cinnamon

Sweet, warming, and comforting, cinnamon is found everywhere in fall and winter. Aside from its familiar scent, cinnamon can now add more to its attribute list, including the therapeutic properties of blood sugar and heart health support. Cinnamon is one spice making the move from the spice cabinet to the medicine cabinet.

Research has found a role for cinnamon in diabetes management. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, plant compounds that seem to help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have found that cinnamon may help reduce the rise in blood sugar that happens after eating. Results of one study found that subjects with Type 2 diabetes taking a daily 2 gram (g) dose of cinnamon had decreased blood pressure and decreased Glycated hemoglobin (a marker of blood sugar levels). Cinnamon has also been shown in other research to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, blood fats that may increase diabetes risk. A research review concluded that taking cinnamon supplements may help lower blood pressure in people with prediabetes and diabetes. Research suggests there may be benefit as well in non-diabetic individuals with high blood pressure. A review of nine clinical studies involving 641 participants showed that taking 2 g or less of cinnamon reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results were best when cinnamon was used for 12 weeks or more. Cinnamon’s antioxidant compounds may help to dilate and relax blood vessels, which may explain how it helps with blood pressure.

Beyond blood sugar and heart health, cinnamon shows real antibacterial power. One lab study found that low concentrations of cinnamon oil, the oil that naturally occurs in cinnamon extracts, killed E. coli strains, the bacteria that sicken over 100,000 people every year.

Research continues on this fragrant spice, showing cinnamon’s benefits go way beyond its sweet, warming scent. ●

This air freshening mist evokes a feeling of comfort and coziness from its blend of warm spice and fresh bergamot oils.

Spiced Air Freshener

Recipe courtesy auracacia.com 2 oz mist bottle 8 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil 8 drops Clove Bud Essential Oil 8 drops Bergamot Essential Oil 2 oz water

1. In bottle, combine all ingredients, replace lid, and shake until well blended.

2. To use, shake bottle and spray into airspace.

Utzy Naturals Glucose Support Factors

Supports healthy blood sugar levels.* With Cinnulin PF cinnamon bark extract. Comprehensive support includes alpha lipoic acid, vanadyl sulfate, and chromium. Aura Cacia Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Pure essential oil. Revitalizing scent. Comforting and warming. Ideal for home care and diffusion.

Solaray Zinc 50 mg

Immune support.* Essential for skin health and cellular function.* Enhanced with pumpkin seed, a food source of zinc.

Paragon PlusTM NaturesPlus Immune Vitamin D3 5000 IU (125 mcg)

Supports immune health and overall wellbeing.* Emulsified for maximum absorption and utilization. Includes EFASorb and lipiddigesting minerals.

Solaray

ImmunoLyte Fizz

Immune support and electrolyte recovery.* Supplies 1200 mg vitamin C per serving. Plus electrolytes, vitamin D3, zinc, and elderberry. Mixed Berry flavor. Vitamin C with Rose Hips & Acerola 1000 mg

Provides antioxidant activity.* Intended to help support normal, healthy collagen synthesis, capillary and blood vessel integrity, and immune function.* Two stage, timed release formula.