Cinnamon and Diabetes: 5 Cinnamon Benefits for Diabetes Management

Cinnamon is a spice acquired from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. It adds flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes. There are many cinnamon benefits that you should be aware of. In fact, it features among the immune-boosting herbs and spices. As per a study, cinnamon reduces glucose and LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

There are many home remedies that use this spice for its medicinal qualities. Some even prepare a cinnamon drink for diabetes. Read on to know more about it and the different health benefits of cinnamon for diabetics.

Cinnamon benefits for health 

Cinnamon promotes healthy living and you shouldn’t ignore its benefits. Here is a list of the health benefits of cinnamon. 

• Relieves indigestion
• Soothes arthritis pain
• Improves immunity
• Stops yeast infections
• Creates an anti-clotting effect in the blood
• Preserves food items by slowing the growth of bacteria
• Regulates blood glucose level
• Lowers cholesterol
• Helps prevent leukemia and the formation of lymphoma cancer cells.

Serves as a source of vital nutrients:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Fiber
• Manganese

Cinnamon benefits for diabetes

Boosts overall health  

Cinnamon is rich in 3 main medical properties, which are:  

• Antioxidants 
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories 

These help digestive health and maintain blood sugar levels. In a study of 26 herbs and spices, cinnamon had the second-highest antioxidant content after cloves [3]. This helps the body reduce oxidative stress, which also decreases risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes. A study revealed that 500mg of cinnamon extract taken daily for 3 months reduced stress in adults with prediabetes by 14% [4].

Lowers risk of diabetes complications 

Cinnamon decreases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also increases HDL cholesterol. High cholesterol is a common complication that is easily helped by having this spice. Another issue is that diabetics are at a greater risk of heart disease. Cinnamon can keep this under control and helps maintain healthier cholesterol levels.

Lowers fasting blood sugar 

A review found that consuming cinnamon greatly reduces: 

• Fasting plasma glucose levels 
• Total cholesterol 

It also leads to an increase in good cholesterol levels [5]. Of the many cinnamon benefits, lowering fasting blood sugar levels is important for diabetics. It helps regulate and maintain optimal levels naturally.

Increases insulin sensitivity 

Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. It makes insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells. In a study of 7 healthy lean males, cinnamon aided in glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. The same study reported that the effects were immediate and lasted for 12 hours [6]. As such, cinnamon helps lower blood glucose and can prevent diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin. A lowered sensitivity to insulin causes various health issues. This can be addressed by adding cinnamon to your diet.

Reduces blood sugar after meals 

Eating meals high in carbohydrates increases your blood sugar levels. A high sugar level causes oxidative stress and inflammation. This has a negative effect that can lead to excessive damage to your cells. It can also increase the risk of chronic diseases. Cinnamon helps keep this in under control.

It keeps blood sugar levels after meals at a healthy range. In fact, consuming 6g of cinnamon with rice pudding delays gastric emptying without affecting satiety [7]. Another study found that 2g of cinnamon for 12 weeks can reduce HbA1c along with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Cinnamon water recipe for diabetes 

To make a cinnamon drink for diabetes, follow these steps.  

• Soak one pinch of cinnamon powder or a 1-inch cinnamon stick overnight 
• Boil it in the morning and wait for the mixture to reach a suitable temperature 
• Drink it on an empty stomach 

This is the simplest way to make the cinnamon water recipe for diabetes. There are other ways of adding cinnamon to your diet as well. But, before you opt for any of these, consult your doctor.

Although cinnamon water benefits people with diabetes, it is no substitute for medical care. You should consult with your doctor before taking any cinnamon supplements or making dietary changes. Consult with the best health professionals near you on Bajaj Finserv Health. Learn more about the cinnamon benefits for diabetes and various other home remedies for illnesses in just a few clicks.  For preventing diabetes you can avail diabetes health insurance from the Bajaj Finserv Health