With rates of diabetes rising and no cure in sight, many patients are turning to natural remedies for support in managing their condition. Although many supplements and herbs have proven to be less than effective in helping to control diabetes, cinnamon and cloves have been well-documented in research for their glucose-lowering effects. Adding 1/2 tsp. per day in combination with a healthy lifestyle involving nutrition and exercise may help you control your diabetes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, once thought to be worth more than its weight in gold, originates from bushy green trees native to Sri Lanka. Now grown in more countries, the inner layers of the tree bark are dried to cultivate cinnamon. With biological properties similar to the hormone insulin, cinnamon has the ability to lower post-meal blood sugars, according to research published by the American Society of Nutrition in 2007. In addition, the use of cinnamon at meals decreases insulin resistance and enhances the effects of gastrointestinal hormones responsible for satiety and decreased gastric emptying rates, according to the American Society of Nutrition in 2009.
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Cloves
Eating a piece of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving may not be so problematic after all, if cloves were used in the baking process. Cloves come from a flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree. Research promotes the use of cloves for patients with diabetes for the glucose-lowering impacts experienced when consuming cloves on a daily basis. When consumed for more than 30 days, according to research published by Dr. Alam Khan in 2006, cloves have the potential to lower an average serum glucose from 225 mg/dl to 150 mg/dl.
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Heart Health Benefits
The ability to prevent co-morbidities – such as renal impairment, heart disease, eye disease and vascular complications – ranks among the most important concerns for patients diagnosed with diabetes. For people seeking to use cinnamon and cloves for their glucose-lowering impacts, an additional heart health benefit exists. The use of cinnamon and cloves for more than 40 days leads to a reduction in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to research published by the American Diabetes Association in 2003.
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Safety First
When considering the intake of any new supplements or herbs, consult with your doctor first. Supplements and herbs are not regulated by any governing body, potentially increasing your risks for unwanted side effects or problems. Supplements and herbs have the potential to counteract medications, particularly those used to treat diabetes. If you are considering using cinnamon and cloves to lower your blood sugar, consider safety first.
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references & resources
Encyclopaedia Britannica; Cinnamon; June 2011
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying, and Satiety in Healthy Subjects; June 2007
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of 1 and 3 g Cinnamon on Gastric Emptying Satiety, and Postprandial Blood Glucose, Insulin, Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide, Glucagon-like Peptide 1, and Ghrelin Concentrations in Healthy Subjects; March 2009
"Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids; December 2005
"Medical News Today"; Cinnamon, Cloves Improve Insulin Function, Lower Risk Factors For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease; April 2006
American Diabetes Association: Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
American Diabetes Association: Apple Crisp Parfait
D-Life: Creamy Instant Pumpkin Mousse
references & resources
Encyclopaedia Britannica; Cinnamon; June 2011
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying, and Satiety in Healthy Subjects; June 2007
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of 1 and 3 g Cinnamon on Gastric Emptying Satiety, and Postprandial Blood Glucose, Insulin, Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide, Glucagon-like Peptide 1, and Ghrelin Concentrations in Healthy Subjects; March 2009
"Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids; December 2005
"Medical News Today"; Cinnamon, Cloves Improve Insulin Function, Lower Risk Factors For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease; April 2006
American Diabetes Association: Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
American Diabetes Association: Apple Crisp Parfait
D-Life: Creamy Instant Pumpkin Mousse
Encyclopaedia Britannica; Cinnamon; June 2011
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose, Gastric Emptying, and Satiety in Healthy Subjects; June 2007
"American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of 1 and 3 g Cinnamon on Gastric Emptying Satiety, and Postprandial Blood Glucose, Insulin, Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide, Glucagon-like Peptide 1, and Ghrelin Concentrations in Healthy Subjects; March 2009
"Diabetes Care"; Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids; December 2005
"Medical News Today"; Cinnamon, Cloves Improve Insulin Function, Lower Risk Factors For Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease; April 2006
American Diabetes Association: Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
American Diabetes Association: Apple Crisp Parfait
D-Life: Creamy Instant Pumpkin Mousse
