Cinnamon is one of those herbs that tastes
so cool, you eat it without even thinking about it
its health benefits. Some recent studies have
begun to change the image of this tasty spice.
The latest science suggests that cinnamon
may be helpful in treating diabetes and killing
dead bacteria.
Traditionally, cinnamon is used by herbalists
to relieve nausea and vomiting. Cinnamon
also produces a slight astringency that can
be useful for diarrhoea. herbalists ever
include cinnamon in unpleasant tonics to improve
flavor.
Most cinnamon comes from Asia and the
West Indies. The inner bark is stripped of
the tree and dries producing the characteristic curly shape that
cut into cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon and blood sugar
In a study published in Diabetes Care (December 2003), researchers
reported that consuming cinnamon improves blood
glucose (sugar) and lowers blood levels of fats and “bad” cholesterol,
which are also partially controlled by insulin. sixty volunteers
with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into six groups
– groups one to three consumed one, three or six grams of
cinnamon daily, respectively. Groups four to six received
placebo capsules corresponding to the number of capsules consumed
for the three levels of cinnamon. After forty days, the three
the cinnamon groups exhibited reduced serum glucose (blood sugar)
and LDL cholesterol (“bad” fats) compared to placebo
groups. The researchers concluded that including cinnamon in
diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors
associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, Edgar Cayce included cinnamon in a formula that he normally prescribed to people
with diabetes In a reading that describes
the activity of each component in
this formula (4156-2), noted that cinnamon
is an active ingredient with the liver
circulation (which includes the liver
and the pancreas, the two organs most directly
Participates in the regulation of glucose and
fat metabolism).
antibacterial properties
Another recent study focused on the
Antibacterial properties of cinnamon. scientists
at Kansas State University found
to add small amounts of cinnamon to
contaminated apple juice with a potential
lethal strain of E. coli (#0157) killed nearly
all deadly bacteria. a teaspoon
of cinnamon killed more than 99 percent
of bacteria after three days in the room
temperature. Since cinnamon is so effective
against E. coli, it is likely that
also have antimicrobial effects on other
foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and
Campylobacter.
cinnamon for nausea
Based on traditional herbs.
use of cinnamon, Edgar Cayce typically
cinnamon prescribed as part of a nausea
remedy. Typically in combination with lime
water (and sometimes potassium iodide)
and potassium bromide), this formula was
especially recommended to settle the stomach
for people with travel sickness.
For those of us who simply want to enjoy
the delicious taste and overall health
benefits of cinnamon, here are a couple of
advice. Numerous readings specify that the
Cinnamon should be taken as bark or stick
(i.e. as raw as possible). I like
I use cinnamon to flavor my steel cut oats.
Of course, it’s a great topping for applesauce.
A cinnamon stick in warm apple
cider is a refreshing winter drink. There are many ways to enjoy this delicious herbal delicacy.