Can cinnamon be toxic? (3 reasons why)
In this brief guide, will answer the question, can cinnamon be toxic? We will discuss the reason, the factors and dosage that could make cinnamon to be toxic and how to adhere to moderate amounts of cinnamon.
Can cinnamon be toxic?
Cinnamon can be toxic if the allowed limit is exceeded. There is no allowed dosage or recommended daily allowance set by any food authority or regulatory body but it is advisable to not exceed a teaspoon of cinnamon in a day.
Toxicity by cinnamon can be an issue in people with liver problems. Coumarin found in cinnamon can be detrimental to the liver in high quantities. Due to a lack of research, it is best for people with liver ailments like hepatitis, ulcers, and gastric problems to avoid cinnamon as part of a regular diet. Also, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking cinnamon as a supplement.
Will different people react differently to cinnamon?
People react differently to different things which has to do with genetics and overall health, not to mention the right way to do a thing. Therefore, some people were able to easily gulp a spoonful of cinnamon down their throat, as if they have been doing it their entire life.
Other people experienced physical and emotional affliction and even near-death experiences. Besides individuality, the origin of cinnamon must also play its role. There are better chances of swallowing weak and stale cinnamon compared with fresh and premium quality. However, in neither of the cases there is a guarantee that eating a spoonful of cinnamon is safe.
Cinnamon: an overview
There are four different kinds of cinnamon. The active ingredient of cinnamon is called cinnamaldehyde that accounts for the unique flavor and fragrance. The cassia cinnamon, which grows in South Asia is the most popular variant in the USA. Ceylon cinnamon is the more revered one because it is easy to ground. Occasionally, a blend of both varieties is sold in the market.
Chemical compounds in cinnamon powder possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Cinnamaldehyde is the most abundant agent in the cinnamon bark. The Cinnamaldehyde compound is immiscible with water because the majority of compounds are non-polar. This means that the compounds are mostly hydrophobic and cannot interact with the water molecule, instead, the fibrous substances take up water and swell.
What are the health benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon has 26 mg of calcium, 11 mg of potassium, 3 mcg of beta carotene, and 8 UI of Vitamin A.
Cinnamon has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which potentially help with a significant number of health conditions. However, insufficient research does not back up most of the claimed health benefits of cinnamon.
Cinnamon has been proven to reduce blood sugar in the short term and control diabetes. However, it did not seem to be effective in the long run. It could also reduce cholesterol and obesity.
Cinnamon can also protect against Heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, HIV, and allergies.
How much cinnamon should you consume?
Like most foods, moderation is the key. Cinnamon is an excellent spice to be used while cooking. If taken directly, stick to somewhere between 1 to 6 grams, adjust according to requirements. A high dose of cinnamon could be toxic and have a negative impact on a person’s health.
Cinnamon can also interact with a few drugs namely; antibiotics, diabetes medicines, blood thinners, and heart medicines.
Avoid taking cinnamon as a supplement if you have a health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. For better advice, consult your health care provider or your doctor.
A trend that challenged people to eat a spoonful of cinnamon caused harm to a lot of children and adults. Dry cinnamon can be a choking hazard. It can cause gagging and vomiting and if it makes its way into the lungs, it could even kill you.
Being volatile and light particles, the odds of the cinnamon powder making your way into the lungs are probable.
What are some side effects of excessive consumption of cinnamon?
Cinnamon can cause irritation to the mouth and lips and cause sores. For people who are allergic to cinnamon, contact with skin, even in minute quantities, could cause redness and irritation.
Cinnamon can be toxic if the allowed limit is exceeded. There is no allowed dosage or recommended daily allowance set by any food authority or regularity body but it is advisable to not exceed a teaspoon of cinnamon in a day.
Cinnamon is a spice that could cause heartburn. Cinnamon can cause heartburn in people with a heart condition, and worsen your condition. In some cases, cinnamon helps with indigestion but high doses of it can aggravate your heartburn.
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can cinnamon be toxic? We discussed the reason the factors and dosage that could make cinnamon to be toxic.
