Sweet!

Something sweet? Yeah, that would be nice. But chocolate is a bit too much, save for maybe dark chocolate. Sugar-laden treats like Nerds and Gummy Worms, though delicious, will throw blood sugars into a tailspin, subsequently leading to weight gain. Okay, what about sugar substitutes, like Equal or Splenda? Always a viable option, but many people don't like the idea of using chemical substitutes. So, where does that leave us? And how do we satisfy that sweets craving?

The answer: Cinnamon.

The positive effect that cinnamon appears to have on blood sugars has been a topic of discussion on blogs, forums and medical medical magazines for quite some time now. All reports of using cinnamon have been good thus far, but the evidence supporting its actual benefits for people with diabetes has been somewhat scarce. However, in a study out of the USDA's Human Nutrition Research Center, researchers found that cinnamon seems to make insulin more efficient at taking glucose out of blood and converting it to fuel for your body.

In the study, patients with blood sugars indicative of pre-diabetes were given half a teaspoon of cinnamon extract a day. After forty days, these patients exhibited fewer signs of free radicals, which are the molecules that damage cells and have been linked to type 2 diabetes.

So, if that sweet tooth of yours is demanding something tasty, you might do well to throw a dash of cinnamon onto your food. Not only will it stop the craving, it may also help regulate blood sugars. A two-for-one deal, sort of like getting two Krispy Kreme donuts for....oh no, there I go again. Think cinnamon. No, not Cinnabon!! Damn it!! AAAAAHHH!!!