The Power of Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements for Blood Sugar Balance
From Spice Rack to Medicine Cabinet: The Power of Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements for Blood Sugar Balance
I understand how frustrating it is for someone to continuously check what they eat and worry about the ramifications of indulging in their favourite foods, because I have assisted many people who struggled with managing their blood sugar levels. I was curious to learn more about the science when I first heard about the potential advantages of Ceylon cinnamon supplements for blood sugar management. I'll go over all you need to know about cinnamon supplements in this article, from its advantages to suggested dosages and any possible negative effects.
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
It's crucial to have a fundamental understanding of blood sugar levels before delving into the intricacies of cinnamon supplements.
The food we consume primarily contains three macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates, found in foods like bread, pasta, and fruits, are the body's primary source of energy. During digestion, the body breaks down carbohydrates[1] into simpler sugars, one of which is glucose. Glucose is the most fundamental unit of energy in our bodies. Once in the bloodstream, it needs to be transported into the body's cells to be utilized for energy.
This is where insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, comes into play. Insulin acts as a key to 'unlock' cells so they can absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy[2]. This process lowers the amount of glucose in your blood, helping maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range.
However, for those with conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance, the body may not be able to produce or use insulin effectively, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This can have serious long-term health consequences, including kidney damage, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease.
Persistently high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can lead to serious long-term health consequences[3], including kidney damage. It can also cause nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, particularly the feet.
Diabetes also significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attack and stroke, because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. Moreover, the process of healing is slowed due to poor blood circulation, leading to various skin and soft tissue infections.
What is Ceylon Cinnamon?
People have utilized the spice cinnamon in both cooking and traditional medicine for centuries. Cinnamon comes in two main varieties: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon[4]. The scientific name for cinnamon is Cinnamomum, and although both types originate from the cinnamon tree's bark, the two varieties differ in their chemical make-up and flavour.
The cinnamon that comes from Ceylon, sometimes referred to as "true cinnamon," is unique to Sri Lanka and is said to be of superior quality than cinnamon from Cassia[5]. It tastes sweeter and milder, and has fewer concentrations of coumarin, a substance that can be hazardous in high doses.
All in all, if you’re looking to unlock the powerful benefits of cinnamon, be sure to go for Ceylon cinnamon as it is the best form to supplement with.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Balance
Cinnamon may offer a range of advantages for controlling blood sugar, according to research[6]. A study cited in the Journal of Medicinal Food states that 1200 mg of Ceylon cinnamon taken once a day for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and elevated blood lipid levels.
Another study indicated that eating cinnamon with meals may assist people with type 2 diabetes in lowering their postprandial (after a meal) blood glucose levels. This study was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics[7].
Cinnamon can also reduce insulin resistance, which is one of the key hormones that regulates metabolism and energy use[8].
Dosage Recommendations for Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements
Different Ceylon cinnamon doses could be suggested depending on the specific supplementand the intended application. However, the bulk of studies have used daily dosages between 500 mg and 1200 mg[9].
It's important to remember that ingesting too much cinnamon could be harmful, therefore you must strictly follow the instructed dosage. Additionally, it's important to consult your doctor or other healthcare provider before taking cinnamon supplements, especially if you take any prescriptions or medications because it may interact with some of them.
Choosing the Right Ceylon Cinnamon for You - Capsules, Pills, or Powder?
Supplements containing Ceylon cinnamon can be found in a range of different forms, including capsules, pills, tablets and powder.
For people who don't want to measure out an exact amount themselves, capsules may be more convenient than powder, which is more adaptable and simpler to blend into food and beverages.
Capsules are also easier and quicker to consume - in most cases, you'll just need to swallow them with a glass of water. Be sure to check the bottle you buy for exact instructions.
You should get your Ceylon cinnamon from a reliable company that only employs premium components. It's also crucial to pick a supplement with Ceylon cinnamon exclusively rather than Cassia cinnamon, or a combination of several types of cinnamon.
If you’re looking for a strong dose of premium quality Ceylon cinnamon, you may want to consider our Ceylon cinnamon capsules that feature a 1200 mg per serving - perfect to help balance your blood sugar levels.
Potential Side Effects of Ceylon Cinnamon and Precautions
Although Ceylon cinnamon is typically seen to be safe for the majority of people, it can nevertheless have certain adverse effects. These can include digestive problems such as diarrhoea or nausea, oral sores, and allergic responses[10].
Furthermore, taking too much cinnamon might be dangerous, especially for people who already have liver or kidney problems.
If you have any underlying medical issues, be sure to strictly follow the recommended dosage and consult your physician or healthcare provider before using cinnamon. Cinnamon can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, so it's important to again, consult your doctor.
Finally, it's important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand to ensure that you're getting the best possible supplement, such as Feel Youngers Ceylon cinnamon capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon
Can cinnamon help with weight loss?
Cinnamon may aid in weight loss, according to some research[11]. You can find links to scientific studies at the bottom of this page, but it’s important to always conduct your own research and check with your doctor before you start taking any new supplement.
Can cinnamon cure diabetes?
No, cinnamon cannot cure diabetes. However, it may have some benefits for blood sugar management for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Can cinnamon supplements interact with medications?
Yes, supplements containing cinnamon can interfere with several drugs, particularly blood thinners. If you take any drugs, it's crucial to speak with your doctor before beginning to use a cinnamon supplement.
Is Ceylon Cinnamon Right for You?
Overall, some people may benefit from using Ceylon cinnamon. Some of the main benefits seen by studies are:
- Blood Sugar Balance
- Improving sensitivity to insulin
- Reducing food cravings, aiding in weight loss
- Reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant support
- Providing protection for the brain and improving brain function
Citations
1 https://medlineplus.gov/carbohydrates.html
2 https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/rih/ell/lesson9.pdf
3 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-nerve-damage.html
4 https://www.bonappetit.com/story/types-of-cinnamon
5 https://galainthekitchen.com/difference-cassia-and-ceylon-cinnamon/
6 https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/21/health/cinnamon-prediabetes-wellness/index.html
7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17556692/
8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901047/
9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6425402/
10 https://www.medicinenet.com/7_side_effects_of_too_much_cinnamon/article.htm
11 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cinnamon-and-diabetes