Tel Aviv University researchers: Cinnamon could combat Alzheimer's

The scientists, headed by Prof. Michael Ovadia of the zoology department in the life sciences faculty, have isolated a substance from the cinnamon plant, referred to as CEppt, which inhibited the disease in laboratory mice.

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They also found the extract helped in breaking up already formed amyloid fibers. "This finding indicates the possibility that the substance may not only prevent AD, but can cure it, after Alzheimer-causing molecules have already been formed," says Ovadia.

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However, if you're rushing to use cinnamon, Ovadia warns of over consumption. In large doses the spice could harm liver functions, due to a component called cinnamaldehyde. The recommendation is not to exceed 10 grams of cinnamon a day, he says.

Tel Aviv University took out a patent on the extract and its attributes as a food supplement back in 2004.


http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/tau-finds-cinnamon-could-combat-alzheimer-s-1.366678


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I've read elsewhere to limit cinnamon to a 1/4 teaspoon a day and only consume regular powdered dry cinnamon as opposed to essential oils (the extract that Tel Aviv University created is not something found in health food stores). The following link explains why too much cinnamon is dangerous due to coumarin which can harm the liver.

http://www.bfr.bund.de/en/selected_questions_about_coumarin_in_cinnamon_and_other_foods-8487.html



However there is a fair amount of research, apart from the research from TAU, to show that cinnamon when taking moderately has a number of health benefits.



http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68

beneficial plants,whether stem, root, leaves or fruit, work in a holistic fashion, with some of their compounds offsetting side effects, or enhancing, other of their components.

But Big Pharama and related labs insist on using the reductionist point of view, so they can patent...nature's plants.

Shudder.

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So far the scientists have failed to isolate from the extract a single molecule with the healing properties. "When we tried to take apart the cinnamon substances and isolate them the healing properties were lost, as is the case with numerous natural substances," he says."

and comes from large doses or from those who are particularly sensitive. The benefits of cinnamon clearly seem to outweigh these small risks in moderation.

Those who are extremely concerned actually should be so when they consume alcohol and then pop tylenol--a combination that is far more risky for liver damage--that can be permanent.

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Cinnamon supplementation could be considered as an additional dietary supplement option to regulate blood glucose and blood pressure levels along with conventional medications to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.


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There were no significant differences in serum lipid profiles of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterols


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20854384

in the morning, maybe something more like 1/8 of a tsp.

If I have dessert with coffer later in the day, I'll add more cinnamon.

I put on oatmeal. I absolutely love the stuff. I cut back a year or so ago when I found out that large amounts might not be so healthy. I have always had a very sweet tooth, but I've never had a problem with sugars levels. I have wondered whether that might be due to the fact that I have always loved cinnamon or if its simply genetics.