High blood pressure is a serious medical problem that leads to potentially fatal conditions such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Anyone can have high blood pressure, but it is especially common in people suffering from Type II diabetes. Fortunately, modern research found a natural cure for this life-threatening condition in cinnamon.
The Study
According to a 2006 study led by Dr. Anderson and published in the American Journal of Nutrition, a specific component in cinnamon lowers blood pressure. The study took three groups of rats with high blood pressure. The researchers kept the first group on their normal diet. They fed the second group cinnamon and the third group cinnamon extract. After three to four weeks of study, researchers reported a decrease in blood pressure for the groups that ate cinnamon and cinnamon extract. After the initial study, Dr. Anderson’s group conducted the same test on human fat cells with similar results.
Why it Works
The study attributes the chemical compound in cinnamon called methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP) to its ability to lower blood pressure. MHCP has an effect similar to insulin. It allows the body to more effectively store and use blood sugar which has a positive effect on blood pressure.
Treatment
Since there are typically no symptoms associated with high blood pressure, your health care provider should always check your blood pressure during routine visits. In rare cases, mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea may occur. If you have high blood pressure adding cinnamon can help, but be sure to discuss all options with your health care provider.
Recommended Amount
Dr. Anderson’s study recommends consuming no more than 6g of cinnamon per day. However, people suffering from certain medical conditions or taking other herbal supplements might be more sensitive to such a high dose. Check with your health care provider to see exactly how much is right for you. You should see benefits with just 1-2g daily.
Uses
Cinnamon is commonly used in baked goods. Unfortunately, baked goods also contain a lot of sugar and fat which leads to other problems. It’s best to consume cinnamon from other sources. Purchase a cereal that contains cinnamon or sprinkle a little in your morning coffee or tea. You might also add cinnamon to oatmeal or use it to flavor certain fruits or vegetables like peaches and sweet potatoes.