Cinnamon is not just a spice.
Cinnamon enriches a healthy diet without resorting to artificial sweeteners. Essential oils ensure digestibility, and tannins soothe the stomach. Studies now show that cinnamon has a positive effect on regulating blood sugar levels and can improve insulin sensitivity.
People with diabetes are usually aware of how important a healthy diet is. Cinnamon can be an excellent addition to this. Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels by naturally increasing insulin production. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds and can reduce the general risk of inflammatory diseases, which can lead to various health problems, including diabetes. Cinnamon can also lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels, positively affecting the cardiovascular system.
Cinnamon trade
As early as 2000 BC, cinnamon was the oldest spice in India and China. It was also widely used in Egypt and Ancient Greece, and there was already lively trade in the Roman Empire. Initially, it was used as a medicine, as an aphrodisiac and incense, and later, as a spice. After its decline, the Arabs dominated the cinnamon trade. Cinnamon was known in Europe during the Middle Ages as a remedy for gout and other illnesses. Venice, in particular, became the centre of trade in the 13th and 14th centuries. This was followed by the Portuguese, who colonised Ceylon in 1505 to secure and promote trade with India.
Origin of cinnamon today
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is obtained from the bark of cinnamon trees. The cinnamon sticks are ground into cinnamon powder. Cinnamon trees belong to the laurel family and come initially from Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, hence the name Ceylon cinnamon. It is grown in India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Central America, and Brazil. There are over two hundred different types of cinnamon. Only a few are used to produce cinnamon, such as Ceylon cinnamon.
Cinnamon as a dietary supplement
Cinnamon serves as a natural sweetener. For example, you can have a healthier start to the day by sweetening tea or coffee with cinnamon instead of sweeteners or even sugar. The pleasant aroma lifts the mood and has a relaxing effect. A pinch of cinnamon on muesli, oatmeal or a fresh apple tastes good and gives you extra energy for the day. Snacks can also be ideally flavoured with cinnamon. Cinnamon popcorn or cinnamon almonds, for example. Cinnamon is a classic baked good for apple pie or cinnamon star biscuits. Packed in a salt shaker, cinnamon is always available.
Of course, cinnamon is not only suitable as a sweetener. The spice also uniquely flavours vegetable and rice dishes and salad dressings.
Types of cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon has an intense flavour and is recommended by experts thanks to its low coumarin content.
Cassia cinnamon is cheaper but has a higher coumarin content. Therefore, it should only be used in small quantities for occasional use and consumption.
Saigon cinnamon has an intense flavour and a lower coumarin content than cassia cinnamon. However, this variety is more expensive and less common.
Therefore, it should be noted that large quantities of cassia cinnamon can be unhealthy due to its high coumarin content. Discomfort, headaches, or even dizziness can be unpleasant consequences. Harm to the kidneys and liver has been refuted. A liver-damaging effect is sporadic and usually occurs in the case of pre-existing liver diseases. Ceylon cinnamon is recommended if high amounts of cinnamon are included in the diet.
Cinnamon capsules are primarily intended to lower blood sugar levels. They are also known to have a favourable effect on cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, although cinnamon is a popular and, in many respects, very healthy spice, there is still no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cinnamon capsules. For this reason, no health claims may be used in advertising. Therefore, anyone who relies on reputable sources and professional advice regarding other ingredients is at an advantage. If you have diabetes mellitus, a consultation with your family doctor is recommended.
However, a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials published in the journal Nutrition Research in 2016 clearly showed that taking cinnamon significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
Cinnamon has been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, as in all areas of life, it is essential to use cinnamon in moderation and, if necessary, seek professional advice before taking cinnamon supplements.
