The Side Effects Of Cinnamon

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world. In addition to having a very appetizing aroma, it is associated with a number of health benefits - from reducing the risk of developing diabetes, through heart disease, to fighting cancer.

There are two main types of cinnamon - one is Ceylon, which is considered real, and the other comes from the plant Cassia. It is grown in Asia and the taste and aroma of the bark are almost identical to cinnamon. It is true that both spices are sold under the trade name cinnamon, but if you do not pay attention to whether the label mentions that it is from Ceylon, then you have probably bought cassia. Apart from being cheaper, it also tastes heavier than the original cinnamon.

The bigger problem is that at consumption in large quantities of cassia it can harm your health without you even realizing it. The reason is that it contains the substance coumarin, which is used in perfumery and as a flavoring of cigarettes and various foods. It is prohibited for internal use, as excessive consumption can cause leukemia and damage the liver.

Here are five reasons to limit this type of cinnamon - cassia

1. May damage the liver

As already mentioned, coumarin in large quantities is dangerous. One teaspoon of cassia contains between 7 and 18 milligrams of coumarin, while c Ceylon cinnamon there are only distant traces of it. Even this amount per day can put you at risk, causing liver intoxication.

2. It can cause cancer

Experiments on mice have shown that excessive consumption of coumarin increases the risk of developing certain malignancies in the lungs and kidneys. Some scientists believe that this substance damages the DNA of cells over time, causing cancer. At this stage, however, research has only been done on animals. So the dangers to human health in this regard are only potential.

3. Creates a risk of cold sores and sores in the mouth

Cinnamon also contains cinnamaldehyde - an ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Small amounts of the spice may not arouse allergens, but with regular consumption of larger amounts, some patients have expressed complaints such as swelling of the tongue, a tingling and itching sensation, and white pimples in the lining of the mouth. Although not a serious health problem, these sensations create discomfort.

4. Blood pressure can drop dramatically

Cinnamon is well known as a means of lowering blood sugar, especially in patients with diabetes and heart problems. The reason is that the spice mimics the effect of insulin - the hormone that helps sugar to be processed by cells. Therefore, if a large amount of cinnamon is consumed, blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels. Especially in people who are taking medication for diabetes. So be very careful what you season your cakes with.

5. Interacts with some medications

In addition to medications for diabetes, cinnamon can also affect medications for the heart and liver. There are described cases in which the spice increases the effect of some of them, as well as enhances their side effects. Keep in mind that even taking paracetamol can become more severe for your liver if you take it with you. you consume cinnamon.