Prior research have revealed that cinnamon has a broad range of positive health effects, including hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipidemic and antioxidant properties (13). Moreover, cinnamon is an herbal remedy used traditionally by patients with PCOS to improve their menstrual cycle (8).
Health benefits of cinnamon for PCOS. May lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Elevated levels of blood sugar and insulin are common in PCOS. A small 2007 study showed significant reductions in insulin resistance among women with PCOS who took the cinnamon supplements for 8 weeks compared to the control group.
cinnamon supplements or placebo for 8 weeks. After the 8 weeks, women taking the cinnamon saw a significant reduction in their insulin resistance (Wang et al., 2007).
Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.
Side Effects of Cinnamon
Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is important to prevent hypoglycemia, which a lot of women with PCOS tend to experience as a result of elevated insulin levels. While side effects are very minimal, there is no need to exceed more than 2 teaspoons (6 grams) per day to get results.
Well, experts suggest that Cinnamon can help in boosting libido and fertility in both men and women and if you are planning a baby then this spice must make its way to your day-to-day diet.
Conclusion. Our findings suggest that in women with PCOS, cinnamon supplementation causes similar reductions in insulin resistance and testosterone level to that of metformin.
While cinnamon tea can be beneficial for your overall health, it may not be a good tea to consume large amounts of on a daily basis. This is because a specific compound in Cassia cinnamon called coumarin may be hepatotoxic, or toxic to the liver.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal qualities that can assist digestion, blood sugar levels, and menstrual pain relief. According to a Complementary Therapies in Medicine study, cinnamon may help decrease irritation and bloating related to menstruation.
Regular exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are the key treatments for PCOS. Treatment not only reduces unpleasant symptoms—it can help prevent long-term health problems from forming.
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.
Dr Priyanka adds that PCOD patients should avoid refined carbohydrates like mass-produced pastries, white bread and biscuits. They should also avoid consuming non-nutritive calories like sugary beverages such as sodas and energy drinks.
In the morning:
This can help with clearing up redness and breakouts, which often look worse in the mornings. ☀️Fighting infections: The immune boosting effects of Cinnamon are renowned, and many scientific studies back this up.
Cinnamon can boost metabolism, since the body uses more energy to process the spice than it does for other foods. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like action in the body, which is seen in the way sugar is broken down in the body. Cinnamon can also improve body metabolism, targeting the fat deposited in the abdominal area.
This said, the recommended daily intake of cinnamon is much lower. Per WebMD, a daily intake of ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per day is the limit, per some experts.
Inositol is superior to metformin in how the body uses insulin. While metformin is a very common treatment for PCOS, it is not the only treatment option. Another insulin sensitizing agent class is inositol. Research has shown that inositol improves the way the body uses insulin to help burn sugar.
An effective substitute for Metformin is a compound known as berberine or berberine hydrochloride, which is obtained from many plant species, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and turmeric.
GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists (Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza) Usage: This is another alternative to metformin. This comes in both oral and injection forms. GLP-1 receptor agonists are safe for kidney patients as it reduces risks of kidney damage and also support heart health.
If you are facing heavy bleeding during your menstruation, brew yourself a warm cup of cinnamon tea and sip on it slowly. It is known to decrease bleeding as it encourages blood flow away from the uterus and it also helps in reducing inflammation.
Cinnamon. For those of us who experience pain, nausea, and heavy bleeding, cinnamon could also be a helpful addition. Cinnamon has been shown to decrease all three in a randomized double-blind trial, in comparison to participants who took a placebo.
For the study women consumed 1500 mg of cinnamon per day so this amount might be enough for improving your fertility as well. So far, it is not known whether more women, other than those diagnosed with PCOS, could benefit from cinnamon in terms of fertility but there is surely no harm in trying it!