In 2002, according to the American Heart Association, 34 percent of Americans suffered from some form of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Now a new study says that Cinnamon could lower blood pressure in hypertensive people.

Cinnamon has been big news in the scientific community this year. This popular spice was recently in the news because it has been found to play a role in improving the control of blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and for reducing serum cholesterol. This is the first time that researchers have reported that it has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. 

In this new study, rats were eating either a starch-only diet or a high sugar diet, and were given whole Cinnamon, Cinnamon extract, or Chromium as supplements. After three to four weeks of the experiment, the researchers found that the rats in both diet groups who were receiving whole Cinnamon or Cinnamon extract had reduced systolic blood pressure.

The researchers said that the effect of the Cinnamon on blood pressure was related to how much Cinnamon the rats received: the more they got the more the blood pressure dropped. The researchers also said that the fact that Cinnamon affected the blood pressure of the starch-only diet group suggested that Cinnamon reduces systolic blood pressure even when these elevated levels are not caused by a high-sugar diet.  Cinnamon is a very safe spice and supplement. Although some people are allergic to Cinnamon, most people have no problems. 

-   Health Notes. “Cinnamon.” http://www.deliciouslivingmag.com/healthnotes