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Cinnamon and cloves : Allies of people with diabetes

ParAudray Ndengue 3 min de lecture

This duo helps regulate blood sugar and produce insulin naturally.

Diabetes is a chronic hyperglycemia, an excess of sugar in the blood leading to blood glucose levels that are too high compared to the average. This excess sugar is most often the result of poor absorption, utilization, and storage of sugars by the body. According to specialists, in a healthy body, carbohydrates from food are converted into glucose. The pancreas then detects the increase in blood glucose and produces insulin. This insulin helps glucose enter the body’s cells (muscles, organs, etc.) and the liver, where it is processed and stored. Blood glucose levels then decrease. For people with diabetes, this regulatory system does not function and must be supported by insulin injections. Traditional medicine offers age-old remedies for this disease, such as the combination of cinnamon and cloves.

A therapeutic cocktail

Indeed, studies on methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP), the most active compound in cinnamon bark, show that this substance increases glucose metabolism up to 20 times. This process transforms sugar into energy, making cinnamon a valuable ally for people with diabetes. Furthermore, thanks to its ability to facilitate the action of insulin, cinnamon helps sugar enter cells, which is why it is also known as « poor man’s insulin, » as it has long been recognized for its effects on diabetes and cholesterol.

Clove, for its part, helps regulate blood sugar levels. By improving insulin sensitivity, it stimulates insulin production, thanks to compounds like eugenol. Studies even suggest that the active compounds in cloves act similarly to insulin, helping to transport glucose into cells. Rich in antioxidants, it also helps fight inflammation, which often contributes to insulin resistance.

To benefit from these properties, the preparation is simple. Dr. Hilaire Nasser, a naturopath, explains: « You need a cinnamon stick. Put it in a liter of water, along

with a handful of cloves if you have a small palm or half a handful if you have a large palm; add this to the water, let it infuse for two nights; then consume a teacup of this product in the morning on an empty stomach, at noon, and in the evening. »

Caution and moderation

Although natural, taking this remedy requires precautions. Excessive consumption of cloves can be harmful, especially for children. Furthermore, these natural solutions are only a complement to, and not a replacement for, rigorous medical supervision, as the naturopath emphasized. It is therefore essential to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional before regularly incorporating these infusions into your routine to avoid any risk of interaction or overdose.

By rediscovering the benefits of cloves and cinnamon, we have powerful tools to better manage diabetes. We simply need to follow the recommendations and dosage given by specialists.

Les informations publiées par Africa Health News ont une vocation d’information et ne remplacent pas l’avis d’un professionnel de santé.

À propos de l’auteur

Audray Ndengue

Ndengue Audray, journaliste dans le groupe Échos santé, Brevet de Technicien Supérieur en sciences et techniques de l'information et de la communication à l'Institut Universitaire Siantou. Écris et parle parfaitement le français

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