One of the most important active ingredients in cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde. It's used in flavorings and fragrances. It may be responsible for some of cinnamon's possible health benefits. Some research shows cinnamon may be good for people with diabetes. A review of 18 studies suggests that cinnamon might lower blood sugar. But it didnâ??t affect hemoglobin A1C, which is an indicator of blood sugar levels over a long period. It may also lower cholesterol in people with diabetes. Many of the studies donâ??t indicate what type of cinnamon was used or have other problems that make their findings uncertain. One review suggests that cinnamon might help with obesity and weight loss. Itâ??s sometimes used for irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach or intestinal problems. But it isn't clear that it works.