Take 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon infused in hot water 3 times a day to ease indigestion, or 2 to 4 teaspoons daily to see an impact on blood sugar levels. Both true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or C. verum) and cassia (C. cassia) are sold as “cinnamon.” If you take more than 1 to 2 teaspoons, get true cinnamon, such as Frontier Organic Fair Trade Cinnamon ($6.50; frontiercoop.com); cassia contains coumarin, a compound that in large amounts can adversely affect the liver. Spice it up Two new ways to add cinnamon to your diet:

  1. Sprinkle a teaspoon over ground coffee before brewing. Research shows that hot-water extraction (the process that occurs when you brew coffee or make cinnamon tea) is one of the best ways to get the good stuff out of the spice.
  2. Dust 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon on apple slices and place in a container for an after-lunch treat; the spice prevents fruit from browning. Send your questions for Dr. Low Dog to askdrlowdog@prevention.com. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, is the author of Life Is Your Best Medicine.