How to Reduce Cholesterol With Cinnamon

Scientists at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland have found surprising results in a laboratory test involving 60 people with Type 2 diabetes and the inclusion of cinnamon in their daily diets. The cinnamon greatly reduced their total cholesterol after just 40 days of testing. It improved their LDL levels, their serum glucose and triglycerides as well. Using this information, people can try to reduce their cholesterol with cinnamon.

Things You'll Need

• Cinnamon

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Instructions

• 1

  Make a tea by infusing 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon in a cup of boiling water. Allow the cinnamon to infuse for at least 10 minutes. Pour off the liquid and discard the solids left in the bottom of the cup. Sweeten the tea to taste with a little apple juice. Another simple drink is made by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your morning coffee grounds before brewing.

• 2

  Work cinnamon into your main meals by using recipes such as Cinnamon-Spiced Moroccan Chicken, Cinnamon Beef Tagine, Cayenne-Cinnamon Ribs with Maple Glaze, Grilled Cinnamon Chipotle Steak or Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch. These are all recipes found at www.McCormick.com, one of the major spice distributors in the United States (see Resources).

• 3

  Choose desserts that include cinnamon. Because 1 tsp. of cinnamon has as much antioxidant power as a 1/2 cup of blueberries, pick sweets such as pumpkin pie, apple-cinnamon cake, spice cookies or any others that contain a healthy amount of cinnamon.

• 4

  Take the pill form of cinnamon. Walgreens sells a bottle of 180 1000-mg capsules of cinnamon for less than $10. This is a convenient way of taking the cinnamon supplement, but not as enjoyable as eating prepared dishes with cinnamon.

• 5

  Use cinnamon as a condiment. Work it into your vinaigrette for fresh salads or cut fruits. Sprinkle a little onto your morning toast or over a cup of hot chocolate. Even spicy chili takes on a new twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Keep it out on your counter so it is always available for a quick sprinkle.