The spice cinnamon has been identified in helping to prevent diabetes and heart disease. A study suggests that a water soluble extract of cinnamon, which contains antioxidative compounds, is linked with helping to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease by up to 23 per cent.

Study Details

Twenty-two obese participants with impaired blood glucose values - a condition classified as "prediabetes" - volunteered for the 12-week experimental research study.

Prediabetes occurs when cells are resistant to the higher-than-normal levels of insulin produced by the pancreas (in an attempt to help remove elevated glucose levels from blood). If not addressed quickly, pre-diabetes can quickly develop into full diabetes.

The volunteers were divided randomly into two groups and given either a placebo or 250 milligrams (mgs) of a dried water-soluble cinnamon extract twice daily along with their usual diets. Blood was collected after an overnight fast at the beginning of the study, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks to measure the changes in blood glucose and antioxidants.

The results indicated that the water-soluble cinnamon extract improved a number of antioxidant variables by as much as 13 to 23 percent, and this was also linked to decreases in fasting glucose.

Cinnamon Has Natural healing Properties

Cinnamon is a source of manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber and contains cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, substances that work as antioxidants in the body. In fact, cinnamon's unique healing abilities come mainly from these three components in the essential oils found in its bark.

Previous studies have also shown that cinnamon plays a role in maintaining healthy circulation and energy levels in the body. This useful spice is used in traditional medicine for its warming and cleansing qualities, and many people chew on a stick of fresh cinnamon daily for overall health preservation.

Research Paper Details:

Roussel A-M, Hininger I, Benaraba R, Ziegenfuss TN, Anderson RA. antioxidant Effects of a cinnamon Extract in People with Impaired fasting glucose That Are overweight or obese. J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 2009 28: 16-21.