Cinnamon may help lower blood glucose levels.

Cinnamon might improve the health of diabetics, a new review (Annals of Family Medicine, online Sept. 9, 2013) suggests. Researchers who analyzed 10 trials of patients with type 2 diabetes found that those who took cinnamon supplements lowered their fasting glucose levels by nearly 25 milligrams per deciliter. While this is less than the reduction typically seen with the diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet), it is slightly better than results seen with some of the newer drugs, such as sitagliptin (Januvia). Cinnamon consumption also was associated with improved cholesterol levels. However, don't take cinnamon supplements for diabetes before consulting your doctor.