The Diabetic Diet: Cinnamon

Learn about the benefits of adding cinnamon to a diabetic diet

Cinnamon contains an ingredient called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP) which, in addition to being a potent antioxidant, improves insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.

However, research suggests that chemicals in saliva render it ineffective, so I don’t recommend just adding ground cinnamon to your food. Instead, take a water-soluble cinnamon extract. You should be able to find multiple brands in your local health food store.

The undesirable compounds that cinnamon contains are eliminated when mixed in hot water. Therefore, drinking cinnamon tea or adding cinnamon to ground coffee before brewing are other great options.

The suggested dose is ¼ to ½ teaspoon (or the supplement equivalent) twice a day.

WATCH: Dr. Whitaker Talks About How Cinnamon Can Help People With Diabetes Manage Their Blood Sugar Levels

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Diabetes

• How to plan a diabetic diet
• The importance of fiber in the diabetic diet
• Sugars and starches: What’s allowed on a diabetic diet
• Why vinegar should be part of your diabetic diet