A study from U.S. researchers has found that daily supplementation with a cinnamon extract may boost the body's antioxidants, which can lessen the complications associated with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome 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 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 and the second received a placebo. After 12 weeks, the researchers found that in the cinnamon extract group, antioxidant levels were significantly increased compared to the placebo group. Plasma levels of a reactive compound related to oxidative stress were also lower in the cinnamon group, but remained unchanged in the placebo patients. Oxidative stress is responsible for many of the microvascular changed responsible for diabetes complications: blindness, numbness, kidney damage, and amputations.

Beyond the resounding proof of cinnamon being helpful in diabetes management, other health-related benefits include: improved digestion, toning of tissues, relief from congestion, muscle and joint pain relief, relief from menstrual cramping, thinning of the blood and better circulation, relief from arthritis pain, prevention of urinary tract infections, prevention of tooth decay, and killing of harmful bacteria. I think a sprinkle of cinnamon is worth the pound of prevention this little spice is punching. How much is 500 mg of cinnamon anyway?