Cinnamon in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Cinnamon is known to us as a spice. Its specific pleasant aroma complements the taste of confectionery, desserts, liqueurs, coffee. It is "friends" with apples, so it is especially in demand by housewives for making charlotte, strudel, pies, and sometimes for canning. It is obtained from the bark of a tree and has been used since ancient times. The taste and smell of the spice is due to the presence of essential oil, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Extracts and oil of the bark of the plant are used in medicine as part of cold remedies, in warming-irritating ointments, aromatherapy, and also in perfumery in perfumes. There is information that it helps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, researchers of the pharmacological effect of cinnamon specify that they used Indonesian, its other name is cassia, which is a related plant to Ceylon cinnamon - a real spice.

Can you eat cinnamon if you have diabetes?

Experts say that cinnamon is not only possible, but also necessary for diabetics. Its biologically active substances: proanthocyanidin, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin, and therefore the blood sugar level. Disruption of carbohydrate metabolism leads to the fact that undigested glucose provokes the formation of toxic substances that are dangerous due to their destructive effect on the walls of blood vessels. The use of natural preparations to reduce it is very important for a diabetic, since they are safer than chemical ones. In 2003, two American nutritionists published the results of their experiments with cinnamon in a journal whose title translates from English as "Diabetes Treatment", in which 60 patients with type 2 diabetes participated for 40 days. People were divided into 3 groups, each of which was given a different amount of the spice daily: 1, 3 and 6 grams. The results were a pleasant surprise: all participants had their glucose levels reduced by 18-30%. Another useful property of cinnamon is the reduction of cholesterol in the blood, which reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, stimulation of the brain, dilation of blood vessels and improvement of blood circulation.

Benefits

The above-described medicinal properties of cinnamon convince that it is worth using, but not replacing sugar-reducing drugs prescribed by a doctor. How to do this and in what quantities? There are no clear recommendations on this account, but you can rely on known studies and take 1-6 g (let us clarify that 1 g is equal to a sixth of a teaspoon, 3 g - half, 6 g - a full one). It is best to add cinnamon to dishes for diabetes, but you can brew it like tea by placing the powder in a cup or teapot and pouring boiling water over it. After infusing for 10-15 minutes, you can drink it; adding a slice of lemon will improve the taste.

Cinnamon recipes for diabetes

Each housewife has her own recipes for using cinnamon, but the most accessible ones, which do not involve flour products that are harmful to diabetics, are the following:

• cinnamon with kefir for diabetes - a good end to the day is a glass of kefir at night. Sprinkle it with half a small spoon of spice, stir, leave for half an hour, then drink;
• honey with cinnamon - the spice is poured with warm water and infused, after an hour a tablespoon of honey is added, the drink is cooled in the refrigerator. Half of it is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, the second - in the evening;
• turmeric with cinnamon - turmeric is obtained from the rhizomes of the plant of the same name, it is widely used in cooking, and is also known for its healing properties. It is believed that it cleanses the body, is a natural antibiotic, strengthens the immune system, prevents Alzheimer's disease. It is also used to treat diabetes. One of the recipes looks like this: brew strong black tea, pour in turmeric (one and a half spoons per 0.5 l), a pinch of cinnamon, cool. Strain and mix with 500 ml of kefir. Drink twice a day;
• Ginger and cinnamon - ginger has long been known as a folk healer in strengthening the immune system, healing wounds, lowering cholesterol, normalizing metabolism, and controlling sugar. Together with cinnamon, they have a positive effect on the dynamics of diabetes. Their regular use will give tangible results in glycemic control, weight loss, since obesity often accompanies the disease. Fresh roots of the plant are more effective. They are peeled, cut into thin slices, placed in a bowl and poured with boiling water. After an hour of infusion, add cinnamon, stir. It is good to take such a drink in the morning and evening;
• ground cinnamon for diabetes - both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon are available for sale. Both can be used in recipes, since the latter is obtained by grinding the dried, rolled-up bark of the plant. It is easier to determine the weight using ground cinnamon. Regular apples, cut into slices, sprinkled with spice powder and baked in the oven or microwave, will bring double the benefit and a lot of gastronomic pleasure.

Contraindications

Although cinnamon is a relatively safe product, it can still cause an allergic reaction in some people. Cinnamon can harm the liver if the recommended doses are significantly exceeded, and cause ulcers in the mouth. At the slightest manifestation of side effects, you should stop taking the spice.

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Reviews

Many people with diabetes are trying to find a way to combat diabetes by trying various traditional medicine recipes. Especially those with type 2 insulin-independent diabetes do not lose hope. According to reviews, regular use of brown powder really does reduce glucose levels. Endocrinologists agree with this. They have repeatedly encountered such a positive effect of cinnamon in their practice along with proper nutrition.