Cinnamon especially reminds us of the cinnamon lattes, apple pie and many other delicious drinks and dishes that are typical for autumn. But this spice is not only a great seasoning, it is also incredibly healthy.
Cinnamon has medicinal properties, which is why it has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is even claimed to help against high blood sugar and diabetes.
But is that really so? I looked into it for you.
In this blog you will discover the proven health benefits of cinnamon.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the cells do not respond properly to insulin. The hormone insulin is important, because if you produce too little of it, a lot of glucose (sugar) will remain in your blood.
This causes too high a blood sugar level. That too much sugar in your blood is absolutely not good and can damage your blood vessels. In the long term, this can even lead to serious damage to your cardiovascular system and nerves.
Fortunately, you can lower your blood sugar without medication, because there are natural blood sugar lowering agents such as cinnamon.
Cinnamon can lower blood sugar
The blood sugar lowering effect is by far the most researched health benefit of cinnamon. The spice can lower blood sugar in several ways:
- It mimics the action of insulin . Cinnamon contains the substance MHCP (methylhydroxychalone polymer), this active substance works just like insulin. It makes it easier for the glucose in the blood to be absorbed into the cells and therefore lowers your blood sugar. (1)
- It increases your insulin sensitivity (2). This means that it stimulates your body to convert the sugar in your blood into energy more quickly.
- Cinnamon also ensures that glucose reaches your blood circulation less quickly , so that you have fewer high peaks and troughs and your blood sugar level therefore remains more or less stable. A stable blood sugar level is extremely important because you will not feel like eating unhealthy sweet things as quickly, and you will not gain any extra kilos. (3)
The spice stimulates your digestion and fat burning
Cinnamon contains the substance cinnamaldehyde, which stimulates your digestion and fat burning. Some research from the University of Michigan shows that cinnamon activates thermogenesis, the process by which calories are burned and heat is produced.
The active substance increases the functioning of certain genes, proteins and enzymes that are important for your metabolism. (4)
Because the herb stimulates your metabolism, it helps your body to burn the excess fats.
How can you use cinnamon in the kitchen?
Cinnamon can be used in various ways in your dishes. I'll give you some options:
- Boil a cinnamon stick in hot water. This way you have a delicious cinnamon tea!
- Sprinkle some cinnamon powder over your oatmeal, yogurt or smoothie bowl. It is also a good substitute for sugar thanks to its sweet taste.
- Cinnamon is also delicious in a milkshake.
- Let a stick of cinnamon cook with rice, in stews or a tasty curry.
- Or choose the Skinny Matcha or Golden Matcha, these matcha blends contain cinnamon and also consist of other great ingredients.
Regulate your blood sugar with Skinny Matcha
Looking for an easy way to get the right dose of cinnamon? Then Skinny Matcha is for you.
I developed this product because this combination of ingredients works great. Mint stimulates digestion, matcha is rich in antioxidants, ginger supports the functioning of your intestines and cinnamon stabilizes your blood sugar.
All these substances together ensure a healthy body!
Be sure to try it yourself, you can order the Skinny Matcha here .
Do you have any questions about my matcha blends? Please contact me via the contact form
Scientific sources
(1) KJ Jarvill-Taylor, R.A. Anderson, D.J. Graves. (2001). A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocyte: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11506060/
(2) T. P. J. Solomon, A. K. Blannin. (2007). Effects of short-term cinnamon ingestion on in vivo glucose tolerance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17924872/
(3) H Mohamed Sham Shihabudeen, D Hansi Priscilla, Kavitha Thirumurugan. (2011). Cinnamon extract inhibits α-glucosidase activity and dampens postprandial glucose excursion in diabetic rats: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21711570/
(4) University of Michigan. (2017). Cinnamon turns up the heat on fat cells: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171121095145.htm
