This spice is a zero-calorie fat-burning powerhouse. One US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study showed that just ¼ tsp of cinnamon daily lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012; 63:380-6
It also blocks glucose absorption and enhances the uptake of sugar in the blood by insulin. Other research has shown that it slows stomach-emptying to reduce after-meal blood sugar spikes. Nutr Clin Pract, 2010; 25:85-7
Plus, cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that work against a number of pathogenic gut microbes.
BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013; 13:275