Are the Side Effects of Cinnamon Real or Just a Myth?

Are you someone who enjoys adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or coffee? You may have heard rumors about the potential side effects of cinnamon.

So, is cinnamon bad for you? In this article, we'll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of cinnamon to help you make an informed decision.

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Side Effects of Cinnamon? Debunking the Myths

One of the biggest concerns surrounding cinnamon is its potential to damage the liver when consumed in large amounts.

However, this is largely a myth. While a few studies have shown that excessive amounts of coumarin, a compound found in cinnamon, can be harmful to the liver, the levels of coumarin in cinnamon are generally too low to cause any significant harm.

Side Effects of Cinnamon:may interact with certain medications, increasing risk of bleeding.(image via Pexels/Ngo Trong)

Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority has set a safe daily intake of coumarin at 0.1 mg/kg of body weight. For an average adult, this equates to around 5 mg of coumarin per day, at which there are potentially no side effects of cinnamon.

A teaspoon of cinnamon contains approximately 5.8 mg of coumarin, which is slightly higher than the recommended daily limit. However, this is only a concern if you consume cinnamon in large quantities regularly.

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Is Too Much Cinnamon Bad for You?

While small amounts are generally safe, consuming excessive amounts can lead to side effects of cinnamon. These include:

Side Effects of Cinnamon: can cause rare allergic reactions.(image via Pexels/Ngo Trong)

Low blood sugar levels: Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels, but consuming too much can cause them to drop to dangerously low levels.

Mouth sores: Cinnamon can cause irritation and mouth sores in some people.

Breathing problems: In rare cases, inhaling cinnamon powder can cause breathing difficulties, being a rather popular side effect of cinnamon.

So, how much cinnamon is too much cinnamon? While there's no set limit, consuming more than 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day can be considered excessive.

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Best Time to Consume Cinnamon

The good news is that cinnamon can provide several health benefits when consumed in moderation. Some of the potential benefits of cinnamon include:

Lower blood sugar levels: Cinnamon can help improve insulin sensitivity, making it a great option for those with diabetes.

Reduced inflammation: Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.

Improved heart health: Cinnamon can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Side Effects of Cinnamon:may cause liver damage..(image via Pexels/Pixabay)

So, when is the best time to consume cinnamon? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, adding cinnamon to your morning coffee or oatmeal can help jumpstart your day with some added health benefits.

You can also use cinnamon in savory dishes like stews and curries to add depth of flavor and health benefits.

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While cinnamon is generally safe when consumed in moderation, consuming excessive amounts can lead to several side effects. It's best to limit your cinnamon intake to 1-2 teaspoons per day and to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about incorporating cinnamon into your diet.

In summary, cinnamon can be a tasty and healthy addition to your diet if consumed in moderation. So, go ahead and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your morning routine, and enjoy the potential health benefits it has to offer.