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Can Cinnamon Lower Blood Pressure

Cinnamon Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of

Cinnamon Reduces Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Diabetes

There are many different supplements available in grocery stores. Spices and herbs often provide some health benefits, but some spices like cinnamon also have potential side effects.Many people take herbal supplements to encourage mind and body wellness. If prescribed by a doctor, they can be a great way to give yourself a boost of vitamins and minerals that you may not get in your daily diet. Some supplements do have potential side effects, though, so its important to educate yourself. Read on to discover some of the possible side effects of cinnamon.

The Link Between Diabetes And Hypertension

As mentioned earlier, High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, can be caused by certain conditions. One of these conditions is diabetes specifically gestational diabetes, type 1, type 1, and 2 diabetes.

Another thing that connects High Blood Pressure and Diabetes is it being a part of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. To add to that, both of these conditions can make the symptoms of the other condition worse.

Dietary Recommendations Include Prioritizing Unprocessed Foods

Dietary recommendations from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute called the Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension, or the DASH diet for short promote eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean such as fish and poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils, while also limiting saturated fats, refined grains, processed foods, and added sodium.

The advantage of getting these nutrients through whole foods, rather than through supplements, is that our body is able to use them better. A number of times when we have just separated out the one nutrient that we think is good, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, or vitamin E, and given it as a concentrated pill, it has been shown to be either not as effective or completely ineffective when compared to the natural foods, Dr. Higgins says.

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If youre drinking tea with cinnamon or taking cinnamon capsules, make sure you know which kind of cinnamon you have. Coumarin may be dangerous to some when taken in high doses. To avoid an excessive dose of coumarin, adults shouldnt consume more than one teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon per day, as it may cause or exacerbate already existing liver problems.

Does Using Cinnamon Bring About Side Effects

Cinnamon Reduces Blood Pressure while Balancing Blood Glucose

In human studies, participants used varying amounts of cinnamon, from a fraction of a teaspoon to two teaspoons each day. Side effects were rare when cinnamon is added to food in normal doses.

Cinnamon is also available as a dietary supplement, but it is important to be cautious, since dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are taking other medications or herbal supplements, always consult with your healthcare providerinteractions may occur between supplements and medications, resulting in adverse outcomes.

Although cinnamon is generally considered safe for short-term use by most people, some may have an allergic reaction to the spice. Cinnamon also contains a chemical known as coumarin, which can be harmful to individuals with liver disease. Although coumarin is a precursor to the blood-thinner known as warfarin, the precursor found in plants does not affect the ability of blood to clot.

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Other Spices That May Help Control Blood Pressure

After discussing turmeric and blood pressure, lets discuss other spices that may help control blood pressure.

1. Garlic

Garlic has allicin, which has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering properties. Garlic reduces blood pressure by relaxing and dilating your blood vessels. Fresh garlic is more potent in protecting heart in comparison to processed garlic. The recommended dose is 4 cloves a day to reduce your blood pressure. You can also take a supplement of garlic .

2. Cardamom

Significant decrease in the blood pressure of participants who were on powdered cardamom daily for many months was noticed. Cardamom can be included as powder or seeds in soups, spice rubs, stews and in baked dishes.

3. Cinnamon

It not only helps treat diabetes but also prevents cardiovascular disease. In patients suffering from diabetes, consuming ¼ to 1 tsp. of cinnamon daily has been found to reduce blood pressure. Sprinkle it on your oats, in your coffee or add to curries, stews or stir-fries.

4. Ginger

Ginger may reduce blood pressure as it improves blood circulation and causes relaxation of blood vessels. You can add it to soups, stir-fries or vegetable dishes or make ginger tea.

5. Cayenne Pepper

Cinnamon And Diabetes: 7 Benefits Of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a naturally sweet but sugar-free spice that comes from the bark of wild cinnamon trees. Studies suggest that it offers a lot of benefits for people with diabetes.

1. Cinnamon lowers blood pressure

Studies show that cinnamon in your diet is linked to lower blood pressure. At least in the short term.

2. Cinnamon lowers blood glucose levels and increases insulin sensitivity

Cinnamon works directly on muscle cells. It forces them to remove glucose from the blood. As this study explains.

3. Cinnamon lowers bad cholesterol

Cholesterol is complex. Put simply, there are two kinds of cholesterol. Theres bad cholesterol and good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol known as LDL cholesterol is the stuff that clogs up your arteries. Good cholesterol known as HDL cholesterol clears out LDL cholesterol.

Research suggests that cinnamon lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol.

High cholesterol levels mean a higher risk of heart disease, one of the most common complications of diabetes. People with diabetes need to be extra careful when it comes to keeping their heart healthy.

Take a look at this study for more on cinnamon and cholesterol.

4. Cinnamon can treat the symptoms of Alzheimers

Alzheimers disease is closely linked to diabetes. Some scientists think it should be known as type 3 diabetes. Thats because high blood glucose levels on the brain.

There are several interesting studies on the subject. You can read a couple here and here.

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Are There Any Risks To Eating Cinnamon

All cinnamon contains a compound called coumarinhigher in cassia than ceylon. Coumarin can cause liver damage and tumors in animals at high doses. The risk to humans is primarily in people with existing liver damage, and even then when ingesting far higher amounts than you would typically get in your diet.

If youre upping your cinnamon intake, its best to start small and build up to larger amounts gradually. You may find that too much cinnamon irritates your digestive system, or you could have an allergy that doesnt present itself in lower quantities. That allergy, though rare, could lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling, burning, itchiness of the mouth, or mouth sores.

Since cinnamon lowers blood sugar, you may want to avoid taking extra cinnamon if you are already at risk for low blood sugar . Coumarin is also a natural blood thinner, so you may want to avoid it if youre already taking blood thinners, such as warfarin or statins.

Its also unknown whether taking extra cinnamon has any side effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it may be best to err on the side of caution.

Lentils And Other Pulses

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Lentils are a staple of many diets around the world, as they are an excellent source of vegetarian protein and fiber.

In 2014, researchers who studied the effects of a diet rich in pulses on rats reported of blood pressure and cholesterol. A total of 30 percent of the rats diet comprised pulses, including beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

Lentils are very versatile. Many people use them as a vegetarian alternative to minced beef or to add bulk to salads, stews, and soups. A range of lentils is available for purchase online.

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Cinnamon Packs An Antioxidant Punch

Too many free radicals can lead to oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to the onset of a number of serious diseases and acceleration of the aging process in general.

The good news: Cinnamon happens to be packed with antioxidants, which stabilize free radicals. In one study of antioxidant activity in 26 different spices, cinnamon came out on top, beating out “superfoods” like oregano. Even better, research reveals that the antioxidants in cinnamon are also anti-inflammatory. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties likely play a role in cinnamon’s other health benefits listed here.

What Is Considered High Blood Pressure

According to the guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, published in May 2018 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the criteria for high blood pressure are as follows:

  • Normal Less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury
  • Elevated Systolic between 120 and 129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
  • Stage 1 Systolic between 130 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg
  • Stage 2 Systolic at least 140 mmHg or diastolic at least 90 mmHg
  • Hypertensive Crisis Systolic over 180 mmHg or diastolic over 120 mmHg, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage

A large study of more than 9,000 patients, published in May 2021 in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that participants who got their systolic pressures below 120 mmHg saw their incidence of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and death drop substantially in comparison with those who followed a more standard treatment plan, where the goal was to reduce their systolic pressure to less than 140 mmHg.

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Final Thoughts On Cinnamon For Blood Pressure

So, does cinnamon lower blood pressure? The advantages of cinnamon for high blood pressure center on many of its beneficial nutrients, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, calcium, and antioxidants like polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acid.

Studies also show that cinnamon can reduce blood pressure in type 2 diabetics and pre-diabetics. This is likely because cinnamon reduces hemoglobin A1C levels, which relates to blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is lowered, this in turn reduces damage to arteries.

Are you interested in trying cinnamon for high blood pressure for yourself? The two most common cinnamon varieties include Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon is thought to have greater health effects, but if you are using Cassia, it is better to stick smaller doses. It is typically found in a powder, sticks, or capsules. However, if your blood pressure is high, its important to consult with your doctor before adding any whole cinnamon or cinnamon supplements to your health regimen.

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How To Lower Your Blood Pressure Using Magnesium

10 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

If you want to lower your blood pressure, you can do so naturally. You dont need medication. You dont even have to change your diet or exercise either.One very simple way to do this is to increase your magnesium.

If you want to lower your blood pressure, you can do so naturally. You dont need medication. You dont even have to change your diet or exercise either.

One very simple way to do this is to increase your magnesium.

This invaluable mineral is important to the health of every cell and organ, especially your heart. Playing a role in over 600 different reactions in your body.

Unfortunately, researchers estimate that up to 80% of American do not get enough magnesium from their diet to replace the magnesium lost.1

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Cinnamon: The Good The Bad And The Tasty

This common spice is a mainstay of most kitchens. Delicious in sweet treats and hearty oatmeal, and a unique twist in savoury meals, cinnamon has a warm, slightly spicy taste that lends well to a variety of dishes. You might have even heard that it can help balance blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes or ward off Alzheimers disease. However, the story of cinnamon is a bit more complex, and it is potentially dangerous.

Ideal Type Of Cinnamon For The Treatment

If youre planning on using Cinnamon and Honey to help you regulate cholesterol and blood pressure in your body, its highly recommended that you dont take more than a teaspoonful of Cinnamon Daily. In addition to that, you should also be wary of the type of Cinnamon to use in your treatment. Make sure that you use Ceylon Cinnamon and not Cassia as this Cinnamon contains Coumarin, a compound that can be toxic to your body if taken in high amount and dosage.

Another important thing is that, if youre currently taking a blood-thinning pill or treatment, you should first consult your doctor as Cinnamon also has a blood-thinning agent.

Takeaways

Cinnamon is not your ordinary kitchen spice which sole purpose is to add flavor to your meals. It can do so much more than just that. It can lower down the Cholesterol in your body, regulate your blood pressure, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease. However, you should make sure that youre using the True Cinnamon which Ceylon as this particular Cinnamon will not be able to harm our body, unlike Cassia.

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Side Effects Of Too Much Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree.

Its widely popular and has been linked with health benefits like improved blood sugar control and lowering of some risk factors for heart disease (1,

The two main types of cinnamon are:

  • Cassia: Also called regular cinnamon, this is the most commonly used type.
  • Ceylon: Known as true cinnamon, Ceylon has a lighter and less bitter taste.

Cassia cinnamon is more commonly found in supermarkets, given that its much cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon.

While Cassia cinnamon is safe to eat in small to moderate amounts, eating too much may cause health problems because it contains high amounts of a compound called coumarin.

Research has found that eating too much coumarin may harm your liver and increase the risk of cancer (

Furthermore, eating too much Cassia cinnamon has been linked to many other side effects.

Here are 6 possible side effects of eating too much Cassia cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon is a rich source of coumarin.

The coumarin content of ground Cassia cinnamon may range from 7 to 18 milligrams per teaspoon , while Ceylon cinnamon only contains trace amounts of coumarin .

The tolerable daily intake of coumarin is approximately 0.05 mg/pound of body weight, or 5 mg per day for a 130-pound person. This means that just 1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon could put you over the daily limit .

3 ).

The way in which coumarin may cause tumors is unclear.

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Well, as we recently reported in The Salt, cassia cinnamon is the variety you are most likely to encounter in a grocery store. But cassia can contain high levels of coumarin, a naturally occurring ingredient that, when eaten in large enough amounts, can cause reversible liver toxicity in a small group of individuals sensitive to it.

So the warning is, for cinnamon lovers, is to beware of excessive intake of cassia, says diabetes educator Angela Ginn.

And Ikhlas Khan, a researcher at the University of Mississippis School of Pharmacy who recently looked at the amounts of coumarin in cinnamon-flavored foods in the U.S., recently told The Salt that people who do want to use cinnamon for medicinal purposes should consult their doctor before taking large amounts.

Some experts suggest investing instead in Ceylon cinnamon, a milder and pricier variety of the spice that comes from a tree distinct from but related to cassia.

How much cassia is too much? For an adult who is sensitive to coumarin, the limit is about a teaspoon a day, according to the daily tolerable intake set by the European Food Safety Authority.

So if youre a cinnamon lover and your goal is to increase your daily intake, using Ceylon cinnamon can reduce the risk of consuming too much coumarin.

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Two Main Types Of Cinnamon

The spice, made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, comes in two main types: Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon, which is produced in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, is the type most commonly sold in the United States and Canada. Ceylon, which is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean, is known as “true” cinnamon and has a more subtle flavor.

In addition to cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon, Cinnamomum trees are also a source of essential oils, which are made from their bark, leaves, and even twigs.

Does Cinnamon Lower Blood Sugar

Q: Ive just bought a pound of Ceylon cinnamon, since that is supposed to have the least coumarin and be best for lowering blood sugar. Unfortunately, I cant find anything on dosage just that too high doses are risky. Do you have specific recommendations? I am a woman of 67 who needs to lose about 30 pounds.

A: A pound of Ceylon cinnamon will last you a very long time. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 clinical trials found that doses of 1.5 grams or more of cinnamon lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and serum glucose and insulin .

We were curious how to measure 1.5 grams of powdered cinnamon, so we got out our sensitive kitchen scales. We found that ¼ teaspoon weighed just over 2.5 grams . We conclude that ¼ teaspoon cinnamon daily would be enough to help lower blood sugar if someone were following a sensible low-carb diet. Please have your health care provider monitor your progress.

You are correct that Ceylon cinnamon has the least coumarin, a compound found in some cinnamon bark that can be toxic to the liver . Overall, Ceylon cinnamon has the best activity profile for controlling blood sugar.

To learn more about natural approaches to controlling blood sugar, you may want to read our eGuide to Preventing & Treating Diabetes. This online resource is located under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

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