Cinnamon and insulin resistance don’t sound like they belong in the same sentence. After all, when you think cinnamon, isn’t the next word supposed to be “bun?” Like those massive, decadent, deadly cinnamon buns in the mall?
Not always.
Cinnamon itself is an incredibly fragrant and delicious spice from the bark of a tree. It not only makes foods taste better, it can help stabilize your blood sugar, reduce cravings, and help you gain the control to make wise food choices. Cinnamon helps your body produce and respond more appropriately to insulin, leading to a more balanced mood and better health. Eat cinnamon and weight loss is a natural result!
Studies have shown that this versatile spice can also help reduce ldl (“bad” cholesterol) as well as lowering triglycerides, leading to healthier arteries and heart.
The smell of cinnamon has even been shown to help with memory and information processing…enough that it might be prudent to have a stick of cinnamon gum handy for that next exam or while learning a new job skill!
How much will it cost?
Not much. Fortunately, cinnamon health benefits come from the cheaper versions just fine! Cassia cinnamon, the spice sold at your local grocery store, is also sold at your health food store in supplemental capsules. If you don’t like the flavor of cinnamon, you can take it as a capsule or in extract form.
Warning: Do NOT eat cinnamon oil! Commonly used in aromatherapy, cinnamon oil is too strong to be eaten.
Cinnamon has wonderful antibacterial and antifungal abilities, effective against both the fungus that causes the common yeast infection, (candida albicans,) and the bacteria thought to be the cause of most stomach ulcers. (Helicobacter pylori.) However, the stomach is prepared to deal with the rather strong properties of cinnamon. Your skin, and particularly those tender areas that tend to have yeast infections, would be burned by cinnamon. Do not attempt to apply cinnamon to skin or tender areas!
How much cinnamon do you need?
As little as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day of cinnamon has been shown to be effective. There are no greater benefits to be had in eating larger amounts.
Try adding 1/4 teaspoon to
Your morning coffee or tea
A bowl of unsweetened applesauce
A bowl of oatmeal, perhaps with walnuts or flaxseed on top
A chicken breast before cooking, with a few Italian herbs and garlic. How wonderful is that? An inexpensive spice that you already have in your cabinet that can help manage your blood sugar, knock out candida, and lower your bad cholesterol all in one knockout punch? Pour me a cup of add a shake of cinnamon for weight loss!