Ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition is pleased to announce cinnamon as the 2025 Viridian Ingredient of the Year.
Viridian Nutrition Director, 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 21st 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 for its potential health benefits including weight management and reducing insulin resistance.
There is estimated to be over 4.8million people living with diabetes in the UK which is equivalent to 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. Rates of the chronic illness are growing, with diabetes prevalence predicted to rise to 5.3million by 2025.
Why cinnamon is a super ingredient
Ceylon cinnamon, derived from the dried inner bark of the ever green tree of the laurel family and native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), has been studied for its therapeutic benefits and is very different from the flavouring spice cassia cinnamon used for culinary purposes. 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, including:
- Cinnamon has been clinically studied for its positive effects in blood sugar management and reducing insulin resistance. 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.
- Cinnamon has shown promise in positively influencing weight loss by improving metabolism, reducing body fat and blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon may also influence appetite.
- Providing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) support by reducing fasting insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity for women with the condition.
- Cinnamon has been found to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) without significantly affecting good high – density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health.
- Trials have shown the herb may reduce common heart health risk factors by improving blood pressure, oxidative stress and reducing inflammation. Studies have shown it may reduce cholesterol levels.
- Cinnamon 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.
For more information visit: www.viridian-nutrition.com
