 (NaturalNews) A new study from U.S. researchers has found that daily supplementation with a cinnamon extract may boost the body's antioxidants, which can lessen the oxidative stress associated with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome affects roughly 32 percent of U.S. adults, and is characterized by obesity -- especially around the midsection -- hypertension and reduced metabolism of both glucose and insulin. The syndrome is associated with an increased risk in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study's lead researcher, Dr. Anne-Marie Roussel from the Joseph Fourier University in France, recruited 24 participants with impaired fasting glucose levels for a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients were split into two randomly assigned groups: The first received a daily dose of 500 mg of cinnamon extract (Cinnulin PF from Integrity Neutraceuticals), and the second received a placebo for 12 weeks.
At the study's conclusion, the researchers found that in the cinnamon extract group, plasma antioxidant levels and plasma SH levels were significantly increased, compared to the placebo group. Plasma levels of a reactive compound related to oxidative stress -- malondialdehyde (MDA) -- were also lower in the cinnamon group, but remained unchanged in the placebo patients.
"This study tells us that the active compounds found in cinnamon extract may be helpful in reducing the risk of these diseases by providing cells protection from harmful oxidation," said Dr. Richard Anderson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who collaborated on the study. "People with impaired insulin function are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, the number one killer in the U.S."
Previous animal studies have linked daily consumption of cinnamon extract to reduced blood pressure and hypertension, as well as lower levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Consumer advocate Mike Adams, author of "How to Halt Diabetes in 25 Days," said cinnamon is widely used as a blood sugar regulator among diabetics.
"Now, with this latest study, we're learning that cinnamon also protects the body from oxidative damage," Adams said. "That makes it the perfect medicinal herb for diabetics."
###
Related Articles
• New herbal supplement product uses green tea and cinnamon for controlling diabetes
• Cinnamon gum found to kill bacteria in the mouth; medicinal use of
cinnamon herb is widespread
• Q&A: How do I reduce high cholesterol with the least amount of time, money and effort? (part 2)
• Indian Curry Powder: Fine Cuisine and Ayurvedic Medicine
• Spry dental gum prevents cavities with xylitol
 |
Additional Resources:
cinnamon
oxidative stress
diabetes prevention
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/020826.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
Printable Version
