PODCAST. Whether it’s sprinkled on your latte or oatmeal, cinnamon is an aromatic spice popular the world over. But it’s used for more than it’s comforting flavor. It’s popular as a supplement for type 2 diabetes.

In fact, a Sydney Australia survey of complementary and alternative medicine use found that 25% of respondents use cinnamon to treat their diabetes. Ceylon and Cassia are the most common. Cassia is typically cheaper and is often found in supplements and spices. When looking at a supplement, the label may not say which species is used so assume its Cassia. Plus be aware there is no international standard for the contents or amounts of active ingredients in any cinnamon.

Does it matter to you which cinnamon species is in a supplement? Yes, it does. Ceylon cinnamon is safer in larger dosages such as 1000 mg a day or more. The blood thinner coumarin naturally occurs in higher amounts in Cassia cinnamon than in Ceylon. The possibility exists for excess bleeding if you take a blood thinner. Plus in high doses coumarin may have toxic effects on the liver and kidneys. The more expensive Ceylon cinnamon can be ordered online and is often carried in health food stores

Listen to the podcast let’s talk what we know about cinnamon and if it’s bad for your diabetes.

Don’t miss this recipe for Winter Spiced Chili. It’s an easy way to add more cinnamon to your diet.

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