Cinnamon Supplements - Potential Health Benefits

Cinnamon supplements are dietary supplements that contain extracts from the bark of the cinnamon tree. They are often used for their potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and antioxidant properties.

Cinnamon Supplements FAQ

Image credit: walmart.com

Is cinnamon a supplement?

Cinnamon is available as a supplement, as well as a spice. Supplements may have an impact on health and disease. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate supplements, so there might be concerns about quality, purity, and strength.

What are the health benefits of cinnamon?

Cinnamon contains various medicinal compounds that may benefit those with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The health benefits of cinnamon are largely related to its high concentration of protective plant compounds, such as coumarin, cinnamic acid, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde.

What is cinnamon used for?

It has been used as a spice and medicinal remedy for thousands of years. Cinnamon is an aromatic and versatile ingredient in sweet and savory recipes. Cinnamon has been studied for its therapeutic effects, from lowering blood sugar and cholesterol to reducing inflammation.

Are cinnamon supplements safe?

Cinnamon supplements appear to be safe when consumed in the amounts commonly used in foods as a spice or flavoring agent. Use in larger amounts or for long periods of time is sometimes associated with side effects, most commonly gastrointestinal problems or allergic reactions.

Is cinnamon a good anti-HIV supplement?

Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or cinnamon bark, and Cardiospermum helicacabum, which is the cinnamon shoot and fruit, were most effective in reducing HIV activity. In a 2016 laboratory study, scientists found that an extract from cinnamon showed anti-HIV activity.