Page 14 - Cinnamon e-book

Cinnamon and

Metabolism

Contributed by Dr. Damian Rodriguez, DHSc, MS

As a spice, not only does
cinnamon impart a pleasant
spicy taste and wonderful
aroma to pretty much
anything you add it to, but it
also has a host of metabolic
support properties when consumed. While previous research has confirmed these benefits, we
actually know little about how cinnamon works in the body. A recently published study has
provided some insight into the mechanism behind these effects and also hinted that the power of
cinnamon may be even greater than we currently understand.1

Previous research showed that daily supplementation with common cinnamon (Cinnamomum
cassia) in the form of a 1,000 mg capsule twice a day resulted in significantly positive effects on
healthy blood sugar metabolism than a placebo.2 The most interesting discovery of this study was
that these benefits appeared, in many cases, to continue after the participants in the trial group
stopped taking the supplement, suggesting possible gene expression and other changes at the
cellular level. Aimed at exploring the mechanisms behind these mysterious long-term metabolic
and healthy blood sugar supporting effects, researchers focused their efforts towards SIRT1, a
protein that is involved in the healthy metabolism of sugars and fats, as well as various
components of biological aging.

The researchers theorized SIRT1 may be influenced by the phenols (compounds with antioxidant-
like properties) contained in cinnamon. Using a computer model involving docking simulation, the
researchers discovered that the phenols contained within cinnamon bound to SIRT1 in much the
same way that resveratrol does (an antioxidant found in grapes that was believed to be the
greatest exogenous activator of SIRT1), but possibly even more powerfully. While the research is
just in its infant stages, this finding suggests that consumption of cinnamon, even in very small
amounts, may have even more profound effects on healthy blood sugar metabolism than we
initially thought, and it may even induce gene expression, which could positively influence
biological aging.

Based on these findings, a pinch of cinnamon added to your morning oatmeal or Slim & Sassy®
TrimShake is certainly a healthy way to start the day.

doTERRA Science blog articles are based on a variety of scientific sources. Many of the referenced studies
are preliminary and further research is needed to gain greater understanding of the findings. Some articles
offer multiple views on general health topics and are not the official position of doTERRA. Consult your
healthcare provider before making changes to diet or exercise.