by The Puritan's Pride Editorial Team
One of the world’s most ancient and beloved spices, cinnamon has been enjoyed and cultivated for thousands of years. Today, cinnamon is one of the most popular spices on the market not only for its comforting and warming aroma but its numerous health benefits.
Did you know cinnamon comes from a tree, and that there are approximately 250 species of cinnamon trees? Although the different species of cinnamon share many common characteristics, they do have slight differences such as the types and amounts of phytonutrients they contain. Since phytonutrients are the health-promoting components within plants, different species of cinnamon may have different health benefits.
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum burmannii
Common Name: Korintje or Indonesian cinnamon
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum cassia
Common Name: Chinese cinnamon
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum loureiroi
Common Name: Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum
Common Name: Ceylon or Sri Lankan cinnamon
Note: Some cinnamons may be listed as “Cinnamomum spp.” on the label, meaning they can be derived from various beneficial cinnamon species.
As a whole herb, cinnamon may have antioxidant properties.* It is also known for its use in supporting sugar metabolism.* Cinnamon may also help manage healthy blood sugar levels within a normal range.* To get a daily dose of this nutritious herb, you can try cinnamon supplements for blood sugar rather than only relying on small amounts from food alone.
Today, more than 88 million people are concerned about their blood sugar levels.2When added to your daily routine, cinnamon can help support healthy levels of sugar metabolism.* This means cinnamon can help your body break down sugars and starches from the foods you eat, turning them into energy for your body.*
Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains and minimize intake of highly processed carbohydrates and added sugars.
Engage in regular, physical activity that you enjoy.
Consider taking cinnamon supplements for blood sugar to help maximize your lifestyle efforts.
Cinnamon can be found in a wide variety of sweet and savory foods, but taking cinnamon as a supplement is a more practical way to ensure you are getting the optimal amount rather than just relying on the small amounts present in foods. Supplementing with a high-quality cinnamon supplement also ensures that you’re getting the correct type of cinnamon for the health benefit you are looking for. The most common types of cinnamon used commercially are Ceylon and Chinese cinnamon, so relying on foods alone typically will not include other types of cinnamon such as Saigon or Indonesian cinnamon.
The scientific name for Cylon cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum, translates to “true cinnamon.” Compared to other types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon bark is thinner, and it has a milder flavor and aroma. This has led people to falsely believe that other types of cinnamon are fake. Other types of cinnamon such as Saigon and Korintje are indeed real cinnamon; however, they are just harvested from different species of cinnamon trees. Their more robust flavor makes them no less of a true spice.
It is always important to take all herbal supplements as directed and avoid going over the indicated dose. You may want to consider talking to your doctor before supplementing with cinnamon if you are taking medications or have any medical condition, including diabetes or hypoglycemia. Read all label directions and warnings before use.
It is recommended to take cinnamon supplements for blood sugar with a meal rather than on an empty stomach. Your daily intake of cinnamon can be consumed all at once or broken up and taken as separate meals throughout the day. Cinnamon supplements in capsule form can be opened and prepared as tea for a more traditional experience.
Cinnamon and chromium can be paired together to promote overall health and wellness.* Chromium is an essential mineral that is involved in nutrient metabolism.* Puritan’s Pride offers combination products for individuals looking for chromium’s benefits, plus the traditional goodness of cinnamon.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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