If you associate cinnamon with rich, often unhealthy foods, here is a new twist to that story.
Researchers at University of Michigan have found that cinnamon through its active ingredient cinnamaldehyde (CA) can trigger higher metabolism in fat cells which in turn could explain its role in countering obesity.
“CA activates thermogenic and metabolic responses in mouse and human primary subcutaneous adipocytes in a cell-autonomous manner, giving a mechanistic explanation for the anti-obesity effects of CA observed previously and further supporting its potential metabolic benefits on humans. Given the wide usage of cinnamon in the food industry, the notion that this popular food additive, instead of a drug, may activate thermogenesis, could ultimately lead to therapeutic strategies against obesity that are much better adhered to by participants,” the study concluded. It has been published in the December issue of the journalism Metabolism.
CA has in the past been associated with an anti-obesity role and also possible role against hypoglycaemia – a condition in which the blood sugar level can drop to levels at which normal metabolism may be affected. In the present study it was found to increase the expression of genes that have create te environment for greater energy consumption by the cells.
