- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
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Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is the past chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine & Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he says.
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Symptoms (1)
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Tests and diagnosis (3)
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Treatments and drugs (6)
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Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
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- MUFAs: Why should my diet include these fats?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (2)
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
- Noni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
Prevention (2)
- Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
- Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health?
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Question
High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
Does cinnamon lower cholesterol levels?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
There's little evidence that cinnamon can lower your cholesterol, and cinnamon isn't recommended as a treatment for high cholesterol. Eating a large amount of cinnamon (1 to 6 grams of cinnamon a day) can affect how your body processes sugar and fat. This could theoretically lower your cholesterol. However, there's not much evidence that this happens.
But even if cinnamon doesn't live up to its reputation for lowering cholesterol, it can be a healthy way to add flavor to foods, especially when used in place of adding more sugar or salt.
To reduce your cholesterol, focus instead on lifestyle changes:
- Lose excess weight.
- Eat heart-healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- If you smoke, stop.
If necessary, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.
Next questionNoni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- McGowan MP, et al. Nutritional supplements and serum lipids: Does anything work? Current Atherosclerosis Reports. 2009;11:470.
- Cassia cinnamon. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 9, 2010.
- Baker WL, et al. Effect of cinnamon on glucose control and lipid parameters. Diabetes Care. 2008;31:41.
- Tang M, et al. Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008;87:1262.
- Executive summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3xsum.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2010.
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