Less restrictive than the shot of ginger or the spoonful of cider vinegar.
We have several trendy plants and natural remedies on hand to control blood sugar levels, such as cider vinegar, ginger shot, chromium or lemon. But, we grant you, drinking a tablespoon of cider vinegar or swallowing chromium tablets every morning can be restrictive.
More accessible and tasty, a spice that we love in autumn helps lower blood sugar levels and can easily be incorporated into our daily diet, herbal teas, savory dishes or desserts. “It is a classic of herbal medicine to smooth blood sugar levels.confirms Carmen Tanguy, naturopath, reflexologist, author and trainer. In addition to having a super interesting anti-infective side when temperatures drop, it has a very good effect on carbohydrate metabolism..” This, thanks to its richness in polyphenols (antioxidants) and especially to its active principle called “methylhydroxychalcone” which is capable of stimulating the consumption of glucose by the cells, by acting in a manner comparable to insulin (the only hypoglycemic hormone of the organism).It is interesting for people who have prediabetes because it supports the function of the pancreas.”
As it has known properties in carbohydrate balance, cinnamon (the famous spice) has been studied a lot by researchers. A study published in The Journal of the Endocrine Society showed that people who consumed 500 mg of cinnamon per day for 3 months (or 1/2 teaspoon) improved fasting blood sugar levels. Another study found very positive effects on gastric emptying and blood sugar levels after meals.
The best is Ceylon Cinnamon, in bark (stick) or powder. However, it is not without contraindications: care must be taken in pregnant women, people who take medications (anticoagulants, oral antidiabetics), people who have kidney problems… And above all, do not overuse it: no more than 3-4 g per day (3 level teaspoons or 1 infused stick) to sprinkle in your yogurts, compotes, dishes, smoothies, pancakes…