Cinnamon Helps Stop Type 2 Diabetes

By Mike Hodge
The AntiWrinkle Shop

American scientists have claimed that a teaspoon of cinnamon a day
may help prevent the onset of diabetes.

The common spice could help millions of sufferers of Type II, non-
insulin dependent diabetes. This condition usually develops in
middle-age and prematurely kills 100 million people around the world
every year. Type II diabetes causes cells to lose their ability to
respond to insulin, the hormone that tells the body to remove excess
glucose in the bloodstream. If glucose builds up in the blood,
tiredness, weight-loss and blurred vision are some of the resulting
symptoms. In extreme cases this can lead to blindness, heart disease
and premature death.

Data from the Agricultural Research Unit in Maryland was first
published in the New Scientist in August 2000. The researchers found
that cinnamon rekindled the ability of fat cells in diabetics to
respond to insulin and greatly increased glucose removal. It is
believed that a substance in cinnamon called MHCP is the main reason
for its beneficial results.

When mice were given MHCP, their glucose levels fell dramatically
and tests on humans have begun this year. The researchers are so
confident that cinnamon will have the same dramatic effect of
reducing insulin tolerance in humans they recommend that type II
diabetics should take a quarter to one full teaspoon of cinnamon per
day.

Many Type II diabetics have already found a new feeling of well-
being and improvement in health by using this simple cinnamon
supplementation in their diet. Cinnamon has long been known as
an "energizing" spice, and it is likely that increasing the intake
of this common and cheaply available food will benefit even non-
diabetics, if used as a daily energizing tonic.

The insulin resistance that leads to type II diabetes develops
relatively slowly as the body ages and even those who have not yet
experienced severe symptoms may have some degree of elevated insulin
resistance.

Cinnamon is also a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for
maintaining bone density, electrolyte balance, certain enzyme
functions and many other crucial biochemical processes. Magnesium is
also linked to the more dramatic forms of diabetes that occur
earlier in life.

Much research has been carried out to establish a metabolic defect
in diabetics that prevents the absorption of magnesium. As cinnamon
provides a readily available source of MHCP, magnesium and possibly
other beneficial substances it seems like a very cost-effective way
of offsetting future health problems related to glucose/insulin
imbalances as we grow older.

Cinnamon can be bought inexpensively in a convenient powdered form
at almost any food shop and taking it couldn't be easier: just use
up to a teaspoon a day in milkshakes or fruit juice.

I personally take a half-teaspoon daily in this way every morning
and can confirm a distinct energy benefit. Diabetics should always
inform their doctor before taking cinnamon as it may affect
medication requirements.

Below Excerpt from http://www.mercola.com/

Cinnamon
The sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon has been used by many
different cultures for its medicinal properties for hundreds, even
thousands, of years.

One of the most talked about benefits of cinnamon relates to type 2
diabetes. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that
half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar
levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride,
LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels among this group.

Cinnamon's other benefits include:

Supports digestive function
Constricts and tones tissues
Relieves congestion
Relieves pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
Relieves menstrual discomfort
Blood-thinning compounds that stimulate circulation
Anti-inflammatory compounds that may relieve arthritis
Helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease
It's a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill E. coli and other
bacteria

Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that has a variety of healing properties and
can be used in a wide range of dishes during the holidays and all
year long. It is useful for:

Insomnia (nutmeg can produce drowsiness so it should be taken when
you have a chance to relax or sleep)
Anxiety
Calming muscle spasms
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Joint pain and gout
Lowering blood pressure
Male infertility and impotence
Improving concentration
Increasing circulation
Lowering cholesterol
Toothaches (nutmeg oil)
** Please note that taking too much nutmeg (one to three nuts or
less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations,
swelling and shock.

Clove
Cloves have a potent, sweet and spicy, aromatic flavor that makes a
great complement to many foods. They have been consumed in some
areas, such as Asia, for more than 2,000 years. Among the clove's
most well-known healing properties is its ability to relieve tooth
and gum pain, but it has many benefits beyond that. These include:

Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties
Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis
Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism
Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria
May encourage creativity and mental focus
Ginger
Ginger is another spice with a potent flavor that is great for
warming your body and adding kick to foods. It's medicinal
properties include:

Soothes nausea, motion sickness and other stomach upset
Relieves morning sickness
Anti-inflammatory properties
Eliminates intestinal gas
Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract
Antioxidant properties
Relieves dizziness
Boosts the immune system
Protects against bacteria and fungi
Encourages bile flow
Promotes cardiovascular health

Peppermint

The therapeutic effects of fresh peppermint leaves have been known
since ancient times and its aromatic aroma has come to symbolize
hospitality in many cultures. Its healing properties include:

Soothing to the digestive tract
Relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
May protect against cancer
Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus
Relieves the symptoms of allergies and asthma

While there are many benefits to be had by adding spices to your
diet, don't forget that these foods should not be taken every day or
you run the risk of developing an allergy to them. Spices should not
be looked at as a "cure" for your health problems, only by
addressing the underlying causes of illness with a healthy diet and
lifestyle will you be able to achieve optimum health.