Why cinnamon deserves a spot in your daily diet
What's the story
Cinnamon, a staple spice in most kitchen cabinets, has long been touted for its health benefits, particularly for managing blood sugar.
Its natural compounds can improve insulin sensitivity and even limit the spikes in blood sugar.
In this article, we will take you through five ways cinnamon can effectively balance blood sugar and how this spice can prove to be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Insulin sensitivity
Enhancing insulin sensitivity
Cinnamon has compounds that could improve insulin sensitivity.
By enhancing the body's response to insulin, cinnamon aids in the uptake of glucose into cells.
This may contribute to reduced blood sugar levels and better use of energy.
Research indicates that daily intake of cinnamon could even improve insulin sensitivity by as much as 29%, making it a useful inclusion for those with diabetes/prediabetes.
Fasting levels
Reducing fasting blood sugar levels
Regular intake of cinnamon has been associated with lower fasting blood sugar levels.
Studies show that just one gram of cinnamon per day can reduce fasting glucose by 10% to 29%.
This is because cinnamon slows down the breaking down of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, resulting in more stable post-meal blood sugar levels.
Post-meal spikes
Decreasing post-meal blood sugar spikes
Cinnamon may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing gastric emptying and enhancing carbohydrate metabolism.
By delaying the rate at which food leaves the stomach, cinnamon allows for a more gradual absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
This mechanism helps prevent sharp increases in blood glucose following meals, contributing to overall better glycemic control.
Antioxidant properties
Acting as an antioxidant
The antioxidant properties of cinnamon contribute to blood sugar balance by minimizing oxidative stress on cells responsible for insulin production and function.
Oxidative stress is known to impair insulin signaling pathways, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
The antioxidants in cinnamon help neutralize free radicals and promote healthy cellular function related to glucose metabolism.
Weight management
Supporting weight management
Keeping a healthy weight is critical for good blood sugar control and cinnamon could help with that by impacting metabolism and appetite.
Certain studies indicate that adding cinnamon to the diet could help lower body fat percentage over time by affecting metabolic rate and the satiety signals in the body.