Adding a pinch of cinnamon powder to your diet can bring about significant changes, especially for individuals managing diabetes. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels. Let's explore the benefits of incorporating cinnamon into a diabetic diet.
Many people are suffering from diabetes these days, regardless of their age. Once diagnosed, there are numerous restrictions on food intake, with constant reminders not to eat certain items. This often means giving up many of their favorite foods. Particularly, foods that increase glucose levels should be avoided completely. Many individuals express frustration that they cannot even enjoy a full serving of rice. However, it seems that adding a little cinnamon powder to the diet can bring about significant changes. It is said to help keep sugar levels under control. So, what are the benefits? Let’s take a look.
Cinnamon powder should be a key component of the diet for diabetic patients. Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family. It not only enhances the flavour of dishes but also provides a pleasant aroma. While it is currently used as a biryani masala, it was once valued as an effective medicine.
Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, reduces oxidative stress, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. For individuals with diabetes, it can be a valuable boon. By adding a little cinnamon powder to your daily diet, let's explore the benefits it offers to those managing blood sugar levels.
1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Cinnamon enhances insulin sensitivity, making cells more responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. These benefits are attributed to bioactive compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon has a direct effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels. This occurs mainly because it slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive system, reducing the rise in blood glucose after meals. The active components in cinnamon inhibit enzymes such as amylase, which is responsible for converting starches into glucose.
3. Reduces Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a significant concern for diabetics, contributing to various complications, including heart disease. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the body.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is another factor that exacerbates diabetes and its complications. Cinnamon contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds, such as cinnamic acid, which help to reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Improves Lipid Profile
Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart attacks due to abnormal lipid levels, including high cholesterol and triglycerides. Cinnamon improves the lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
6. Improves Digestive Health
Digestive problems are common among people with diabetes, often resulting from poor food choices and high blood sugar levels. Cinnamon aids digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, which helps efficiently break down and absorb nutrients.
7. Helps in Weight Management
Cinnamon supports weight management, an important aspect of diabetes care. By improving insulin sensitivity and stabilizing blood sugar levels, cinnamon helps reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to control calorie intake.
8. Supports Brain Health
People with diabetes face a heightened risk of developing conditions such as cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes. Cinnamon contains compounds that protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to cognitive decline.