Cinnamon, a spice derived from the inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum, has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine. Among the various types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is considered "true" cinnamon and is prized for its potentially superior health benefits. Cinsulin, a water extract of cinnamon, is marketed as a supplement to promote sugar metabolism and support healthy blood glucose levels within the normal range. This article examines the potential benefits and side effects of Cinsulin, drawing on scientific research and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive overview.
Potential Benefits of Cinsulin
Blood Sugar Management
One of the primary claims associated with Cinsulin is its ability to help manage blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that cinnamon may mimic the effects of insulin, helping to remove sugar from the blood and improve insulin sensitivity.
Studies on Cinnamon and Blood Sugar:
- A 2003 study in Diabetes Care found that people with type 2 diabetes who took 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon supplements daily experienced lower glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels.
- A 2012 study in Nutrition Research found that patients with type 2 diabetes who took 120 or 360 milligrams of cinnamon daily had lowered A1C levels.
- A 2023 meta-analysis found that cinnamon supplements reduced fasting blood glucose.
- A recent study found that a 4-week course of cinnamon supplements reduced blood glucose levels in people with obesity or overweight and prediabetes.
Mechanisms of Action:
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Cinnamon may boost insulin's ability to connect with cells, prompting them to take in glucose more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: Cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties may help improve insulin sensitivity.
- Liver Support: Cinnamon may support the liver in storing excess glucose as glycogen for future energy needs.
- Gut Health: Cinnamon may improve gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can enhance gut barrier function and reduce systemic inflammation.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can prevent or slow cell damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic diseases.
- Researchers have tested the plant chemicals found in cinnamon and discovered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Certain cinnamon compounds have targeted free radicals with promising results.
- Taking cinnamon supplements can boost antioxidant levels in your blood and lower inflammation markers.
Heart Health
Cinnamon may help prevent heart disease by lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol levels.
- Taking supplements with at least 1.5 grams of cinnamon a day may lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, especially in people with metabolic disease.
- Cinnamon may also lower blood pressure if taken consistently for more than eight weeks.
Other Potential Benefits
Some studies suggest that cinnamon may have other potential benefits, including:
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- Cancer Prevention: Cinnamon may slow down or hold off angiogenesis, cell growth, and cellular signaling, suggesting it could be a tool in preventing or treating cancer.
- Antibiotic Properties: Cinnamaldehyde, the compound responsible for cinnamon's odor and flavor, has proven widespread antibiotic effects.
- Weight Loss: There is some research suggesting that cinnamon may help lower body weight.
- Other Conditions: Cinnamon might help with Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, tooth decay, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome, but studies are limited.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Cinsulin
While cinnamon is generally considered safe, consuming too much can lead to several side effects and risks.
Liver Toxicity and Damage
Cassia cinnamon, the most common type found in supermarkets, contains high amounts of coumarin. Eating too much coumarin may harm your liver.
- Research suggests the limit should be about 0.1 milligrams (mg) per 1 kilogram (kg) or 2.2 pounds (lb) of body weight.
- The coumarin content of ground Cassia cinnamon may range between 0.1-3.5 milligrams (mg) per gram (g) of cinnamon.
Mouth Sores
Some people have experienced mouth sores from eating products that contain cinnamon flavoring agents. This is called cinnamon stomatitis.
Allergic Reactions
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that may trigger an allergic reaction when consumed in large amounts.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
While cinnamon is known for its ability to lower blood sugar, eating too much may cause it to fall too low, especially in people taking medications for diabetes.
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- Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include tiredness, dizziness, and fainting.
Breathing Problems
Eating too much ground cinnamon in a single sitting may cause breathing problems if you accidentally inhale some of it, especially in children.
- Eating dry cinnamon can irritate your throat and lungs, as well as make you gag or choke.
- It can also permanently affect the function of your lungs due to aspiration pneumonia.
Interactions with Medications
Cinnamon may interact with medications for diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease, either enhancing their effects or intensifying their side effects.
- For example, excessive intake of coumarin in cinnamon may increase the chance of liver damage if you’re taking medications that may affect your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or statins.
- Cinnamon may enhance the effects of diabetes medications and cause your blood sugar to fall too low.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There isn’t much known about the effect on a fetus from consuming cinnamon during pregnancy or nursing. Consuming small amounts probably won’t cause any harm, however.
- Stick to the recommended 0.1 mg of coumarin per 1 kg or 2.2 lb of body weight or about half a teaspoon a day.
Dosage and Usage
Because cinnamon is unproven as a treatment, there isn’t a set dose. Some experts suggest 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of powder a day. Some studies have used about 1-6 grams of cinnamon.
- The US Department of Agriculture suggests that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day or less is generally safe and may even be beneficial to health.
- It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Cautions and Considerations
- The American Diabetes Association doesn’t recommend relying on cinnamon as a way to reduce blood glucose levels. Results from studies have been conflicting and there is not enough evidence to prove it works.
- Supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you don’t know the purity or exact content of them.
- Ceylon cinnamon, also called “true cinnamon,” is richer in potentially beneficial plant chemicals.
- If you take any medication regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cinnamon supplements.
- Children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment given the lack of evidence about its safety.
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