8 Diabetes-Friendly Foods

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP), a substance that helps the body remove glucose. Taking only one to six grams of cinnamon every day can help reduce glucose levels by up to twenty-nine percent. Cinnamon also has numerous other health benefits. Regular intake of cinnamon is known to help lower cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon also has antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-inflammation effects, which help boost the immune system and protect against various diseases. Cinnamon is even thought to help boost brain function and defend against degenerative neural conditions like Alzheimer’s. Cinnamon can be particularly helpful for women during menstruation because of its anticoagulant and analgesic effects. Cinnamon can help reduce cramping and pain experienced during menstruation as well as help reduce the severity of blood flow. It is important to be careful not to overconsume cinnamon because its active ingredient, coumarin, can cause serious damage to your liver. Some experts recommend between two to four grams of cinnamon powder per day.