Cinnamon & Diabetes

Next time you get that frothy latte at the corner coffee shop, sprinkle some cinnamon on top—it just may help your diabetes. In several studies from recent years, cinnamon has been shown to improve glucose levels and lower cholesterol, both critical health factors for people with diabetes. Cinnamon may also help reduce blood pressure, slow the digestive process, and cause blood sugar to rise more slowly after eating.ⁱ

One studyⁱⁱ from Alam Kahn, Ph.D, tested 60 men and women who consumed cinnamon capsules for 20 days. Subjects were then tested 20 days after they had stopped taking the cinnamon. Kahn recorded significant results at the end of the 40-day period: glucose levels had lowered by up to 29%, triglyceride readings were nearly 30% lower, and cholesterol levels were down by as much as 26%.ⁱⁱⁱ

Another study from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute showed that cinnamon may act in much the same way that insulin does.^iv In this experiment, obese mice drank cinnamon water. Scientists then used spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance to examine the molecular structure of the cinnamon. They discovered that proanthocyanidin, a molecule in cinnamon, acted similarly to insulin. Their conclusion was that cinnamon may interact with insulin receptors and proteins in cells to enable glucose to enter the cells in much the same fashion that insulin does.

It should be noted that one recent study questions the benefits of cinnamon to people with diabetes, showing no positive effects from cinnamon on the A1C test or on FGB (fasting blood glucose) levels.^v However, other studies continue to find health benefits from this versatile spice. So, for people who prefer homeopathic medicines and for people with diabetes, cinnamon may be a very beneficial addition to their diet.

Here are a few great ways to use cinnamon every day:

• Drinks. Sprinkle cinnamon in your coffee, hot cocoa, tea, or even milk.
• Breakfast. Cinnamon tastes great in a surprising number of breakfast foods, from oatmeal to cereals to yogurt. You can even make homemade cinnamon bread in your bread maker—just add the spice to your favorite whole-grain recipe and enjoy the delicious aroma as it bakes.
• Desserts. Add cinnamon to dishes such as baked apples, frozen yogurt, cobblers, and more.
• Cooking. Cinnamon isn’t just for sweets. Many international cuisines use cinnamon as an important flavoring in savory dishes. Try Indian curry, Moroccan chicken, or Mexican mole laced with cinnamon for an unusual and delicious dinner.

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ⁱ http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=82492-cinnamon-diabetes

ⁱⁱ Kahn, A. Diabetes Care. December 2003; vol 26: pp 3215-3218.

ⁱⁱⁱ http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20031205/cinnamon-helps-type-2-diabetes

^iv http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040414003908.htm

^v Diabetes Care, January 2008, Volume 31, Pages 41-43, doi: 10.2337/dc07-1711 "Effect of Cinnamon on Glucose Control and Lipid Parameters", Authors: W.L. Baker, G. Gutierrez-Williams, C.M. White, J. Kluger, C.I.

Cinnamon Supreme Blood Sugar Support
If you’re looking for a cinnamon supplement, try Cinnamon Supreme Blood Sugar Support. Each bottle contains 30 vegetable capsules doctor-formulated to help maintain blood sugar levels and support insulin function. Created by Natures Benefit, Cinnamon Supreme Blood Sugar Support capsules contain healthful ingredients such as cinnamon bark, fenugreek seeds, oat bran, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate, and mulberry fruit. Each capsule also contains a range of B vitamins, folic acid, and other nutrients.

Omega Smart Organic Cinnamon Apple Diabetic Snack Bar
Omega Smart Organic Cinnamon Apple Nutrition Bar is a great snack which balances your craving for flavor with your body’s dietary needs. Its whole-food ingredients include apple, walnuts, figs, flaxseed, and low-glycemic agave nectar for sweetness. Omega Smart Organic Cinnamon Apple Nutrition Bars are an excellent source of ALA Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, polyphenol, and fiber. They’re also vegan, gluten-free, and contain no dairy, eggs, refined sugar, or trans fats. Keep these tasty diabetic snack bars in your cupboard to grab for a breakfast on-the-go or a nutritious snack anytime.

ExtendBar Apple Cinnamon Delight
ExtendBar Apple Cinnamon Delight is a low-fat, high-fiber diabetic snack bar developed especially for people with diabetes. ExtendBar Apple Cinnamon Delight helps control blood sugar for up to 9 hours, even during and after exercise. Have one as a snack before bed to reduce overnight lows and morning highs in blood sugar levels. ExtendBars are also an excellent way to keep your blood sugar from dropping too low between meals while avoiding spikes at the same time. And at a price as low as $1.29 each, what’s to lose? Give one a try today.
ExtendCrisps Baked Snacks - Cinnamon
ExtendCrisps Baked Snacks have a delightful cinnamon flavor and are a great snack for the entire family. As with ExtendBars, ExtendCrisps help control your blood sugar for long periods of time. ExtendCrisps control between-meal hunger by suppressing the appetite. These crunchy snacks convert slowly into blood glucose over 7-9 hours, unlike other snacks which may cause a sudden rush of sugar to the blood. ExtendCrisps are kosher, all-natural, a good source of protein and fiber, and have a low-glycemic index and load, perfect for people with diabetes.

Miracle Muffins Gingerbread Flavor Muffin Mix
Miracle Muffins Gingerbread Flavor Muffin Mix is a great way to enjoy delicious baked goods without worrying about negative consequences. These muffins are low-glycemic, high in fiber, all-natural, and 100% vegan. Miracle Muffins Gingerbread Flavor Muffin Mix is made with healthy ingredients such as wheat bran, sunflower seeds, soy protein, oat bran, flaxseeds, cinnamon, and psyllium husks. Spices such as ginger and cloves give these muffins a wonderful flavor that you’re sure to enjoy.

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Cinnamon Apple Roll-Ups

Serves: 12

Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories 101, protein 2 g, carbohydrate 16 g, fat 3 g, cholesterol 5 mg, sodium 194 mg.

Food Exchange: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.

Ingredients:

• 1 (11-ounce) package refrigerated bread stick dough
• 2 medium size Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Equal® Spoonful*
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons stick butter or margarine, melted

Preparation:

1. Unroll bread stick dough. Separate at perforations to form 12 strips.
2. Place 3 to 4 apple slices at the end of each strip.
3. Combine Equal® and cinnamon. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Equal® mixture over apple slices on each strip of dough.
4. Beginning at end with apple slices, roll up jelly roll fashion. Arrange apple bundles, seam side down, in bottom of well-sprayed 1-quart oval casserole dish. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-Equal® mixture.
5. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

* May substitute 12 packets Equal sweetener

Visit www.CooksRecipes.com for many more delicious diabetic recipes.
Recipe provided courtesy of Merisant Corporation ® and the NutraSweet Company, makers of Equal®