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Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?
USA Today • • health
Key Points:
- Cinnamon may help improve insulin effectiveness and slow sugar absorption, but evidence on its ability to lower blood sugar is mixed and not conclusive.
- Typical dietary amounts of cinnamon are lower than those used in studies, and the spice should not be seen as a substitute for diabetes medication or lifestyle changes.
- Turmeric, containing curcumin, shows promise in reducing inflammation and improving insulin response, but benefits are mostly seen with concentrated supplements rather than dietary amounts.
- Both cinnamon and turmeric are healthy flavor additions but have limited impact on blood sugar compared to a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- The best use of cinnamon is as a "healthy bonus" on blood sugar-friendly foods like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or whole-grain toast rather than relying on it as a primary treatment.
