only one classification, these types have major differences. Read on to know more.
Cinnamon and Diabetes
For many years, there have been medical studies and clinical trials transpired in relation to the effectiveness of cinnamon to diabetes. As already defined, diabetes is a form of disease that poses life-threatening complications to the blood sugar levels of an individual, and having to receive the assistance of cinnamon in managing the said disease remains a debate in the field of medicine.
So, is it really necessary to use cinnamon to treat diabetes? Is cinnamon good for diabetic people? The answer may not be concrete enough, but the fact that cinnamon has great health benefits in some areas of therapeutic medicine makes it efficient and effective to use.
Several studies show that cinnamon can stabilize the levels of blood sugar, but further researches do not support this claim. However, it is believed that the powdered spice can tone down the cholesterol intake of an individual, making it a possible treatment for balancing the amount of glucose in the body.
Before using cinnamon as a supplement in your daily food intake, a doctor’s consultation is a must to ensure your safety and health awareness. Note that aside from its positive effects to the body, it can also have negative outcomes based on the severity of its usage.
Types of Cinnamon
As mentioned, there are two main types of Cinnamon. Consider the following:
- Ceylon – This type of cinnamon is the most expensive and is obtained from the species Cinnamomum Verum. Ceylon is considered the most beneficial because it contains a great number of antioxidants compared to its counterpart.
- Cassia – This is the most common type of Cinnamon. This type is the usual Cinnamon spice you see in the grocery store and is inexpensive. It is obtained from several Cinnamomum
Advantages and Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a good number of advantages and benefits to individuals and their health. These are as follows:
- It has antioxidants that carry multiple health benefits. If you have not known yet, antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals which cause harmful effects in the body. These free radicals are recognized as oxidative stress, which triggers different illnesses, and that involves type 2 diabetes. Other than that, antioxidants from cinnamon are very much capable of reducing the number of cell damages and prevent other diseases, such as heart failure and stroke.
- It can boost insulin sensitivity in the body. Since diabetic people experience a high level of blood sugar, insulin is needed to stabilize the levels. When cinnamon is integrated with the food individuals eat, insulin production is stimulated.
- The risk for acquiring health complications is decreased. When cinnamon is mixed with the food, it lowers the risk of people getting diabetes-related illnesses. These diseases include heart malfunctions, Alzheimer’s disease, and kidney damages.
Interactions, Warning, and Precautions
While Cinnamon can be very effective with its antioxidant properties, it can also be harmful with its coumarin substances. Its harmful substance, the coumarin, may be very risky to the liver. Once the cinnamon intake is too much, exceeding its maximum consumption, it can cause liver damage.
In a similar manner, with other herbal products, consuming Cinnamon may affect the kind of medication you are currently taking. This explains why taking it under the direction of the medical professional is a must. Always talk to your medical specialist when taking a different form of therapeutic substance that you believe will aid in your journey for diabetes treatment.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Cinnamon is usually safe to take with most medicines, but it’s important to check with your doctor first if you’re using other remedies. People with diabetes who take medicine that affects the liver should talk to their doctor before using cinnamon, and they should choose Ceylon cinnamon instead of cassia. The liver plays a key role in managing blood sugar, so liver problems can worsen diabetes. To avoid side effects, monitor for any new or unusual symptoms and let your doctor know if they occur.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
