December 10, 2003 Cinnamon, It’s Good for You Tanya Perone OP Contributor Recent studies show that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can reduce blood sugar lev- els, which easily helps type 2 diabetics main- tain proper sugar counts for healthy living. Not only can cinnamon aid diabetics, but also any non-diabetic who may have blood sugar concerns and not even know about it. How does it work? It’s as simple as soaking one cinnamon stick in your coffee or tea daily, or adding it to anything that’s in your regular diet, such as cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt. It’s healthy, tasty, readily available, and cheap. Now, how often do you find those combinations in your favour! Lead Scientist, Richard Anderson of the US Department of Agriculture’s Human Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland, stated that the findings of how cinnamon lowers blood sugar came as a mistake through the testing of apple pie and its sugar content (New Scientist). Typically, as in the case of this particular apple pie, cinnamon is added for extra flavour. Once tests were completed, the cinnamon seemed to help decrease the over- all sugar content. Thus began the testing of cinnamon. They had then realized what they had stumbled across: A healthy, natural alter- native to decreasing and stabilizing blood sugar. Cinnamon isn't something that your body can get too much of, making it safe to use in conjunction with all other treatments, whether medical or holistic. Anderson further explained that methylhy- droxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), a com- pound in cinnamon, prevents damaging free radicals from forming and helps activate the enzyme that causes insulin to bind to cells. This allows the fat cells to respond to insulin. Free radicals simply defined, are a bi-product of the oxidized process, and are commonly known for producing toxins in the body. Free radicals can lead to heart disease. Type 2 Diabetes exists when not enough insulin receptors are produced, thereby causing sugar to build within the bloodstream. Heart-relat- ed problems, stroke, kidney disease, foot problems, gum disease, impotence, and birth defects/infant mortality could increase as a result of diabetes. An overabundance of glu- cose can cause serious long-term damage to all organs (i.e., kidneys), eyes, and nerves. Initial studies began with rats and have now moved to the human testing stage. Individuals were divided into groups—some were given varying amounts of cinnamon capsules while other groups were given the placebo capsule. All those in the cinnamon given groups showed a decrease in their blood sugar counts, while the placebo groups remained the same prior to testing. While cinnamon appears to be good for the body, wishful thinking would be to assume that cinnamon buns, or any other cinnamon flavoured sweets are now okay to consume. In fact, all the added fat and sugar only contribute unnecessarily to the blood sugar problem. As always, it is wise to remember that healthy eating and healthy moderation of the foods we can't resist, along with a regular exercise and sleep regime is what matters most in keeping you feeling your best. Other Health Benefits of Cinnamon? * Reduces triglyceride and LDL cholesterol * Helps the digestive system * Tones tissues * Relieves: sinus congestion, menstrual discom- fort, pain and stiffness of muscles, and joints * Helps protect teeth from gum disease and tooth decay * Microbiologists at Kansas State University recently proved that cinnamon helps kill the deadly E. coli bacteria Diabetes—Are You At Risk? Certain individuals are more at risk of developing diabetes. Risk factors and symptoms of diabetes include: * Obesity, the largest factor * Lack of exercise, a minimum of thirty minutes a day is all you need to help you body process the glucose * Lack of sleep—tess than seven hours a night can trigger your body to stop responding to insulin If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should talk to you doctor: * Excessive thirst * Frequent urination * Blurred vision * Dry, itchy skin * Fatigue * Unusual increase in appetite For more information, check out these sites: * http://www.newscientist.com * hetp://www.mercola.com/2000/sept/3/ cinnamon_insulin.htm * http://www. healthy.net/asp/templates/ interview.asp? Page Type=Interview&ID=190 * http://www.diabetes-and- symptoms.com/index.php3 News e theother press © Get this Siemens cellphone for only $5 with NO CONTRACT ~ FREE service features, save up to 33% on your monthly plan --~ FREE face plate and headset {$60 value} ~~ NO mail-in rebate Siemens A56 Now only ¢ ! , Only at the Student Phone Store Available with all FIDO monthly plans. Quautitios Sted! "Terms and conditions apoly. STUDENT PHONE \ STORE To get this offer go to Www. StudentPhoneStore.com, your nearest Travel CUTS shop, or cali 1.866.287.1835. You can also check out our other exclusive student offers from Fido, Bell Mobility, 0 Rogers AT&T. Best pices on esol phones. http://www.otherpress.ca You are not alone The Students’ Union’s Pride Collective provides resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students at the college. The Collective meets Thursdays at 4:30. All lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning and allied students are welcome. 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