From Alan Mozes, HealthDay:
Two new studies suggest that cinnamon and cloves boost insulin function while lowering cholesterol.
One study reinforced previous research indicating 
that as little as a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon extract, taken two times a day, can stimulate insulin-like activity while lowering triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose levels by 10 percent to 30 percent. And this new research found that the same amount of cinnamon may also alleviate inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
The second study revealed that a few grams of cloves per day delivers a similar therapeutic effect. Either spice might help both pre-diabetic and diabetic patients alike, researchers contended. "If you can improve insulin function the cholesterol goes down, triglycerides go down, glucose goes down, and all this goes towards the alleviation of type 2 diabetes," said Richard A. Anderson, a research chemist with the nutrient requirements and functions laboratory at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in
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