The #1 Spice to Help Lower High Cholesterol, Recommended by Dietitians

Key Points

• Cinnamon is our top pick as a spice to help improve cholesterol levels.

• If you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medication, consult with a healthcare provider about cinnamon.

• Cinnamon can easily be added to a cholesterol-lowering diet for health benefits.

Culinary spices elevate the flavor of foods and amplify the nutrition profile of your dishes. Variety is the spice of life (pun intended), especially when it comes to transforming a food’s flavor, texture, aroma and, most importantly, taste. Known for their nutritional properties, spices have been studied for years for health and medicinal purposes. Using spices to flavor foods allows for less salt and fat in cooking. This is advantageous for many health conditions, particularly those with high cholesterol.

While no single food or spice can cure high cholesterol, some spices may have a greater impact on cholesterol than others. Read on to learn more about which specific spice dietitians recommend for high cholesterol and why. 

The #1 Spice to Reduce High Cholesterol

Cinnamon is our No. 1 spice for high cholesterol. Partly because high cholesterol is often associated with high glucose levels, and cinnamon has been shown to help reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. Cinnamon also contains anti-inflammatory properties, and using it as a substitute or replacement for fat, sugar and salt is part of a heart-healthy diet.

Jordan Hill, RDN, CSSC, a registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching, recommends that people with high cholesterol “incorporate spices like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger and turmeric, if they’re not already.” Renee Korczak, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD, agrees and notes that those spices “are often described in the scientific literature to improve the taste of foods and beverages while providing some health benefits; however, not all spices are created equally.”

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) comes from the bark of various species of cinnamon trees. It has been studied for its therapeutic effects, from lowering blood sugar to reducing inflammation. Cinnamon contains the compounds cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, which are present in the oil. Cinnamon bark has other bioactive compounds, catechins and procyanidins, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In a meta-analysis and systematic review, researchers examined 15 randomized clinical control trials in which participants received cinnamon powder or cinnamon extract at doses ranging from 1 to 6 grams based on previous diet, physical activities and medicines. Among the 15 studies, 1,020 participants with type 2 diabetes were included, with follow-up ranging from 40 days to up to 4 months. Compared to placebo, the group given cinnamon experienced reduced levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Most of the research regarding cinnamon and cholesterol has been studied using cinnamon supplements in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Doses range from 1,500 milligrams to 6 grams daily, with standard recommendations of 1,500 mg to 4 grams daily (¾ to 2 teaspoons), with larger doses (above 1,500 mg daily) associated with more favorable effects on HDL (good cholesterol). 

Should You Take Cinnamon Supplements?

If you take medication to manage high cholesterol or glucose-lowering medication, be sure to discuss supplements with your health care provider before starting. Korczak notes, “It’s difficult to say that certain spices lower cholesterol levels completely, as the research is a bit inconsistent due to different study designs, populations studied, and amount or form of spice.” Therefore, cinnamon supplements should be used as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications, a fiber-rich diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and weight loss (if indicated), not as a replacement.

Culinary use of cinnamon can be beneficial. Cinnamon powder at a dose of ¼ to 1 teaspoon daily may be used. Note that cassia cinnamon has more coumarin, a compound that can affect the liver if taken in large doses, than Ceylon cinnamon. If you plan to consume cinnamon regularly, you may want to search for Ceylon cinnamon.

How to Include Cinnamon in Your Diet

Adding spices to your eating plan is fun, tasty and beneficial for health. Hill says, “The possibilities are endless when it comes to using spices.” She recommends, “Adding cinnamon in baking, to coffee grounds before brewing, in pancake batter, or sprinkled in Greek yogurt.” Use cinnamon to flavor chilis, soups, stews and dry rubs for protein sources, or use cinnamon bark to make tea for a delicious beverage.

Related: 4 Ways Cinnamon May Interact with Your Medications, According to Experts

What Does It Mean to Have High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the precursors of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance; the liver makes cholesterol, and it is needed to produce hormones, vitamin D and other compounds that aid digestion. Cholesterol is also found in foods. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of developing plaque. Plaque can narrow the arteries, causing atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol levels are one of the major modifiable factors that can be impacted by lifestyle behaviors such as diet and exercise.

Regular physical activity, smoking cessation, stress reduction and diet can all impact cholesterol. In fact, fiber-rich diets are associated with heart health and a reduced risk of heart disease. Spices may also enhance the body’s ability to keep cholesterol in a healthy range.

Korczak says, “Spices contain unique bioactive plant-based compounds that may work to reduce cholesterol levels, increase blood flow and even help to support blood sugar levels.”

Other Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Overall, diet quality is important for lowering cholesterol. Eating a wide variety of plants, including whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, increases fiber intake, which is key for lowering cholesterol.

“Choose proteins that are low in saturated fat,” says Hill. “Opt for chicken, turkey, fish and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh.” She also recommends moderating red meat, cheese and alcohol and incorporating regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Lastly, “Check in with a qualified health care professional if you are looking to lower your cholesterol levels,” says Korczak.  Meal plans that incorporate these foods are useful, but if you have trouble cooking for yourself regularly, low-cholesterol meal delivery services might be useful, too.

The Bottom Line

While the data on cinnamon and cholesterol is promising, simply adding cinnamon to your diet without changing your overall dietary pattern won’t reduce your cholesterol. But replacing salt, sugar and saturated fat with spices is a great way to improve health. Using cinnamon as an addition to your lifestyle changes can be a complementary tool to lowering your cholesterol.

If you are interested in the benefits of supplementing with cinnamon, reach out to a registered dietitian or other qualified health care professional for individualized advice. It’s important to examine any medications that can cause drug-nutrient interactions.

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