Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to civilization, both for culinary preparations as well as traditional medications. Besides being hypoglycemic, it has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, gastroprotective, and cholesterol/lipid lowering effects, making this herb an all around great spice to have in your medicine cabinet/kitchen shelf.
Many new studies have shown cinnamon to have an effect on glucose control in type II diabetes mellitius patients (Particularly the species Cinnamomum aromaticum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Cinnamon extract is rich in polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, and can be used along the pathway of oxidation in diabetes. In addition, Cinnamon has been shown to increase glucose uptake, particularly in glucose resistant Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients.
Alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme in the small intestine of humans that allows for carbohydrate digetsion. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors is a major therapeutic target for anti-diabetic drugs, which basically have the effect to prevent carbohydrate breakdown and metabolism, therefore not raising blood sugar, since it cannot be absorbed in a large molecule (carbohydrates need to be broken down into glucose molecules before they can be absorbed). Researchers also found that cinnamon also has this alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity, making it a great alternative treatment for diabetes patients to help lower blood sugar levels.
This article is in no way intended for medical advice. Genearlized summaries of research articles was presented, without therapeutic dosages. Please consult with your medical provider to discuss if this treatment is right for you.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to civilization, both for culinary preparations as well as traditional medications. Besides being hypoglycemic, it has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, gastroprotective, and cholesterol/lipid lowering effects, making this herb an all around great spice to have in your medicine cabinet/kitchen shelf.
Many new studies have shown cinnamon to have an effect on glucose control in type II diabetes mellitius patients (Particularly the species Cinnamomum aromaticum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum). Cinnamon extract is rich in polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants, and can be used along the pathway of oxidation in diabetes. In addition, Cinnamon has been shown to increase glucose uptake, particularly in glucose resistant Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients.
Alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme in the small intestine of humans that allows for carbohydrate digetsion. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors is a major therapeutic target for anti-diabetic drugs, which basically have the effect to prevent carbohydrate breakdown and metabolism, therefore not raising blood sugar, since it cannot be absorbed in a large molecule (carbohydrates need to be broken down into glucose molecules before they can be absorbed). Researchers also found that cinnamon also has this alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity, making it a great alternative treatment for diabetes patients to help lower blood sugar levels.
This article is in no way intended for medical advice. Genearlized summaries of research articles was presented, without therapeutic dosages. Please consult with your medical provider to discuss if this treatment is right for you.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22007625
Gaby, Alan. Nutritional Medicine. 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21711570