--- title: How Cinnamon Helps Control Blood Sugar description: A new study suggests that cinnamon may reduce blood sugar and provide anti-aging benefits by activating a specific protein in the body. canonical: https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/ author: Amanda MacMillan article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2017-04-24T18:04:07.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-08T08:47:12.214Z article:section: Health og:title: Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You og:description: Go ahead and pile it onto your oatmeal. og:url: https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde1940f2955b7697/69878158cd1bba80356f56e9/time-healthiest-foods-cinnamon1.gif?branch=production&width=1000&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1000 og:image:height: 563 og:image:alt: healthiest foods, health food, diet, nutrition, time.com stock, cinnamon, spices og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You twitter:description: Go ahead and pile it onto your oatmeal. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde1940f2955b7697/69878158cd1bba80356f56e9/time-healthiest-foods-cinnamon1.gif?branch=production&width=1000&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=ea027e04-f2a5-463c-bcd0-1481e72ee372&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### The seven newsletters | Newsletter | Covers | Frequency | | --- | --- | --- | | The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily | | Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) | | Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays | | Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly | | D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week | | Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) | | In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) | Source: TIME, August 2026. ### Key data points | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 | | Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 | | Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 | | US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Publishing since | 1923 | TIME | ### TIME Newsletters: key statements * Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically. * TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read. * All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=ea027e04-f2a5-463c-bcd0-1481e72ee372&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). * The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself. * A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=ea027e04-f2a5-463c-bcd0-1481e72ee372&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### FAQ #### What newsletters does TIME publish? TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers. #### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to? It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters. #### Are TIME's newsletters free? Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent. #### Who writes TIME's newsletters? TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=ea027e04-f2a5-463c-bcd0-1481e72ee372&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You [Watch (HLS stream): Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/8CXzJIab.m3u8) (0:58)  _Published 2017-04-25. Scientists have long suspected that cinnamon can help prevent blood-sugar spikes and protect against insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. But how, exactly, has remained a mystery._ by [Amanda MacMillan](https://time.com/author/amanda-macmillan/) ## Amanda MacMillan Apr 24, 2017 6:04 PM UTC by [Amanda MacMillan](https://time.com/author/amanda-macmillan/) ## Amanda MacMillan Apr 24, 2017 6:04 PM UTC Scientists have long suspected that cinnamon can help prevent blood-sugar spikes and protect against insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. But how, exactly, has remained a mystery—and while some studies have suggested a strong effect, others have been inconclusive. New [research](https://app.core-apps.com/eb2017/abstract/05269568c4077b5a162e9981c2466df5) presented Saturday at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting suggests a potential mechanism for these effects, lending support to the idea of cinnamon as a metabolic powerhouse. In fact, researchers say, the spice’s benefits may extend far beyond blood-sugar control. Amy Stockert, associate professor of biochemistry at Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, has been studying cinnamon for years. In 2012, her [research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3698471/) showed that type 2 diabetics who took daily cinnamon supplements saw greater reductions in blood sugar than those who took a placebo. Some of these effects lasted even after participants stopped taking the supplements, says Stockert, which suggested that lasting changes had been triggered at the cellular level. “We started to suspect that one of the proteins involved in gene expression was being influenced by cinnamon,” she says. Her new research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, focuses on Sirtuin-1 (also called Sirt-1)—a protein that’s active in insulin regulation. “We know that Sirt-1 acts on another protein that affects how glucose is transported,” says, “so it made sense that it might be the key player.” Scientists know that Sirt-1 is activated by [resveratrol](http://time.com/4070762/red-wine-resveratrol-diabetes/), an antioxidant found in red wine that’s been touted for its anti-aging and cholesterol-lowering properties. Cinnamon contains similar compounds, known as phenols, which Stockert thought might also bind to Sirt-1 molecules in the same way. She and her colleagues used a computer model to test this hypothesis, and discovered that the cinnamon phenols had similar, sometimes even stronger interactions with the protein. This suggests that the phenols in cinnamon also activate Sirt-1, providing a possible explanation for their beneficial properties. “If that’s true, it means cinnamon is doing more than just lowering blood sugar,” says Stockert. “It’s acting on a protein that affects lipid metabolism, cell growth changes, and the expression of a variety of genes.” Stockert’s previous research found that people who consumed 1 gram a day of cinnamon saw blood sugar reductions comparable to what would be expected from prescription drugs. But she believes that even smaller quantities—like those used in cooking and seasoning—could also have benefits. “If cinnamon interacts with this enzyme in the way our model suggests, it could possibly be linked to anti-aging, antioxidant control, a lot of really important health benefits,” she says. “And it shouldn’t take one gram a day to see those effects.” Stockert recommends buying cinnamon—whole or ground—from reputable spice companies. Her team is now studying the effects of cinnamon on fat cells, and hope to expand their research to muscle and liver cells, as well. Nancy Farrell, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says that while the research on blood sugar is still inconclusive, it’s encouraging that the topic is being studied further. “Cinnamon, in moderation and in daily foods, is generally a good habit,” says Farrell. Farrell recommends adding cinnamon to oatmeal, toast, butternut squash, chili, and more. She cautions that above-average doses can worsen liver function for people with existing liver damage, and “use of cinnamon supplements should always be discussed with your physician.” This isn’t the first time cinnamon’s been touted for its health benefits beyond blood sugar control—and it’s certainly not the final word. But given the low risk and reported benefits, it seems a worthwhile addition to your diet, if you like the taste. ## Transcript [ MUSIC ] ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/"},"headline":"Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You","datePublished":"2017-04-24T18:04:07.000Z","dateModified":"2026-10-08T08:47:12.214Z","description":"Cinnamon may trigger changes in gene expression, suggests a new study","url":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/","keywords":["Evergreen"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde1940f2955b7697/69878158cd1bba80356f56e9/time-healthiest-foods-cinnamon1.gif?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Amanda MacMillan","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/amanda-macmillan/"}],"articleSection":"Health","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde1940f2955b7697/69878158cd1bba80356f56e9/time-healthiest-foods-cinnamon1.gif?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"healthiest foods, health food, diet, nutrition, time.com stock, cinnamon, spices","caption":"healthiest foods, health food, diet, nutrition, time.com stock, cinnamon, spices","creditText":"Photograph by Danny Kim for TIME; Gif by Mia Tramz for TIME","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/health/","name":"Health"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/","name":"Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Why Cinnamon Is Insanely Good for You","description":"Scientists have long suspected that cinnamon can help prevent blood-sugar spikes and protect against insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. But how, exactly, has remained a mystery.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/8CXzJIab/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2017-04-25T19:12:22.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/8CXzJIab.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/","duration":"PT58S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4751426/why-cinnamon-is-insanely-good-for-you/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```