Impact of Cinnamon Supplements and Diet on Sugar Metabolism Genes
Dietary Choices During Stressful Times
In Western societies, individuals often resort to high-fat and high-sugar diets during stressful periods. Such eating habits can lead to insulin resistance, affecting the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Genes within the brain play a crucial role in managing insulin production, but stress can alter the expression of these genes.
Research Study Overview
To explore how stress influences insulin signaling in the brain, a collaborative team of French and American researchers conducted a study using stressed rats. Their findings were recently published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Cinnamon’s Role in Insulin Sensitivity
Cinnamon has been recognized for its potential to enhance insulin sensitivity and protect brain tissue, particularly in rats consuming a high-fat diet. The researchers compared groups of rats that were fed either a healthy diet or a high-fat and high-sugar diet, with some receiving cinnamon supplements.
Study Methodology
The study involved 120 male rats that initially consumed a control (healthy) diet for three weeks. They were then randomly assigned to one of four diet groups for a duration of 12 weeks:
1. Control diet
2. High-fat and high-sugar diet
3. Control diet with cinnamon
4. High-fat and high-sugar diet with cinnamon
After the 12-week period, the rats were divided into two groups: a “stress” group and a “rest” group. The stress group was restrained in a net tube for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute period in an open space. Conversely, the rest group remained unstressed in their cages.
Findings on Insulin Signaling and Diet
Upon analyzing blood and tissue samples, the researchers observed that stress heightened the activity of specific genes related to insulin signaling in the brain. Rats on high-fat or high-sugar diets, with or without cinnamon, exhibited signs of insulin resistance and a reduced increase in gene activity.
Conclusion
The study indicates that certain genes involved in sugar metabolism are activated to assist the body in replenishing energy during stress. However, both high-fat and high-sugar diets, as well as cinnamon supplementation, appear to weaken this essential response.
Reference
Canini F, Qin B, Arvy N, et al. Stress exposure alters brain mRNA expression of the genes involved in insulin signalling, an effect modified by high fat/high fructose diet and cinnamon supplement. 2018. PLOS ONE 13(5): e0197094. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197094