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Cinnamon Lowers Cholesterol

Posting Date: 11/08/2004

Q. I am curious about the health value of cinnamon. A year ago, I ran across a Web site suggesting cinnamon to reduce bad LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. I do not have this disease, but I wanted to improve my LDL with this spice.

I?ve been working to improve my cholesterol levels with exercise and healthy diet. For about 10 years, my typical LDL was 135 while my HDL was 35. My siblings have similar numbers.

This year's numbers were 114 and 43. My total cholesterol dropped from 192 to 170 and my triglycerides went from 98 to 65. The only change that I did in the last year was to have 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon on my breakfast every morning. I am pleasantly surprised. I like cinnamon and plan to continue taking it regularly. Most members of my family are politely skeptical. Have you seen any research?

A. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was published in Diabetes Care (Dec. 2003). As you report, it involved type 2 diabetics. The scientists found that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

We hope there will be further research to confirm these findings for people like you. In the meantime, you seem to be getting good results with what you are doing.

Q. Who is correct? My orthopedic specialist says glucosamine and chondroitin is worthless. But my husband?s neurological specialist says this is the best remedy for spinal column pain. I have osteoarthritis in both hips.

A. Your experience captures the divided view of the medical community with respect to glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis. Some studies demonstrate benefit while others do not.

Judging from our mail, there are many people for whom these products are extremely helpful. Others report no benefit. There is relatively little risk in trying them to see if they work for you.