Daily Dose of Cinnamon: 2-4g
Cinnamon is more commonly known as a spice used for baking or for topping hot beverages because of its sweet taste and aroma. However, it can also be used medicinally and has been used throughout the world since ancient times. Cinnamon sticks come from the dried bark of the evergreen tree. There are two types, Ceylon, which is the sweeter kind, and Cassia, which is from China. In ancient Rome, the price of cinnamon was 15 times more than that of silver and it was used by the Egyptians as an embalming agent.
There are many uses for cinnamon today, among these benefits is its ability to help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Studies have shown that seasoning high carbohydrate foods can lessen the impact on a person’s blood sugar level. The cinnamon slows down the rate in which the stomach empties after meals. One reason why high carbohydrates increase blood sugar is because they are quickly emptied in the stomach. Another way that cinnamon helps people with type 2 diabetes is that it can improve their cell’s ability to respond to insulin. This helps the body use glucose more effectively. Another benefit of cinnamon is that it is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It works against blood clotting that causes poor blood circulation by helping to release a fatty acid known as arachidonic acid. This fatty acid is responsible for inflammatory response. It is also an antibacterial and stops the growth of fungi or harmful bacteria. Because of this, it is used to treat yeast infections and even for food preservation.
Cassia cinnamon is safe when taken in small amounts like in most common foods and in medicinal doses, but it is unsafe when taken in high amounts. Heavy uses of cinnamon may cause irritations to the mouth and can even cause allergic reactions. It can cause redness and irritation when applied to the skin in some cases. People with liver problems should avoid taking high amounts of cassia cinnamon because it can be toxic. People with a hormonal type cancer, like breast cancer, should not take cinnamon either. People with diabetes should consult a doctor before taking cinnamon because treatment may need to be adjusted. The recommended dose is half to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or 2-4g.
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