Search
ceylon cinnamon sticks

Which Type of Cinnamon Is Best For Diabetes? What Does Research Say?

Diabetes supplements
Written by:Dr. Ergin
Publish Date:Sep 06, 2021

Ceylon Cinnamon Capsules For Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

Ceylon cinnamon is also known as true cinnamon or real cinnamon. Its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum or cinnamomum zeylanicum. It grows in Sri Lanka and parts of India. This type of cinnamon is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used in its ground form or as a whole stick.

Ceylon cinnamon capsules has a blood sugar-lowering effect, so it's often taken as a dietary supplement. This spice also has a distinct smell and a sweet taste. There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is also known as true cinnamon and real cinnamon. It grows in Sri Lanka and parts of India. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

It can be used in its ground form or as a whole stick. On the other hand, Cassia cinnamon is grown in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Cassia cinnamon has a more intense flavor than Ceylon cinnamon and is generally used in sweets and dessert dishes.

Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice for savory dishes, as it doesn't overwhelm the other dishes' flavors. However, you can use either type of cinnamon in either sweet or savory dishes - it's up to you!

What is Ceylon Cinnamon?

From the inner bark of tiny evergreen Cinnamomum trees, It is native in Sri Lanka and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is also known as Cinnamomum verum, and comes in a lighter color compared to other cinnamon types.

It also tastes “brighter” and lighter with hints of citrus tones. The inner bark of the cinnamon tree is dried until they curl into rolls, typically known as cinnamon sticks. The inner bark may also be ground, so it can quickly add sweetness to different dishes.

Lastly, the bark can also be used as extract. It is an essential spice in drinks, pastries, baked goods, candies, and curry. The unique and beneficial properties come from the presence of essential oils containing cinnamaldehyde.

This substance is responsible for the aroma and flavor it gives off. Cinnamaldehyde is also why this unique spice has many health benefits. Both Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic also has articles about benefits of this type of Cinnamon.

Cassia Cinnamon vs. Ceylon Cinnamon

There are two types of cinnamon widely available in the market today. First, we have Ceylon Cinnamon, and the other one is Cassia cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum cassia. These varieties of cinnamon are typically labeled as plain cinnamon in the market.

Still, they both have advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to know which. Even though both varieties have the same flavor and active ingredients, their potencies are pretty different from one another.

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon originates from the Cinnamomum cassia tree. This tree is also known as Cinnamomum aromaticum. Since Cassia cinnamon is found in southern parts of China, it is called Chinese cinnamon. Today, several subspecies of Cassia cinnamon are being grown in both southern and eastern parts of Asia.

Physically, Cassia cinnamon appears dark brown-red in color. It is thicker with a rougher texture when compared to Ceylon cinnamon. And even though it contains the same active ingredients as Ceylon cinnamon, it is somehow considered a low-quality spice.

It is cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon, the variant usually present in most groceries around the world. Cassia cinnamon has long been used as a spice when concocting traditional Chinese herbal medications.

95% of the Cassia cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde that gives a strong and aromatic flavor. Cassia cinnamon's downside is its high levels of coumarin, which may be toxic to the body. Coumarin is a known substance that can usually be found in various plant species. When taken in large doses, it can lead to many harmful effects.

When they tested in rodents, it was shown to cause pulmonary, hepatic, and nephrotic damage. Prolonged intake in large doses also has the potential to cause malignancy. In humans, there have also been isolated incidents that have shown similar outcomes. Cassia cinnamon is a coumarin-rich variant of cinnamon.

It contains approximately 1% of the harmful substance. On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon is known to contain only 0.004% of coumarin. Since Ceylon cinnamon contains 250 times less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, it is safer and better for human consumption. This can give you an idea about which type of cinnamon is best for diabetes.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Because of its superior quality, it is less common in markets and grocery stores. It is also more expensive compared to the price of Cassia cinnamon. Many consider Ceylon cinnamon one of the most prized spices used in cooking because it has a delicate and light flavor with hints of citrus and sweet flavor that make it perfect for pastries and desserts.

What Do Reviews Say About Cinnamon For Blood Sugar?

The majority of google reviews for cinnamon and blood sugar levels are positive. People report that taking cinnamon supplements or eating foods with cinnamon helps lower their blood sugar levels.

There are a few negative reviews, but these are generally from people who did not see any results from taking cinnamon. Overall, it seems that cinnamon effectively lowers blood sugar levels in most people. You can find review about the best cinnamon out there below:

Amazon
How Long Does It Take For Cinnamon to Work?

For those of you who are looking for information and a way to lower your blood sugar without making major lifestyle changes or going on medication, I have some good news: cinnamon may be the answer. According to recent studies, cinnamon can help to reduce A1c levels, which are a measure of blood sugar over time.

While it may take a few months to see results, cinnamon is a safe and natural way to improve blood sugar control. So if you're looking for a way to spice up your blood sugar levels, Ceylon cinnamon may be worth a try.

Which type of cinnamon is best for Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control?

Ceylon cinnamon contains approximately 50 to 63% of cinnamaldehyde in its oils, which is lower than the contents of Cassia cinnamon. This is the reason behind its lighter and milder flavor and Ceylon cinnamon sticks and powder aroma. This is an important piece of information to understand. 

Ceylon Cinnamon Powder form

The health properties of the two variants differ because they have different levels of cinnamaldehyde. However, there is still not published research that tackles the distinction and impact of their levels.

What are the Health Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon's health benefits are not new to users because it contains several compounds that can bring many positive effects on our health.  These include cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, cinnamic acid, together with antioxidants and polyphenols.

Which Type of Cinnamon Is Best For Insulin Response?

According to numerous studies focusing on Ceylon cinnamon's benefits, it can also improve the insulin response among diabetic patients. Regular consumption of Ceylon cinnamon can help the body regulate its own blood sugar levels more efficiently.

This helps prevent events of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia from occurring. Studies have revealed that Ceylon cinnamon helps control blood glucose levels by increasing glucose uptake in the body. It also increases the sensitivity of muscle tissues and fat to insulin, so its uptake is increased. This particular spice also improves glycogen synthesis in the liver and slows gastric emptying to prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar.

Cinnamaldehyde is the substance responsible for all the effects of Ceylon cinnamon in improved insulin response among people with diabetes. While this spice has shown its benefit for glucose control, patients with diabetes should still follow their physicians' prescribed regimen.

Thus, Ceylon cinnamon is slowly being recognized as a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus. We highly recommend checking out the Ceylon cinnamon and dihydro-berberine supplement sugarmds offers.

Which Type of Cinnamon Is Best For Cholesterol Levels?

Several studies using Ceylon cinnamon have revealed its ability to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, is linked to the development of heart problems. Ceylon cinnamon can help decrease LDL and cholesterol levels without affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol levels. Information about this is impressive.

Decreases Inflammation

Cinnamaldehyde, the active ingredient in Ceylon cinnamon, contains anti-inflammatory properties that can be advantageous to its users. This substance limits the inflammatory response in the body, leading to fewer manifested symptoms. Inflammation has been linked to several conditions like arthritis and heart diseases. Through the use of Ceylon cinnamon, these conditions may be prevented.

Others Health Benefits

Since Ceylon Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich spice, Most people use it as an ingredient in healthy diets to help neutralize the free radicals present in the body, thereby inhibiting damage. The cinnamaldehyde component of Ceylon cinnamon is also thought to offer antibacterial properties and anti-cancer properties.

Ceylon Cinnamon as Antioxidant

It is also rich in beta-carotene, which also explains the color it gives off. Since beta-carotene belongs to a family that functions as provitamins. Your body converts them into more valuable and advantageous forms, such as vitamin A which keeps specific organ functions healthy.

What are the Side Effects of Ceylon Cinnamon?

Take Ceylon cinnamon orally.  It is safe when used as flavoring or spice in various dishes.  It is also safe when used from 0.5 to 3 grams per day. This is general health information and may change from one individual to another. Consumption of Ceylon cinnamon is possibly unsafe when ingested in more significant amounts than the safety net.

Because too much intake of Ceylon cinnamon extract can irritate the mucous membranes and the skin in susceptible individuals. It may also cause gastrointestinal and genitourinary upset. Occasionally individuals may experience diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and others.

It may also cause gastroparesis, manifested by symptoms of loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn because Ceylon cinnamon causes a delay in gastric emptying. So, this mechanism helps regulate blood sugar levels, but it also has potential side effects like Ozempic,  Trulicity, Victoza, which work similarly but are way more expensive than Ceylon cinnamon.

What are the Special Precautions and Warnings for Ceylon Cinnamon?

Some groups need to take extra precautions when incorporating this into their diet. To ensure safe consumption, the following should heed the warnings:

Breastfeeding Women

The intake of Ceylon cinnamon of breastfeeding women is likely safe, provided that they take it moderately in foods when breastfeeding. No studies have revealed its harmful effects when taken in large amounts during this specific time, but it is best to stay on the safe side and consume moderate quantities only.

Pregnant Women

Consumption of this spice during pregnancy is likely safe when taken moderately in foods such as Ceylon cinnamon powder. We deem it unsafe to consume ceylon cinnamon in large amounts – more than what typical dishes contain during this sensitive time.

Surgical Patients

Intake of Ceylon cinnamon in large amounts may influence the patient's blood pressure and blood glucose levels and may lead to difficulty controlling these parameters before surgery. It is best to avoid Ceylon cinnamon consumption at least two weeks before the surgical procedure.

What Drug Interactions Should I Watch Out for When Taking Ceylon Cinnamon?

According to various studies, the intake of Ceylon cinnamon causes lowering of blood sugar levels. Hence, take caution when taking diabetes medications. Interaction of anti-diabetics and Ceylon cinnamon may cause the blood sugar to drop and lead to low blood sugar incidents.

So if you are on insulin or sulfonylurea drugs consider monitoring blood sugar more often and discuss with your endocrinologist about lowering your other diabetes medications. Nevertheless, monitoring of the blood glucose levels is vital in individuals who take both.

Adjust the doses as needed. Some oral anti-diabetic agents include glimepiride, rosiglitazone, chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, glyburide, and others. Watch out for hypoglycemia( low blood sugar) if you are taking these.

How Much Ceylon Cinnamon Should I Take?

The quantity and proper dosing dramatically depend on various factors. This includes the consumer's age, health condition, and metabolic functions. Until today, no study has been quantifying the scientifically approved dosage of Ceylon cinnamon. SugarMD brand uses plenty, clinically effective an safe dose of Ceylon cinnamon.

Natural and organic products may be safe, but you must dose them accordingly. When taken in large amounts, it may still cause an untoward reaction. When taking this, consumers should follow product labels.

Should I Worry About Taking Ceylon Cinnamon?

Since cinnamon is one of the most common spices we enjoy in most dishes, some may wonder if it can cause trouble. We love it for its flavor but also because of its health benefits. So, intake  is advantageous.

However, Dr. Ergin does not recommend stopping other medications without discussing them with your doctor. Additionally, despite having a minute amount of coumarin, it is best to avoid consuming substantial amounts of this spice to prevent liver damage. Some brands offer 2000 mg or more or Ceylon cinnamon so be aware of the risks of a high dose of this spice.

Where Can I Buy Ceylon Cinnamon?

This is relatively easy to find in case you are wondering where to buy it. Because it is one of the most sought-after spices in the culinary world, users can purchase it worldwide in supermarkets and grocery stores. If you do not want to eat or add Ceylon cinnamon to your diet daily, it is best to use it as a supplement. SugarMD offers a high-quality Ceylon cinnamon berberine combination.

Studies About Ceylon Cinnamon Effectiveness

Cinnamon may also help lower and control blood sugar levels. A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that cinnamon may help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. The study's authors suggested that cinnamon may help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce resistance.

Cinnamon may also help people with type 2 diabetes by improving lipid profiles. A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that cinnamon may help improve HDL-C and LDL-C levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

The study's authors suggested that cinnamon may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also help people with type 2 diabetes by reducing triglyceride levels. A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that cinnamon may help reduce triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

1. Selvin E, Marinopoulos S, Berkenblit G, et al. Meta-analysis: glycosylated hemoglobin and cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Ann Intern Med. 2004;141(6):421–431 [PubMed] []
2. Bantle JP, Wylie-Rosett J, Albright AL, et al.; American Diabetes Association Nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetes: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(Suppl 1):S61–S78 [PubMed] []
3. Ulbricht C, Seamon E, Windsor RC, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2011;8(4):378–454 [PubMed] []
4. Sheng X, Zhang Y, Gong Z, Huang C, Zang Y. Improved insulin resistance and lipid metabolism by cinnamon extract through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. PPAR Res. 2008;581348 [PMC free article] [PubMed] []
5. Anand P, Murali KY, Tandon V, Murthy PS, Chandra R. Insulinotropic effect of cinnamaldehyde on transcriptional regulation of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and GLUT4 translocation in experimental diabetic rats. Chem Biol Interact. 2010;(1):72–81 [PubMed] []
6. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan MM, Khattak KN, Anderson RA. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003;26(12):3215–3218 [PubMed] []
7. Mang B, Wolters M, Schmitt B, et al. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose, HbA, and serum lipids in diabetes mellitus type 2. Eur J Clin Invest. 2006;36(5):340–344 [PubMed] []
8. Suppapitiporn S, Kanpaksi N, Suppapitiporn S. The effect of cinnamon cassia powder in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006;89(Suppl 3):S200–S205 [PubMed] []
9. Vanschoonbeek K, Thomassen BJ, Senden JM, Wodzig WK, van Loon LJ. Cinnamon supplementation does not improve glycemic control in postmenopausal type 2 diabetes patients. J Nutr. 2006; 136(4):977–980 [PubMed] []
10. Blevins SM, Leyva MJ, Brown J, Wright J, Scofield RH, Aston CE. Effect of cinnamon on glucose and lipid levels in non insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(9):2236–2237 [PubMed] []
11. Crawford P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Board Fam Med. 2009;22(5):507–512 [PubMed] []
12. Akilen R, Tsiami A, Devendra D, Robinson N. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet Med. 2010;27(10):1159–1167 [PubMed] []
13. Khan R, Khan Z, Shah S. Cinnamon may reduce glucose, lipid and cholesterol level in type 2 diabetic individuals. Pakistan J Nutr. 2010; 95):430–433 []
14. Wainstein J, Stern N, Heller S, Boaz M. Dietary cinnamon supplementation and changes in systolic blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes. J Med Food. 2011;14(12):1505–1510 [PubMed] []
15. Lu T, Sheng H, Wu J, Cheng Y, Zhu J, Chen Y. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res. 2012;32(6):408–412 [PubMed] []
16. Baker WL, Gutierrez-Williams G, White CM, Kluger J, Coleman CI. Effect of cinnamon on glucose control and lipid parameters. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(1):41–43 [PubMed] []
17. Higgins JP, Altman DG, Gøtzsche PC, et al.; Cochrane Bias Methods Group; Cochrane Statistical Methods Group The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ. 2011;343:d5928. [PMC free article] [PubMed] []
18. DerSimonian R, Laird N. Meta-analysis in clinical trials. Control Clin Trials. 1986;7(3):177–188 [PubMed] []
19. Follmann D, Elliott P, Suh I, Cutler J. Variance imputation for overviews of clinical trials with continuous response. J Clin Epidemiol. 1992;45(7):769–773 [PubMed] []
20. Higgins JP, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ. 2003;327(7414):557–560 [PMC free article] [PubMed] []
21. Egger M, Davey Smith G, Schneider M, Minder C. Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ. 1997;315(7109): 629–634 [PMC free article] [PubMed] []
22. Inzucchi SE, Maggs DG, Spollett GR, et al. Efficacy and metabolic effects of metformin and troglitazone in type II diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 1998;338(13):867–872 [PubMed] []
23. Aschner P, Kipnes MS, Lunceford JK, Sanchez M, Mickel C, Williams-Herman DE; Sitagliptin Study 021 Group Effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin as monotherapy on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006;29(12): 2632–2637 [PubMed] []
24. Influence of pravastatin and plasma lipids on clinical events in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS). Circulation. 1998;97(15):1440–1445 [PubMed] []
25.  Rubins HB, Robins SJ, Collins D, et al.; Veterans Affairs High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Intervention Trial Study Group Gemfibrozil for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in men with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(6):410–418 [PubMed] []
26. Davis PA, Yokoyama W. Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis. J Med Food. 2011;14(9):884–889 [PubMed] []
27. Corns CM. Herbal remedies and clinical biochemistry. Ann Clin Biochem. 2003;40(Pt 5):489–507 [PubMed] []
28. Guidance for industry: botanical drug products. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Drug Evaluation and Accessed Oct 12th, 2012 []

Final Thoughts About Which Type of Cinnamon Is Best For Diabetes

Ceylon cinnamon, or true cinnamon or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is the best cinnamon for diabetes. If you want to get the best Ceylon Cinnamon in Supplement form, check out our SugarMD Super Berberine, which contains the best quality for diabetes. Ceylon cinnamon is an all-around spice that brings incredible flavors in dishes and health benefits to the body.

It can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugars and bad cholesterol levels safely, while we mentioned a few precautions in this article. Overall, Ceylon cinnamon offers many health benefits its consumers can enjoy.

Disclaimer: Although health information contained on this website may be useful, it is not intended to replace medical advice from a professional health care provider. If you have any specific concerns about your health, please consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

This website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and the information contained herein should not be used to alter or direct your medical treatment in any way. Always review the benefits and risks of any new treatment with your healthcare provider before beginning any new regimen.

Never make changes to your medication or dosages without consulting with a professional. Blood sugar levels can be affected by many different factors, so it is essential to discuss any changes with your healthcare provider to ensure that they are suitable for you as an individual.

Finally, remember to always check with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health, and never rely solely on information found online - even from reputable sources like Google.

Written By Dr. Ergin

425 total articles

Meet Dr. Ahmet Ergin a highly skilled and dedicated endocrinologist with a passion for diabetes care. Dr. Ergin earned his medical degree with honors from Marmara University in Istanbul. He completed internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ergin is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism due to his vast medical expertise. He's a certified diabetes educator, author of “The Ultimate Diabetes Book,” and founder of “the SugarMD YouTube channel.” Dr. Ergin offers exceptional diabetes care to his patients in Port Saint Lucie, FL, helping them manage effectively. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information on this website isn't intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss with your doctor and do not self-treat”