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Does Cinnamon Increase or Decrease the Appetite?

Cinnamon, the bark of several species of plants that belong to the genus Cinnamomum, is a spice used to increase appetite, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Use cinnamon for its many health benefits, including appetite stimulation.

  1. Cassia or Ceylon Cinnamon

    • Cinnamon comes in two common types, cassia and ceylon. Cassia is sweeter and less pungent than ceylon, which is considered "true" cinnamon with a more citrus-like flavor. For those suffering from decreased appetite, including those undergoing cancer treatments, The Mayo Clinic recommends adding cinnamon to foods to increase their flavor and palatability.

    Affect on Blood Sugar

    • According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine by Paul Crawford M.D., cinnamon lowered average blood glucose levels in patients with Type II diabetes. Cinnamon also contains hydroxychalcone, thought to increase insulin action in the body. By lowering blood glucose levels and increasing insulin potency, cinnamon causes hunger, stimulating the appetite.

    Considerations

    • Cinnamon not only increases appetite, but is used to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting. When used with other glucose-lowering medications, cinnamon may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The coumarin content in cinnamon may negatively affect those with liver disease.

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