Cinnamon

There are a considerable number of reports on the efficacy of cinnamon in controlling blood sugar. Some cite statistics, and others just list generalities. Cinnamon is one supplement I have tried, and I based the decision to do so on two considerations:

1. There seemed to be enough solid research to indicate that it could indeed help.

2. It felt like a fairly safe spice to use in the quantities required. Since cinnamon is used, sometimes in large amounts, in baked goods, and it has never come to the attention of anyone as a potential problem, I felt it would be a safe spice to use. This was a major concern for me, because I needed something which would be safe if I became pregnant.

The dosage that I had seen cited in one of the studies was approximately 1 tsp per day. So I added that much to my morning smoothie. It made me nauseous. I reduced the amount to 3/4 tsp, and was able to tolerate that without problems.

It is difficult to tell exactly how much it helped my blood sugar, because I became pregnant within days of using it. Pregnancy, even very early, makes my blood sugar readings erratic. Still, it did seem to lower my readings some, and my blood sugar was less erratic than previously.

I do not know whether this is a supplement that has a residual effect or not. Some herbs are short acting, and must be taken perpetually to insure effect. Others need to build up in your system some, and may take days, or weeks, before the full effect is seen. I am not sure which category cinnamon fits in, but I suspect the second, as it is something that you can take in a single dose each day.

I use cinnamon a lot also in many of our baked goods, because it tends to reduce the amount of sugar that is needed for good flavor. Several recipes are included in the Recipes section, and cinnamon amounts can be increased to taste in many of them.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.