Cinnamon for diabetes is commonly prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. It also makes insulin more efficient at moving glucose into cells.
Almost every household has the spice called cinnamon, better known as dalchini in Hindi. The two types of cinnamon commonly found are ceylon and cassia. Both these types are derived from the bark of evergreen trees. The physical difference is: ceylon cinnamon bark looks like tightly rolled scrolls, while cassia cinnamon is more loosely rolled.
Most people usually think of cinnamon as a spice in curry preparation or a flavoring for desserts. But cinnamon has more to it than just this. People with diabetes often face dietary restrictions to control their blood sugar and prevent complications. Research suggests that cinnamon might help improve blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. However, there is still a lot of debate around how helpful cinnamon actually is for diabetics.
Benefits of Cinnamon for Diabetes Management
- Anti-clotting effect on the blood.
- Relieve pain in arthritis sufferers.
- Boost the body’s immune system.
- Stops medication-resistant yeast infections.
- Help in relieving indigestion.
- Reduces the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
- A great source of vital nutrients, including calcium, fiber, manganese, and iron.
Since diabetes management is all about blood sugar management and an overall healthy lifestyle, the benefits mentioned above are definitely a reason to include cinnamon in some form in your daily diabetes diet.
Read More: Coconut for Diabetes: Everything You Should Know
Tips for using Cinnamon
Cinnamon will not reduce blood sugar in every person who tries it, just as different medications produce varied results and side effects in different people. It’s possible that some people may face adverse side effects of the same.
Some tips for consuming Cinnamon safely and effectively are:
- Keep a food log.
- Stick to your diabetes care plan. Cinnamon is not a substitute for blood glucose monitoring, diabetes medications, or a healthful diet.
- Speak to your regular doctor before trying any new treatments for diabetes, including cinnamon and other herbal remedies. These might interact with existing medications or have unexpected effects on blood sugar levels.
- Use cinnamon as a flavoring agent in healthy foods items, such as oatmeal and muesli. People should avoid eating sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, or other sugary foods that are pretty rich in cinnamon or cinnamon flavoring.
Apart from healthy diet and lifestyle practices, it is also important to keep a check on blood sugar levels. A smart glucometer helps you take readings effortlessly, track patterns, and maintain a log of your reading at one place, even on the go.
Download the BeatO App to know more about diabetes-friendly foods and recipes.
