Like the latest love interest of Taylor Swift, who’s poised for superstardom, cinnamon is the standout spice of the fall. Rising above nutmeg, cloves and ginger in a pumpkin spice blend, it promises more than just great flavor and an irresistible aroma. Research is showing that it can be good for your health, too.
Noting that current studies are not yet fully conclusive, Dr. Michael L. Dansinger , an internist and professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, said that even without long-term, definitive results, “T here are enough favorable studies that together suggest that about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day may slightly improve blood sugar, insulin resistance, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation, compared to placebos.
” The spice has already shown positive possibilities for some people with health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Registered dietitian Toby Smithson noted that cinnamon contains promising health benefits but also requires caution. “The good news is that cinnamon contains bioactive ingredients, including antioxidants, and some studies have shown health benefits to cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and modest improvements in post-meal blood sugar spikes and fasting blood sugar levels.
But studies looking at lowering A1C, a measure of average blood sugar levels, have been inconclusive so far,” Smithson explained. Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian from the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cle.
