Cinnamon has been linked to some positive health effects and may also improve blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes, according to a recent study. The spice could therefore make a significant contribution to diabetes prevention.
In a recent clinical study, a research team from the David Geffen School of Medicine and the University of California examined how cinnamon intake affected blood sugar levels in people with obesity and prediabetes. The results are published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”.
How does cinnamon affect blood sugar?
While some of the health benefits of cinnamon are now clearly established, previous research has produced conflicting results regarding its effects on blood sugar levels, experts report.
In a clinical study with 18 participants who suffered from obesity and prediabetes, the team examined how daily consumption of cinnamon – in the amount usually used for seasoning – influences the glucose concentration in the blood.
Four weeks of cinnamon intake
For this purpose, the participants were randomly assigned to two groups. After a two-week run-in period on a low-polyphenol/fiber diet, one group took four grams of cinnamon daily for four weeks, while the other group received Plaebo.
The researchers explain that this was followed by a two-week washout phase and then another four-week intake in which the other intervention was switched.
The experts assessed the effects on blood sugar with continuous glucose monitoring and daily logs of digestive symptoms were created to record possible side effects.
Glucose concentration significantly reduced
The subsequent data analysis revealed clear beneficial effects of cinnamon intake. “Compared to placebo, 24-hour glucose concentrations were significantly lower when cinnamon was administered,” the research team reports.
In addition, cinnamon intake led to lower glucose peaks and better results in glucose tolerance tests and triglyceride values (special blood fats), the researchers explain.
There were no differences between the cinnamon and placebo groups in terms of digestive symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, borborygmi, flatulence and bowel movements per day).
Cinnamon for prediabetes
The researchers come to the conclusion that daily consumption of cinnamon can have positive effects on blood sugar levels in prediabetes. This could potentially prevent the transition to diabetes. (fp)
