Daily Perricone

Cinnamon’s history as a spice and medicine dates back to ancient Egypt  and it is mentioned in the Bible. This aromatic tree bark also became one of the first commodities traded  between the Near East and Europe. “Ceylon” (the former name of Sri Lanka) cinnamon, now grown around the world, is the best variety. Here are just a few of the reasons cinnamon is so effective in fighting against AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products):

• Cinnamon stimulates insulin receptors, and inhibits an enzyme that inactivates them, thereby increasing cells’ ability to use glucose. Thus, cinnamon may significantly help people with adult-onset diabetes normalize their blood sugar levels. In fact, less that half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with adult onset-diabetes. Just one gram per day (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) yields a 20% drop in blood sugar, and reduces cholesterol 7-27% and triglyceride levels 23-30% as well. This is tremendously important information for Perricone followers, as one of the keys to stopping the signs of aging on the face and body is the regulation of blood sugar. It appears that just swizzling a stick of cinnamon in your tea will provide blood sugar-lowering benefits.
• Cinnamon reduces AGE’s in two ways: by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes, and by reducing production of an inflammatory protaglandin (messenger) called thromboxane A2. THese actions help reduce the tendency of blood platelets to clump together and reduce blood flow.
• Cinnamon’s essential oils help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. THey even inhibit strains of the infectious yeast Candida albicans that are resistant to the common anti-fungal medication fluconazole.
• In a test comparing cinnamon with anise, ginger, licorice, mint, nutmeg, vanilla and synthetic food preservatives BHA and BHT, cinnamon prevented oxidation more effectively than anything but mint.
• The mere scent of cinnamon enhances the brain’s cognitive processing, including attention, memory and visual-motor speed.
• Cinnamon is prized in ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its warming qualities, and it used to provide relief from colds or flu. When you feel an infection coming on, try a tea of cinnamon bark and fresh ginger.

As you can see, there are many wonderful dietary solutions for counteracting AGEs. In addition, many foods and spices are rife with other healthful benefits, helping delay and /or prevent the unwanted signs of AGEs and aging.

As an active researcher, I welcome your comments and suggestions.