Diabetes is one of the most fatal non-communicable diseases in the world. It is responsible for killing millions of people around the world every year. The disease is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar. If diabetes is poorly managed it can lead to some serious complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, amputation, and even death. Insulin injections is the primary method used to treat diabetes. While it has been proven effective at helping to regulate blood sugar levels, it could always use an assist.
You can actually greatly affect your blood sugar levels and subsequently, your need for insulin with your diet. There are many foods that you can eat to improve insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, or even improve insulin production. Cinnamon, one of the world’s most popular spices, is one such food. Read on to learn how including cinnamon in your diet can have a positive and notable effect on your blood sugar levels.
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is harvested from the bark of the Cinnamomum trees. It is used in a variety of dishes including cereal, festive drinks, and desserts. Primarily its health benefits are due to its large number of antioxidants. Cinnamon has some of the highest number of antioxidants among spices. The antioxidants kill free radicals which causes oxidative stress and cancer. This is important because oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of diabetes.
Cinnamon and Insulin
Cinnamon has the abilities to imitate the effects of insulin and help transfer glucose into the cells more efficiently. One study showed that insulin sensitivity increased in participants immediately after consuming cinnamon; the effect lasted for a minimum of 12 hours. This makes cinnamon a game changer when it comes to diabetes.
