How Cinnamon Can Lower Your Blood Sugar – A Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes, the disease which was once considered the wealthy man’s burden, is no longer affiliated to the rich. It has become a common malady that is spreading its vicious tentacles far and wide day by day. It is a major abetting factor for heart attacks, kidney failures and stroke. As time goes, diabetes causes vision impairment too.
The complexity of diagnosis and treatment is further increased by the various types of diabetes and the exclusive medication required for each type. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the inability of the body to produce insulin altogether which results in increased blood sugar levels because insulin aids in the proper dissipation of glucose into the blood. This type necessitates total dependence on insulin injections. The other type of diabetes, type 2 is the most commonly occurring form of the disease. It is caused by the insulin deficiency and the failure of the body to utilize the insulin secreted by pancreas. The stark effect of this is obesity.
We cannot feel relieved by the fact that type 2 is not as bad as type 1 because, type 2 gradually morphs into type 1 diabetes as we age and our immune system becomes weak and ultimately results in total dependence on insulin. The ray of hope in this case is that with proper exercise, healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, the type 2 diabetes can be controlled. Herbal alternatives are most sought after, due to their very minimal side effects. Cinnamon is considered as the herbal panacea for the type 2 diabetes because of its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol and glucose. Research has shown that a daily intake of minimum 1g of cinnamon reduces the serum glucose level significantly in the long run.
To understand the effectiveness of cinnamon, it is essential to understand the factors that increase the blood sugar levels. Heavy consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, in other words, hydrogenated oils result in clogging of arteries with cholesterol which makes the cell wall and artery passage thin, preventing the glucose from reaching the cells. The key substance in cinnamon, methylhydroxy-chalcone polymer (MHCP), reduces this cholesterol level resulting in better absorption of glucose. It also improves the ability of the fat cells to respond to insulin which is a key benefit for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes also triggers multiple undesirable effects. One such defect is the malabsorption of necessary salts. One such salt whose absorption is prevented is magnesium. Cinnamon is a vital source of magnesium, hence supplementing our body with the necessary nutrients. MHCP in cinnamon reduce the insulin resistance in our body and triggers the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.
Excessive quantities of anything result in negative effect. The research world is polarized on the benefits of cinnamon in reducing blood sugar levels. A particular research even says that MHCP is just a water-soluble polymer and does not have any additional qualities. The side-effects of cinnamon are mostly restricted to a specific set of conditions and there are no definite side effects affecting everybody. Studies have shown that excessive usage of cinnamon results in oral erythema multiforme which is lip swelling and mouth ulcer. It is not advisable for persons with haemophilic problems because its anti-clotting properties will cause profuse bleeding. Due to this reason, cinnamon intake is not recommended during menstruation too. Cinnamon is also a common allergy food so it cannot be recommended for everyone.
It is proven that cinnamon is greatly beneficial for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and its side effects are pronounced only in specific conditions of health like pregnancy. But it is always recommended and advised to consult the physician before trying out alternative remedy.
