Cinnamon: More than Just Comforting?

I just added a sprinkle of cinnamon to my morning coffee. So delicious and so comforting. Really, there aren’t that many spices, at least ones that most Americans use on a regular basis, that are so warming as cinnamon. We love it in our pies, think apple or pumpkin. They wouldn’t be the same without it. And what would a bowl of steel cut, slow cooked oatmeal be without it? Every Starbuck’s out there keeps a shaker of it by the half and half for you to add as much powered comfort as you like to your venti decaf full fat daily brew. And I can’t imagine what the chewing gum industry would be if cinnamon was no longer available. But did you know that cinnamon is not only one of our favorite flavors but it also may be extremely healthy?

I had heard a few things about cinnamon, but nothing really concrete, and nothing that interesting. But yesterday I read a great article at Natural News about the benefits of cinnamon for lowering blood sugar levels. I urge you to go read the full article, and to check out a similar article from Life Enhancement. I particularly like the Life Enhancement article because it delves a little deeper into the why and how of this little spice. Also, it tells you about the precautions and possible contraindications of cinnamon – such as the fact that you probably wouldn’t want to take a supplement of ground cinnamon as too much of it can act as an anticoagulant. Which would cause your blood to thin. Not a good thing for some people. There are cinnamon extract supplements that don’t have the anticoagulant properties, but you would always want to check with your doctor before you started any such regiment. Both articles talk about the success of cinnamon in lowering blood sugar levels and possibly in helping some control their cholesterol and even lose a little weight. I wonder if it really works?

Just thought you might want to read about this interesting spice. And remember to always check with your doctor before starting one of these supplements. You don’t want to chance that it may not be a good supplement for you. Be well.