Does cinnamon lower cholesterol levels?
Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.
There's little evidence that cinnamon can lower your cholesterol, so cinnamon isn't recommended to treat high cholesterol. Although some cholesterol-lowering effects have been seen in animal studies, there's little evidence that this applies to humans. Most of the trials have shown no effect on blood cholesterol. Much more study is needed.
However, cinnamon can be a healthy way to add flavor to foods, especially in place of adding sugar or salt.
To reduce your cholesterol, focus instead on lifestyle changes:
- Limit the amount of saturated fats — including butter, cream, bacon and red meat — you eat.
- Limit the amount of trans fats — including shortening, partially hydrogenated oils — you eat.
- Lose excess weight.
- Eat heart-healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
If you can't reduce your cholesterol levels with lifestyle changes alone, your health care provider is likely to recommend cholesterol-lowering medicines.
With
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D.
Show References
- Letinsky D, et al. Is cinnamon safe and effective for treating lipid disorders? The Journal of Family Practice. 2011;60:43.
- Ranasinghe P, et al. Medicinal properties of ‘true’ cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;13:275.
- Baker WL, et al. Effect of cinnamon on glucose control and lipid parameters. Diabetes Care. 2008;31:41.
- Prevention and treatment of high cholesterol. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia Accessed Mar. 6, 2023.
- Allen RW, et al. Cinnamon use in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Annuals of Family Medicine. 2013;11:452.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/cinnamon-lower-cholesterol/faq-20057912