Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Cinnamon supplementation for lowering cholesterol

Two recent research papers describe the effects of cinnamon supplements on blood cholesterol levels. In experiments with rats, dietary cinnamate (a component of cinnamon) reduced both the production of cholesterol and the ‘peroxidation’ of lipids. Lipid peroxidation is a process whereby unsaturated fats are converted to substances that damage other tissues and are thought to be responsible for some of the symptoms of such diseases as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

A clinical study in people with type 2 diabetes showed that cinnamon supplementation at 1-6 g/day reduces serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

Link to report about nondiabetic rats:

Cinnamate supplementation enhances hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense systems in high cholesterol-fed rats.

Link to report about diabetic humans:

Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes.