Diabetes is caused by insufficient production of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. High blood sugar can cause a wide variety of health problems. The importance of a healthy diet to reduce and balance blood sugar is indicated at every opportunity. A spice packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help control blood sugar levels.
Research published in the Journal of Diabetes Research found that cinnamon tea can lower postprandial blood sugar within 30 minutes. If you’re not aware, postprandial blood glucose is a measurement of the concentration of blood sugar in your bloodstream for up to four hours after a meal. Mean postprandial blood glucose levels are considered an important factor in blood sugar control.
30 PEOPLE WERE EXAMINED IN THE RESEARCH
To investigate whether cinnamon tea had an effect on this measure of blood sugar, the researchers studied 30 non-diabetic adults aged 20 to 53 years. Volunteers were randomly divided into two groups. One was the control group, and the other enjoyed the sweet hot beverage. In addition, participants were asked not to take cinnamon the day before the intervention.
A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Blood samples were taken from each participant 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes later in both the control and cinnamon groups. The findings showed that cinnamon powder provided a “significant reduction” in postprandial blood sugar levels 30 minutes after consumption. While this research focused only on people without diabetes, other studies also noticed a promising link between cinnamon and blood sugar levels.
For example, research published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics also highlighted this benefit.
DIFFERENT RESEARCH SUPPORT THE BENEFITS OF Cinnamon
A 2007 study found that consuming six grams of cinnamon with a serving of rice pudding slowed stomach emptying and subsequently reduced spikes in blood sugar levels. What’s more, the research concluded that cinnamon improved the glucose and lipid profiles of people with type 2 diabetes. Also, a review of 10 studies in the Annals of Family Medicine found that taking cinnamon daily “significantly” lowered blood sugar levels in about four to 18 weeks.
WHAT ARE DIABETES SYMPTOMS?
- peeing more than usual (especially at night)
- feeling thirsty all the time
- feeling very tired
- unintentional weight loss
- Itching or thrush around your penis or vagina
- Slow-healing cuts or sores
- blurred vision