Research

• American Diabetes Association reported the results of a study conducted in 2003 concluding that taking 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon per day reduces LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27 percent and total cholesterol by 12 to 26 percent.
  
  

Effectiveness

• A study by the USDA found that the beneficial effects of cinnamon on cholesterol lasted 20 days after the subjects had stopped it.
  
  

Dosage

• The same study showed that there was no increased benefit at the 6 gram dose than at the 1 gram dose.
  
  

Types

• There are 2 types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon has low levels of coumarin (which acts as an anticoagulant) and is considered safe. Cassia has high levels of coumarin; consuming large amounts could be harmful to the kidneys and liver.
  
  

Warning

• Cinnamon should not be taken as a substitute for prescription medication.