Did you know that cinnamon and cholesterol share an important relationship? That, in fact, cinnamon can be used as an effective treatment for persons with high cholesterol?
Researchers have been studying cholesterol and cinnamon and came to exciting results. One study (involving patients with Type II diabetes) showed that taking one gram per day of cinnamon (one-fourth of a teaspoon, twice daily) significantly lowered blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol.
Interestingly, cinnamon has a long history as a medicine. Its unique healing properties come from three types of components found in its bark. These are oils that contain cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol.
Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese, fiber, calcium, and iron. Both the calcium and fiber in cinnamon can bind to bile salts and when bile is removed by fiber, the body breaks down cholesterol. It can be seen how cinnamon and cholesterol reduction go hand-in-hand.
It has been established that substances in plants have very strong biological effects and, in fact, plant derivatives are being researched in many places. It comes as no surprise that cholesterol and cinnamon are also being studied.
Phytochemicals or plant-based compounds have been discovered to render beneficial effects on various aspects of our physiology. Some of these are found in herbs and spices. In considering cinnamon and cholesterol, this spice may be of great value in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
In one study, cinnamon reduced blood lipid levels as well as blood glucose levels. Additionally, patients’ total cholesterol was reduced by 12–26%, LDL was reduced by 7–27%, and triglycerides were reduced by 23–30%. Cholesterol and cinnamon will continue to be evaluated—especially in relationship to those who have Type II diabetes.
In treating high cholesterol, statin drugs are commonly recommended. But they are not the miracle drugs they were once believed to be. Some experts are urging caution because of the potential for serious side effects. Statins work by changing liver function for lowering cholesterol; however, this does not lower levels naturally and statins can be toxic to the liver!
If you are interested in the relationship between cinnamon and cholesterol, you may also be looking for other natural treatments that balance and adjust cholesterol levels.
Natural remedies contain important plant-derived compounds and oils that have been clinically researched for their efficacy. A supplement will be formulated using specific ingredients that support the body.
For example, policosanol is a natural substance derived from sugar cane. Numerous trials have demonstrated that it can safely and effectively lower cholesterol. Policosanol reduces LDL and raises HDL and long term testing shows that patients have experienced no side effects.
Policosanol performs even better when it is combined with other compounds, such as beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol used for treating hypercholesterolemia); lecithin oil (for treatment of high cholesterol); oryzanol rice bran oil (containing beneficial phytosterols); green tea (with its powerful catechins); and vitamin E (used for treating atherosclerosis).
If you are researching cholesterol and cinnamon and the potential health benefits this spice may offer, it may prove helpful to consult a natural practitioner who is knowledgeable about the properties contained in natural substances.
Using herbs and plants for treating disease and for healing may well be the wave of the future. Cinnamon and cholesterol and other plant-based substances and their beneficial effects on disease processes will no doubt be scientifically established as more time goes by.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green