The scientists at the USDA (United States Agricultural Department) have been examining the benefits that the common household spice, cinnamon may have on diabetics. It is highly unlikely that cinnamon or any household spice will be the cure for diabetes but it does hold some promising benefits for preventing the onset of diabetes.
Richard Anderson a chemist and his team at Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland believe cinnamon among other common spices may be beneficial to pre-diabetics.
A group of 22 people with metabolic syndrome also known as pre diabetes participated in the study. The participants who added the water-soluble cinnamon extract supplement to their daily diets over a three-month period showed a significant decrease in their blood glucose levels. Those who took the placebo showed no change or an increase in blood sugar levels as the metabolic syndrome continued its journey towards the onset of type 2 diabetes. Which, I must point out that journey is simply a journey it may never reach a diabetic state it just increases the risk of an individual developing diabetes.
The cinnamon extract study is a nutritional based study in which, researchers hope to find a combination of foods that will help control/manage diabetes as well as prevent metabolic syndrome from becoming diabetes. In addition to being able to identify biomarkers in children and adults earlier than normal who are at a high risk of developing diabetes. This action would allow for more preventive measures such as the cinnamon extract to hold off or possibly even prevent diabetes in these individuals.
In conclusion, perhaps the simple common spice cinnamon that we take for granted when sprinkling on our toast or in the dessert or meal we are preparing may have a much more beneficial use than anyone could have ever imagined.
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