Guest guest Posted December 13, 2007 Report Share Posted December 13, 2007 My doctor told me about the two parts to cinnamon. If you take a pill with cinnamon from the health food store you are only getting the water soluble part which is the part that lowers or helps to lower type II diabetes. The following is the information I have in my computer on cinnamon Nutrition. I also have been on a HERB site that is for growing herbs - and they often have information concerning spices. And, you can see why I decided to try cloves to lower my blood sugar spike - instead of the cinnamon. However, I have not been able to find any information on cloves, besides the fact that it is ok to use as a spice in pies!!! thea Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = " urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags " />North America comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon. It has a darker color and the quills are harder. Unlike Ceylon cinnamon, it can't be easily ground into a powder using a coffee grinder. Cassia cinnamon, the kind of cinnamon normally found in grocery stores and in supplement form, naturally contains a compound called coumarin. Coumarin is also found in other plants such as celery, chamomile, sweet clover, and parsley. At high levels, coumarin can damage the liver. Coumarin can also have a " blood-thinning " effect, so cassia cinnamon supplements shouldn't be taken with prescription anti-clotting medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or by people with bleeding disorders. Using cinnamon in cooking or having a cup of cinnamon tea is a great way to add more of this delicious spice into your diet. There are some precautions to be aware of when using cinnamon, though. Taking cinnamon in large amounts or taking it in supplement form may change the dosage of medication you require. Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without speaking with a doctor <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = " urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office " /> Cinnamon Nutrition Would you believe that a mere teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 mg of calcium, almost one mg of iron, over a gram of fiber, and quite a lot of vitamins C, K, and manganese? It’s true! It also contains about half a gram of “usable” (non-fiber) carbohydrate. Health Benefits of Cinnamon In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, and diarrhea. More recently, modern medical research has turned its eye on cinnamon and is coming up with some intriguing results. It has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. It also slows the spoiling of food (which is probably related to why it was used as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt), and has anti-fungal properties as well. In one fun (but unpublished) study, researchers found that sniffing cinnamon resulted in improved brain function – subjects did better on memory and attention tasks when taking whiffs of cinnamon as opposed to other odors or no odor. However, the potential health benefits of cinnamon that have received the most attention have to do with its effects on blood glucose and cholesterol. Cinnamon May Improve Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance This is the news that is most exciting for people who respond to low carb diets, since most (or at least a substantial percentage) of us are probably insulin resistant or diabetic. There have been several studies which show improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease, so this has a lot of people very interested. To be fair, a recent study showed no effect, so these results are definitely preliminary, but evidence is accumulating. Along with the improvement in blood sugar, these studies have documented improvements in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Adverse Reactions In “normal uses” in cooking, etc, cinnamon is unlikely to cause problems in non-allergic people, and up to ½ teaspoon at a time are thought to be safe. People attempting to take more as a supplement should be aware of the following: Most negative reactions are in the form of skin rashes, or irritation to the tissues of the mouth or stomach. Cinnamon has a mild anti-clotting effect in the blood, which could be beneficial, but it is conceivable that too much could cause bleeding problems, especially when combined with medications which “thin the blood”, including aspirin. In traditional medicine, high doses are not given to pregnant women, due to possible stimulating effects on the uterus. Selection and Storage of Cinnamon Basically, you’re looking to buy it fresh and keep it fresh. Most large grocery stores have a rapid turnover of cinnamon, so you don’t really need to worry. Once home, it is best stored in a dark, cool, dry place. Cinnamon sticks can keep for 2-3 years this way, but powdered cinnamon will gradually lose its flavor, and is best used within six months. (It isn’t bad for you after this time, just less fresh-tasting.) If you want to try a fun array of different cinnamons, try a specialty spice shop such as Penzeys. Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon In the US, we usually think of cinnamon as a spice to be used in baking, but in many parts of the world it is used in savory dishes. My husband always rubs our Thanksgiving turkey with a blend of spices that includes cinnamon – which means that the turkey ala king the next week also has a hint of warm spiciness – and it is yummy. Of course, you can sprinkle cinnamon on low carb toast, put it in your coffee, or top yogurt, cottage cheese, or ricotta with it. I like warm unsweetened soy milk with cinnamon and sweetener on a cold night. And here are some of my recipes that feature cinnamon: Cincinnati Chili; Flax Meal Peanut Butter Cereal; TVP “Oatmeal”; Chelsie’s Cinnamon Flax Cranberry Muffins; ”Doughnut” Muffins; Apple Flax Muffins; Updated: August 11, 2006 ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Could you please send us your source for the need for oil with cinnamon? I have not found that in any of my research on cinnamon and would like to check it out. Always good to have all the facts. Thanks, Jean N. thea wrote: > Read someplace where the cinnamon in our cabinet is not the same one that they did the test with. Another thing - cinnamon has two parts -- a water soluble part and an oil soluble part. If not eating any oils when you take the cinnamon over a period of time it can harm you. If you put the cinnamon in a coffee filter and heat - with your coffee - you get the water soluble part that is o.k. Cinnamon in apple pie has oils in the crust and therefore all parts can be used for your nutrition. I put cinnamon on 1/4 apple for breakfast in the morning along with my bacon, eggs. The oil in the meat and eggs make it ok for consumption according to my MD. > thea > > > ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- > I have been taking 1/2 tsp cinnamon daily (mixed in my oatmeal) now for > going on two years. As I have also done many other things to benefit my > health I cannot say for certain that the cinnamon has been beneficial. > However, it tastes quite good added to oatmeal and continued research > seems to indicate that it is good for us - so I will continue the daily use. > > Jean N. > > Evelyn wrote: > >> Hi Everyone, >> Has anyone tried taking Cinnamon for health? This morning I took my first >> dose. >> I would appreciate any feedback on this subject. >> Thanks >> Evelyn >> >> >> ---- >> >> CATHERINE >> 12/10/2007 6:46:50 AM >> undisclosed-recipients >> [the_great_whippersnappers] Cinnamon--who knew?? >> >> >> 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon >> >> >> 1. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon >> per day can lower LDL cholesterol. >> >> 2. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on >> blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes >> >> >> 3. In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop >> medication-resistant yeast infections. >> >> 4. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture >> in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma >> cancer cells. >> >> 5. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. >> >> 6. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of >> cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before >> breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could >> walk without pain within one month. >> >> 7. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, >> making it a natural food preservative. >> >> 8. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and >> memory. >> >> 9. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. >> coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. >> >> 10. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. >> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2007 Report Share Posted December 14, 2007 OK, good article (I think we can all agree as to the benefits of 1/2 tsp cinnamon daily) - however after reading your article twice I did NOT see any mention of the need for taking _oils_ _with the cinnamon_, as you previously mentioned. Do you have any back up for this? Thanks. Jean N. thea wrote: > My doctor told me about the two parts to cinnamon. If you take a pill with cinnamon from the health food store you are only getting the water soluble part which is the part that lowers or helps to lower type II diabetes. > The following is the information I have in my computer on cinnamon Nutrition. > I also have been on a HERB site that is for growing herbs - and they often have information concerning spices. > And, you can see why I decided to try cloves to lower my blood sugar spike - instead of the cinnamon. However, I have not been able to find any information on cloves, besides the fact that it is ok to use as a spice in pies!!! > thea > > Most cinnamon sold in supermarkets in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = " urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags " />North America comes from the less expensive variety, Cassia cinnamon. It has a darker color and the quills are harder. Unlike Ceylon cinnamon, it can't be easily ground into a powder using a coffee grinder. > Cassia cinnamon, the kind of cinnamon normally found in grocery stores and in supplement form, naturally contains a compound called coumarin. Coumarin is also found in other plants such as celery, chamomile, sweet clover, and parsley. At high levels, coumarin can damage the liver. Coumarin can also have a " blood-thinning " effect, so cassia cinnamon supplements shouldn't be taken with prescription anti-clotting medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or by people with bleeding disorders. > Using cinnamon in cooking or having a cup of cinnamon tea is a great way to add more of this delicious spice into your diet. There are some precautions to be aware of when using cinnamon, though. Taking cinnamon in large amounts or taking it in supplement form may change the dosage of medication you require. Also, people who have been prescribed medication to manage their blood sugar should not reduce or discontinue their dose and take cinnamon instead, especially without speaking with a doctor > <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = " urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office " /> > > Cinnamon Nutrition > Would you believe that a mere teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 mg of calcium, almost one mg of iron, over a gram of fiber, and quite a lot of vitamins C, K, and manganese? It's true! It also contains about half a gram of " usable " (non-fiber) carbohydrate. > Health Benefits of Cinnamon > In traditional medicine, cinnamon has been used for digestive ailments such as indigestion, gas and bloating, stomach upset, and diarrhea. More recently, modern medical research has turned its eye on cinnamon and is coming up with some intriguing results. It has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. It also slows the spoiling of food (which is probably related to why it was used as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt), and has anti-fungal properties as well. In one fun (but unpublished) study, researchers found that sniffing cinnamon resulted in improved brain function -- subjects did better on memory and attention tasks when taking whiffs of cinnamon as opposed to other odors or no odor. However, the potential health benefits of cinnamon that have received the most attention have to do with its effects on blood glucose and cholesterol. > Cinnamon May Improve Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance > This is the news that is most exciting for people who respond to low carb diets, since most (or at least a substantial percentage) of us are probably insulin resistant or diabetic. There have been several studies which show improved insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control by taking as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day. Improving insulin resistance can help in weight control as well as decreasing the risk for heart disease, so this has a lot of people very interested. To be fair, a recent study showed no effect, so these results are definitely preliminary, but evidence is accumulating. Along with the improvement in blood sugar, these studies have documented improvements in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. > Adverse Reactions > In " normal uses " in cooking, etc, cinnamon is unlikely to cause problems in non-allergic people, and up to ½ teaspoon at a time are thought to be safe. People attempting to take more as a supplement should be aware of the following: Most negative reactions are in the form of skin rashes, or irritation to the tissues of the mouth or stomach. Cinnamon has a mild anti-clotting effect in the blood, which could be beneficial, but it is conceivable that too much could cause bleeding problems, especially when combined with medications which " thin the blood " , including aspirin. In traditional medicine, high doses are not given to pregnant women, due to possible stimulating effects on the uterus. > Selection and Storage of Cinnamon > Basically, you're looking to buy it fresh and keep it fresh. Most large grocery stores have a rapid turnover of cinnamon, so you don't really need to worry. Once home, it is best stored in a dark, cool, dry place. Cinnamon sticks can keep for 2-3 years this way, but powdered cinnamon will gradually lose its flavor, and is best used within six months. (It isn't bad for you after this time, just less fresh-tasting.) If you want to try a fun array of different cinnamons, try a specialty spice shop such as Penzeys. > Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon > In the US, we usually think of cinnamon as a spice to be used in baking, but in many parts of the world it is used in savory dishes. My husband always rubs our Thanksgiving turkey with a blend of spices that includes cinnamon -- which means that the turkey ala king the next week also has a hint of warm spiciness -- and it is yummy. Of course, you can sprinkle cinnamon on low carb toast, put it in your coffee, or top yogurt, cottage cheese, or ricotta with it. I like warm unsweetened soy milk with cinnamon and sweetener on a cold night. And here are some of my recipes that feature cinnamon: > Cincinnati Chili; Flax Meal Peanut Butter Cereal; TVP " Oatmeal " ; Chelsie's Cinnamon Flax Cranberry Muffins; " Doughnut " Muffins; Apple Flax Muffins; > Updated: August 11, 2006 > > > ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- > Could you please send us your source for the need for oil with cinnamon? > I have not found that in any of my research on cinnamon and would like > to check it out. Always good to have all the facts. > Thanks, > > Jean N. > > thea wrote: > >> Read someplace where the cinnamon in our cabinet is not the same one that they did the test with. Another thing - cinnamon has two parts -- a water soluble part and an oil soluble part. If not eating any oils when you take the cinnamon over a period of time it can harm you. If you put the cinnamon in a coffee filter and heat - with your coffee - you get the water soluble part that is o.k. Cinnamon in apple pie has oils in the crust and therefore all parts can be used for your nutrition. I put cinnamon on 1/4 apple for breakfast in the morning along with my bacon, eggs. The oil in the meat and eggs make it ok for consumption according to my MD. >> thea >> >> >> ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- >> I have been taking 1/2 tsp cinnamon daily (mixed in my oatmeal) now for >> going on two years. As I have also done many other things to benefit my >> health I cannot say for certain that the cinnamon has been beneficial. >> However, it tastes quite good added to oatmeal and continued research >> seems to indicate that it is good for us - so I will continue the daily use. >> >> Jean N. >> >> Evelyn wrote: >> >> >>> Hi Everyone, >>> Has anyone tried taking Cinnamon for health? This morning I took my first >>> dose. >>> I would appreciate any feedback on this subject. >>> Thanks >>> Evelyn >>> >>> >>> ---- >>> >>> CATHERINE >>> 12/10/2007 6:46:50 AM >>> undisclosed-recipients >>> [the_great_whippersnappers] Cinnamon--who knew?? >>> >>> >>> 10 Health Benefits of Cinnamon >>> >>> >>> 1. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon >>> per day can lower LDL cholesterol. >>> >>> 2. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on >>> blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes >>> >>> >>> 3. In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop >>> medication-resistant yeast infections. >>> >>> 4. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture >>> in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma >>> cancer cells. >>> >>> 5. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. >>> >>> 6. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of >>> cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before >>> breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could >>> walk without pain within one month. >>> >>> 7. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, >>> making it a natural food preservative. >>> >>> 8. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and >>> memory. >>> >>> 9. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. >>> coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. >>> >>> 10. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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