Cinnamon Prevents Insulin Resistance

Cinnamon is more than just a spice that can be added to food or drinks to give them an extra tasty flavor. It also has medicinal value that can have a positive effect on the body. For instance, cinnamon has been found to have a positive impact on memory and brain function; is soothing for the stomach and may aid in ulcer prevention; suppresses bacteria that can lead to urinary tract infections and fungus related to yeast infections; and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Furthermore, one of its most important benefits from a weight loss and health perspective is that it cinnamon prevents insulin resistance.

Cinnamon has many health benefits, but one that is important for weight loss is its ability to prevent and reverse insulin resistance.

Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that is needed to regulate carbohydrate metabolism and glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. When not enough insulin is produced, sugar levels become too high and this can have damaging effects on the body, leading to weight problems, insulin resistance (also known as pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome) and diabetes.

Research has found that small amounts of cinnamon (less than two teaspoons per day) has the ability to reduce blood sugar, increase a person’s natural production of insulin and lower blood cholesterol, even in those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This is very promising news for those who suffer from insulin resistance, because lowering levels of blood sugar and improving cholesterol ratios may assist in the reversal of this condition, and might prevent a further decline in health that could result in full diabetes.

In addition to helping prevent and improve insulin resistance, cinnamon may aid in weight loss. The reason is the fat cells that exist within the abdomen are quite sensitive to high levels of insulin and are excellent at energy storage. Due to the fact that the fat cells in the abdomen are close to digestive organs, and there is a widespread network of circulating blood vessels in the area, abdominal fat cells have an easier time storing excess glucose. Therefore, by reducing sugar levels, less glucose will be consumed and stored by these cells.

There are many ways you can incorporate cinnamon into your diet to obtain its benefits. For example, you can:

• Add cinnamon sticks to your tea or coffee
• Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon powder on toast, in applesauce or breakfast cereal
• Take a supplement

Regardless of how you may wish to introduce cinnamon into your diet, make sure you first consult your health care provider if you are considering ingesting large quantities of the spice for medicinal purposes.

Other Related Posts and Articles You May Find Interesting: “Cranberry Juice for Urinary Tract Health“, “Insulin Resistance Diet“, “Spicing Up Weight Loss” and “Zero Calorie Food Flavorings“.