Cinnamon consumption is associated with reduction of glucose levels

Recently a group of researchers led by Robert W. Allen, looked at 10 randomized controlled trials on type 2 diabetes patients. The study involved 543 people. The researchers were trying to update a previous systematic review on the effect of cinnamon consumption on glucose and lipid levels in blood. Daily consumption of 120 mg to 6 gm of cinnamon for 4 to 18 weeks could reduce fasting plasma glucose. However no noticeable effect on glycosylated hemoglobin was observed. The researchers also found that cinnamon consumption resulted in decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins. There was a increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. "Based on currently available literature, cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on fasting plasma glucose, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes," the authors write. "The high degree of heterogeneity may limit the ability to apply these results to patient care, because the preferred dose and duration of therapy are unclear."