Cinnamon for type 2 diabetes

An eastern spice has been used over the centuries by ancient civilisations research has indicated beneficial effects at lowering blood pressure in addition to its analgesic properties . A recent study by
Dr Khan et al, published in Diabetic Care (26:3215-3218, 2003) , he researched a total of 60 people with type 2 diabetes, 30 men and 30 women aged 52.2 ± 6.32 years, they were divided randomly into six groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consumed 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon daily, respectively, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were given placebo capsules corresponding to the number of capsules consumed for the three levels of cinnamon. After 40 days, followed by a 20-day washout period all three levels of cinnamon reduced the mean fasting serum glucose (18–29%), triglyceride (23–30%), LDL cholesterol (7–27%), and total cholesterol (12–26%) levels; no significant changes were noted in the placebo groups. The results of this study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3, or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Source:http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/12/3215%20

accessed 20th January 2008