As of: March 8, 2024, 5:00 p.m
By: Andreas Beez
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It smells good and also feels good: A study shows that cinnamon can be a natural weapon in the fight against high cholesterol levels.
But not without risks.
Cinnamon not only tastes delicious with rice pudding or in mulled wine, for example, it has also long been used as a natural remedy.
It contains polyphenols.
These plant substances are said to be good for the heart and circulation.
But the scientific findings on the spice are contradictory.
Now a new big data analysis from Italy has confirmed the benefits of cinnamon.
According to the evaluation, cinnamon has a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels and counteracts inflammatory processes.
The spice is particularly beneficial for people who suffer from type II diabetes.
Scientists at the University of Naples published the study.
Elevated cholesterol: Study with 6,000 participants brings new findings
Not only is cinnamon delicious, the spice also helps lower levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol.
© Panther Media
The study took blood values from around 6,000 participants into account.
As a result, cinnamon consumption showed an improvement in total cholesterol values as well as the individual values for HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
The concentration of triglycerides in the blood showed no relevant changes.
Italian scientists: Cinnamon may help lower LDL cholesterol levels
In particular, LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) can accumulate in the vessel walls and thereby fuel the gradual process of vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis).
The arteries become increasingly brittle or stiff and narrow.
In the worst case, the blood vessel closes completely, downstream tissue can no longer be supplied with oxygen - and the dreaded catastrophe in the heart or brain occurs, for example.
In Germany, almost 200,000 people suffer a heart attack and almost 270,000 have a stroke every year.
Many victims die or remain permanently dependent on outside help after becoming ill.
A popular treat in the cold season: baked apples with cinnamon.
© Panther Media
Only 30 percent of cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet
However, a maximum of 30 percent of cholesterol levels can be reduced through diet, and regular exercise can also help.
Those affected often have to take additional medication - especially if they have vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease or an inherited lipid metabolism disorder;
In the latter case, doctors speak of familial hypercholesterolemia.
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Doctors warn: Cinnamon in very large quantities is too much of a good thing
However, in view of the positive effects of cinnamon on cholesterol levels, medical experts believe that consumers should remember that consuming the spice is not harmless, at least in very large quantities.
It contains the active ingredient coumarin.
For this substance, which affects blood clotting, there are maximum food limits in the European Union, for example 50 mg per kilogram for cinnamon stars.
At the same time, nutritionists estimate the daily dose that the body can tolerate well at 0.1 mg per kilo of body weight.
Anyone who eats delicacies like cinnamon stars in normal quantities shouldn't have a problem - at least not with the spice.