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Scientists have claimed that a teaspoon a day of this spice can prevent the onset of diabetes
*Written by Mr. Georgios Zakynthinos MSc, PhD, Professor of the Department of Public and Community Health at the School of Public Health of the University of Western Attica
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicuma tree native to Sri Lanka and now cultivated in various other tropical countries. It is often confused with a product made from Cinnamomum aromaticum, which has a similar flavor and medicinal properties to cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Both spices are widely available in most countries of the world. It was used by the ancient Egyptians along with other spices in the embalming and mummification of their dead due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help preserve organisms. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including colds and digestive problems, as a perfume, and for wines as flavor additives. Today it is primarily used as a flavoring agent for the confectionery industry and as a modern coffee seasoning. Intense medical interest, however, has been spurred by the discovery of its antidiabetic effects. The nutritional content of cinnamon refers to the high content of antioxidants such as caffeic acid, coumaric acid, epicatechin, isobgenol, pro-anthocyanidins, safrole vanillin, polyphenols, cinnamic aldehyde and salicylic acids and to the fact that it is a great source of magnesium, iron and calcium without missing out on fiber.
Its antidiabetic action
American scientists have argued that a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can help prevent the onset of diabetes. The common spice could help millions of people with type II diabetes, which is non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type II diabetes usually develops in middle-aged people and is responsible for the premature death of 100 million people worldwide each year. Type II diabetes causes the cells of the pancreas to lose their ability to secrete the necessary insulin, a hormone charged with removing excess glucose from the bloodstream. If blood glucose is high, fatigue, weight-loss and blurred vision are some of the resulting symptoms. In extreme cases this can lead to blindness, heart disease and premature death. This evidence of the benefits of cinnamon published by the University of Maryland Agricultural Research Unit was originally published in the August 2000 issue of New Scientist magazine and was conducted on laboratory animals. Further tests were then carried out and the researchers were confident that cinnamon would have the same dramatic effect on reducing elevated glucose in humans. The baton in the research was taken by a French-American group where they also found the beneficial effect of cinnamon as an antioxidant. In the study it was argued that cinnamon is very beneficial against metabolic disorders due to its high content of antioxidant substances. Led by Dr. Anne-Marie Roussel from Joseph Fourier University in France and her team, it was argued that due to its active ingredients, cinnamon and its extracts should be included in a person’s diet as a regular habit since it increases the body’s natural defense shield and its power to fight oxidation and free radicals.
Of course, metabolic disorder does not refer to just one health problem or disease, but to a series of diseases and consequently includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and high triglyceride levels which can cause cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity and insulin resistance. Dr. Richard Anderson from the US Department of Agriculture who collaborated on the above study pointed out the fact that cinnamon is a very powerful antioxidant against all disorders present in the metabolic syndrome, thanks to its high content of antioxidants: “This study tells us that the active substances found in cinnamon extract can help reduce the risk of these diseases by providing protection to cells from harmful oxidation.”
Lipid control
Cinnamon has a strong effect on elevated blood lipid levels. The same clinical trials mentioned in the previous paragraph also showed that type II diabetics who took amounts of cinnamon as much as one gram daily for more than 40 days found a substantial improvement in their blood lipid levels. Also cholesterol levels decreased from 13% to 26%, triglyceride levels also decreased between 23% and 30%, even LDL levels ranged between 10% and 24%.
Other actions of cinnamon
In arthritis which is a chronic inflammation cinnamon appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Helps relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. In a study at the University of Copenhagen, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with a tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had a significant relief of arthritis pain after one week, and the patient could walk without pain for at least a month.
Antimicrobial and antifungal action
Antimicrobial and antifungal activity is also established. In laboratory tests, the growth of yeasts that were resistant to commonly used drugs such as fluconazole formulations was stopped when cinnamon extracts were used. Studies have shown that cinnamon essential oil and extracts have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in treating vaginal infections of the genus Candida, It has also been used for the pylori ulcer bacteria and against lice. Cinnamon has also been used to treat diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Enhances brain function
It enhances brain function and can be considered as a excellent brain foodh. Research found improved memory and performance of certain tasks when chewing cinnamon-flavored gum, or simply smelling the cinnamon. Study participants while working on a computer using a program with increased attentional demands and processes, using virtual memory , recognition and visual-speed, showed significant improvement and adaptability to the demands of their work. So the researchers, encouraged by these results, have begun research on enhancing brain function in the elderly but in people with degenerative neurological diseases.
Safety in use
Since cinnamon can lower blood sugar, diabetics should monitor their blood sugar level to avoid hypoglycemia. Be careful about taking cinnamon in amounts higher than those normally found in foods. Cinnamon also contains chemicals that can damage the liver, so if you have liver disease or are taking any medications that can damage the liver, you should consult your doctor or clinical nutritionist before consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Disclaimer: This text is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent These statements are for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the services or recommendations of a physician or recognized health care professional
George Zakynthinos Professor of Technology, Safety and Development of Functional Foods and Health Protection Products in Public Health, University of Western Attica