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Cinnamon Proprietary Blend

Also known as: Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon, Cinnamon, *Cinnamomum verum*

Overview

Cinnamon, derived from the inner bark of trees from the genus *Cinnamomum*, particularly *Cinnamomum verum* and *Cinnamomum cassia*, is a spice with a warm aroma and sweet flavor. It is primarily native to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia and is widely utilized both in culinary and medicinal contexts. Beyond its traditional role in flavoring, cinnamon has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including improving blood sugar control and reducing blood pressure. The primary active compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, are thought to contribute to these effects, which have led to moderate research maturity with systematic reviews indicating variable quality of evidence. Clinical studies have shown promising results, particularly in populations with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that cinnamon may offer metabolic and cardiovascular benefits when incorporated into a daily regimen.

Benefits

Cinnamon supplementation has been associated with several health benefits supported by clinical evidence. Firstly, it has shown to significantly reduce diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by approximately -4.06 mmHg and systolic blood pressure (SBP) by -5.72 mmHg according to a meta-analysis of 11 trials. Secondly, it improves glycemic control, reducing fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels, particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, evidence suggests cinnamon may aid in weight management, affecting body weight, BMI, and waist-hip ratio. While the effect sizes vary, they are clinically significant, with notable short-term benefits observed within weeks of commencement.

How it works

Cinnamon exerts its effects primarily by enhancing insulin sensitivity, which promotes increased glucose uptake in cells and improves overall metabolic function. It may also contribute to blood pressure modulation through vasodilation, actively affecting cardiovascular dynamics. Cinnamaldehyde, a key component in cinnamon, interacts with insulin receptors and influences biochemical signaling pathways involved in glucose metabolism, although the overall bioavailability of the active compounds remains moderately understood and warrants further investigation.

Side effects

Cinnamon is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts, but potential side effects do exist. Common adverse reactions, occurring in more than 5% of users, include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions. Less common effects, seen in 1-5% of subjects, include skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, with rare severe allergic reactions occurring in less than 1%. Caution is advised for individuals taking diabetes medications or anticoagulants, as cinnamon may augment their effects. Additionally, high doses of cinnamon, particularly cassia cinnamon, containing significant levels of coumarin, may pose risks, leading to potential liver damage and should be avoided during pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of cinnamon ranges from 500 mg to 2000 mg per day, depending on the desired health outcomes. Studies suggesting dosages of 2000 mg to 3000 mg per day indicate specific benefits related to blood pressure reduction. While the maximum safe dose has not been established, intakes exceeding 10,000 mg are generally discouraged. For optimal absorption and to mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects, it is advised to take cinnamon with meals. Preferred forms include powder or capsules, and it's suggested that consuming cinnamon with food may enhance the bioavailability of its active compounds.

FAQs

Is cinnamon safe for everyone?

Cinnamon is generally safe for most individuals; however, those with diabetes or on anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider prior to use.

How should I take cinnamon?

Cinnamon is best taken with meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

When can I expect to see results?

Improvements in blood pressure and glycemic control may typically be observed within weeks of starting cinnamon supplementation.

Can I replace my medication with cinnamon?

Cinnamon should not be seen as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments and should be used in conjunction with healthcare guidance.

What are the side effects of taking cinnamon?

Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and potential allergic reactions; very high doses may lead to more severe risks.

Research Sources

https://ccbjournal.ssu.ac.ir/article_130.html – This systematic review analyzed data from 11 trials involving 686 participants and found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure attributed to cinnamon supplementation, although heterogeneity among studies was noted.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31800140/ – This meta-analysis involving 1480 participants across 21 trials evaluated the effects of cinnamon on body weight and BMI, revealing moderate evidence for positive impacts despite significant variances in study methods.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22579946/ – A systematic review evaluating 3054 patients with type 2 diabetes across 28 trials demonstrated that cinnamon supplementation leads to improvements in glycemic and lipid profiles, though the studies varied substantially in methodology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38917435/ – This analysis highlights the positive influence of cinnamon on metabolic health, focusing on blood pressure and blood sugar levels, backed by a collection of trials and systematic evaluations.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351041726_Effects_of_cinnamon_supplementation_on_systolic_and_diastolic_blood_pressure_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis_of_randomized_controlled_clinical_trials – The systematic review and meta-analysis emphasize significant benefits of cinnamon in reducing blood pressure in diverse populations, supporting its potential use in hypertensive conditions.