New scientific study shows cinnamon extract lowers blood sugar

Carol Forsloff - Scientists have found a cinnamon
extract helps lower blood sugar, which could be a boon for diabetics and
those with heart disease.



Sometimes those alternatives people
tout are held to be valid by science.  Recent research indicates
cinnamon extract to have positive impact on lowering blood sugar in a
way that could help minimize certain risks for those with poor sugar
control.



Department of Agriculture
(USDA) chemist Richard Anderson did a study that indicates suggests
that a  particular form of cinnamon which is water soluble could be
effective in reducing the risk factors found in diabetes and heart
disease.



Anderson, and a colleague and
coauthor, Tim N. Ziegenfuss, presently with the Center for Applied
Health Sciences in Fairlawn Ohio, evaluated medical test results of
individuals shown to have impaired blood glucose values, within the
range some doctors refer to as "pre-diabetes."



Half of those in the study were given the cinnamon extract, and post tests showed a decrease in fasting glucose of that group, as much as 13 to 23 percent.



In Pakistan a study of 60 people also found cinnamon to lower blood sugar.



Scientists did not maintain,
however, cinnamon was a substitute for medication or it could cure
diabetes, as is touted by alternative health practitioners.



But the benefit of cinnamon is shown to be of consequence as supplementary to diet, exercise and medication.