Cinnamon named Viridian Ingredient of the Year 2025

 

Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition is pleased to announce cinnamon as the 2025 Viridian Ingredient of the Year.

Each year, Viridian’s nutrition experts review the latest studies and forecast a nutrient or herb which will be significant in the field of nutrition and the year ahead.

Viridian Head Nutritionist Aimee Benbow, said: “For 2025, the spice cinnamon has been selected because of the considerable clinical research and its significance in the field of diet related illnesses.

“Sugar intake is a major contributor to our 21^st century chronic conditions including diabetes and obesity. Unfortunately, the risk of long-term illnesses developing is heighted with the increased intake of added sugar in processed foods.

“Cinnamon is a natural botanical which has been widely studied for its role in helping with blood sugar control and in other areas of health and therefore a very relevant herb for addressing today’s health concerns.  Therefore, we believe cinnamon shows promise in positively influencing our health and rightly, deserves celebrating.”

A natural solution for a growing long term health issue

As one of the oldest spices in the world, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), has been used by many different cultures for centuries. Today, cinnamon has gained global attention from the scientific community for its potential benefits in helping with obesity, and other metabolic conditions, such as providing support for individuals with type 2 diabetes. There is estimated to be over 4.8million people living with diabetes in the UK which is equivalent to 1 in every 16 people or 6% of the UK population. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, has been growing at a high rate and is now one of the world’s most common long term health conditions. Alarmingly, diabetes prevalence is predicted to rise to 5.3million by 2025, proving the condition to be an increasing health concern.

Why cinnamon is a super ingredient

Cinnamon is derived from the dried inner bark of the ever green tree of the laurel family and native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Its native name Ceylon cinnamon is also referred to as ‘true cinnamon’.  Ceylon cinnamon, which has been studied for its therapeutic benefits, is very different from the flavouring spice cassia cinnamon used for culinary purposes. It is worthwhile noting that not all cinnamons are the same.  The continuing scientific interest in Ceylon cinnamon has resulted in the discovery of a wide range of potential health promoting uses, making it a useful addition to the diet.

Blood Sugar Management

Cinnamon has been clinically studied for its positive effects in blood glucose(or blood sugar) management and reducing insulin resistance. The herb has long been used historically and today, to help individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a condition which impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose which can lead to long-term health complications. Studies have demonstrated that regularly supplementing the body with Ceylon cinnamon can potentially lower insulin resistance, by influencing the body’s receptors. This action helps to move the glucose into the cells and out of the blood, consequently reducing blood glucose levels.

Reducing obesity and supporting weight management

Cinnamon has shown promise in positively influencing weight loss and improving metabolism. A number of studies have highlighted its effect on lowering the risk of obesity by reducing body fat and blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon may also influence appetite.

Providing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) support

Research has demonstrated its uses for reducing fasting insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity for women with PCOS.

Improving heart health

Cinnamon may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Cinnamon has been found to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) without significantly affecting good high -density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Trials have shown the herb may reduce common risk factors by improving blood pressure, oxidative stress and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown it may reduce cholesterol levels.

Other health benefits

The plant’s compounds have antioxidant properties and its anti-inflammatory effects, may lead to a lower likelihood of health conditions.

Aimee said: “We cannot make clear enough the importance of nutrition in managing our future health.”

“We believe cinnamon is a game changer in reducing the risks of these long-term health conditions. This can only be achieved by taking a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating a carefully balanced diet and positive lifestyle habits.” 

NHS GP Dr Siobhan Brennan believes a holistic approach to health is needed to address the nation’s health.

Dr Brennan said: “Obesity is a national emergency; I’ve seen with patients on the NHS its implications in many disease processes and its huge impact on longevity and quality of life. It is implicated as a risk factor for not just health problems such as cardiovascular disease but also type 2 diabetes, joint problems, reproductive health and mental health issues.

“The emerging evidence around cinnamon is an exciting development. To influence long term change in the approach to obesity, a holistic model should be adopted. True change can only happen in collaboration with patients and in doing this, using lifestyle medicine alongside traditional medicine is something I support.”

To help raise awareness of the beneficial impact of cinnamon, the Viridian team of qualified nutritionists will be sharing human research evidence to support its functions and rolling out a training campaign. The knowledge will also be shared with the general population through videos and blogs.

References

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-prevalence.html

 Wijenayaka GMUD, Bulugahapitiya VP, & Jayasinghe S. Cinnamon, a Promising Herbal Plant for Combatting Diabetes and Its Anti-Diabetes Mechanisms. Ceylon Journal of Science. 2022; 51 (4) 335-346

Senevirathne BS, Jayasinghe MA, Pavalakumar D, & Siriwardhana CG. Ceylon cinnamon: A versatile ingredient for futuristic diabetes management. Journal of Future Foods. 2022; 2 (2) 125-142

Nuffer W, Bull ST, Bakhach H, & Nuffer M. Sweetly Improving Sugars? Reviewing Cinnamon's Effect on Blood Glucose. Journal of Medicinal Food. 26 (1) 68-73

Yazdanpanah Z, Azadi-Yazdi M, Hooshmandi H, Ramezani-Jolfaie N, & Salehi-Abargouei A. Effects of cinnamon supplementation on body weight and composition in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2019; 34 (3) 448-463

Jain SG, Puri S, Misra A, Gulati S, & Mani K. Effect of oral cinnamon intervention on metabolic profile and body composition of Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome: a randomised double-blind control trial. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2017; 16 (113) 1-11

Norman RJ, Dewailly D, Legro RS, & Hickley TE. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Lancet. 2007; 370 (9588) 685-697

Heshmati J, Sepidarkish M, Morvaridzadeh M, Farsi F, Tripathi N, Razavi M, & Razaeinejad M. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycaemic control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Food Biochemistry. 2020; 45 (1) e13543

Zhang K, Li Y, Lin X, Daneshar M, Karamian F, & Li M. Effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers in adults: An umbrella review of the meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Disease. 2024;  pre-proof.

Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. A tale of two cinnamons: A comparative review of the clinical evidence of Cinnamomum verum and C.Cassia as diabetes interventions. Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2020; 21, 10034

The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.