The 411 On Cinnamon And Diabetes

Many diabetics have asked the question "does cinnamon help diabetes?" as this seems to be one of the common natural remedies that seems to be floating around. This article seeks to understand the relationship between cinnamon and diabetes and the rationale as to why cinnamon is usually recommended for diabetes.
Cinnamon
Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, Saigon or Chinese cinnamon (also known as Cassia), the parts used for culinary purposes and healing are the inner bark. More than a sweet treat, cinnamon has been used for many centuries to help treat many health conditions and more recently to fight diabetes.
Cinnamon Recommended Uses
1. Infection
Cinnamon helps to fight decay and disease causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is also a very powerful antiseptic. This is why it is commonly used in tooth paste, dental floss, applied to minor scrapes and cuts, etc.
2. Digestive issues
Cinnamon helps with digestive issues because it is able to help the body digest ice cream, cakes, cookies and many other high fat sweets and treats.
Some studies have shown that cinnamon is able to break down fat in the digestive system and is endorsed in some parts of the world as an effective natural remedy for bloating, indigestion, flatulence and abdominal distress.
3. Pain
The eugenol that cinnamon contains which is a natural anesthetic oil can help relieve the pain associated with minor cuts and scrapes.
4. Cholesterol
Some research studies found that consuming cinnamon can help lower cholesterol by up to 26 percent which can help lower the risk of heart disease.
Cinnamon and Diabetes
Cinnamon and diabetes have been shown to have a beneficial link because it appears that cinnamon helps to increase insulin sensitivity. One of the causes of diabetes is thought to be insulin resistance which is when inexplicably, the body rejects the insulin produced by the pancreas.

Cinnamon may be able to fight against insulin resistance and thereby help reduce blood sugar (glucose).
To Use Cinnamon for Diabetes
Cinnamon can be easily added to food or a beverage.

• Consider adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to your food or drink.
• Make a warm spicy infusion with up to ¾ teaspoon of powdered cinnamon added to boiling water and steeped for up to 20 minutes. You may strain if you desire. Drink this up to 3 times a day.
• For minor cuts and scrapes, sprinkle a little cinnamon on the area.

Precautions with Cinnamon Usage
Cinnamon found in many spice areas of the grocery stores is usually used for diabetes management with no issues. Cassia is the type of cinnamon that is most beneficial for diabetes management and unlike Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia contains a compound known as coumarin which can be toxic to the liver and can interact with blood thinners when taken frequently. So do exercise caution when using this cinnamon and get checked for liver toxicity.
Other recommendations include avoiding this issue by taking cinnamon capsules or using a water based extract which are just as effective but safer than Cassia. A basic water extract you can make is to place cinnamon in a water filter, pour hot water over the cinnamon and serve.
While most powdered cinnamon is nontoxic, cinnamon oil presents problems and when applied to the skin, can result in burning and redness. When ingested, cinnamon oil can cause kidney damage, nausea and vomiting. Avoid cinnamon oil.
If pregnant, exercise caution when using cinnamon outside the normal amounts used in culinary dishes.
Cinnamon And Diabetes, is definitely an area that you should look into if you are trying to manage diabetes naturally. There are certainly many positive testimonials from many diabetics who use cinnamon for diabetes and this is an herb that is easily accessible for most people which makes it a great natural treatment for diabetes.