Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Cinnamon may help improve blood sugar control by enhancing insulin effectiveness and slowing sugar absorption, but evidence is mixed and benefits are generally small.
- The typical amount of cinnamon used in studies (1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily) is higher than what most people consume in food, and cinnamon is not a substitute for proper diabetes management.
- Turmeric, containing curcumin, also shows potential for blood sugar benefits, especially in supplement form, though research suggests cinnamon might have a slightly stronger effect.
- Experts recommend using cinnamon as a flavorful addition to healthy, fiber-rich meals rather than relying on it alone to manage blood sugar levels.
- Maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, healthy weight, and prescribed medications remain the most effective strategies for blood sugar control.
