Cinnamon offers health perks, but excessive amounts, especially Cassia, may lead to side effects like liver issues, mouth sores, or low blood sugar; moderation and awareness of cinnamon types are key.
Okay, so cinnamon’s got tons of benefits, right? But, um, could there be a downside to loading up on it? We’re gonna unpack some of the surprising side effects that might pop up if you go a little overboard with this spice.
- Types of Cinnamon
- Side Effects of Cassia Cinnamon
- 1- Liver Damage
- 2- Increased Risk of Cancer
- 3- Mouth Sores
- 4- Low Blood Sugar
- 5- Trouble Breathing
- 6- Interacting with Certain Medications
- Information and Additional Warnings
Types of Cinnamon
Did you know there are different kinds of cinnamon? Basically, you’ve got two main types:
- Cassia Cinnamon: This is the stuff you usually find in stores. It’s cheaper. But it contains higher levels of coumarin, which can cause problems if you have too much.
- Ceylon Cinnamon: This one’s often called “true cinnamon.” It’s lighter in color and milder in flavor.
Side Effects of Cassia Cinnamon
Heads-up, we’ll focus on the potential downsides of going overboard with the first type – Cassia cinnamon.
But, before we dive in, let’s talk about sourcing. Where does the cinnamon *really* come from? It seems like most of the cinnamon we find in stores comes from somewhere far away, and sometimes, I can’t help but wonder what goes into the entire cultivation and supply chain processes before it finally makes its way onto the shelves. It’s quite the journey, especially for something we sprinkle so casually on our morning toast.
1- Liver Damage
Cassia cinnamon is loaded with something called coumarin. Now, you shouldn’t consume too much of that stuff. I mean, yeah, you can have some, but keep it reasonable. The tolerable daily intake is around 0.01 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Just so you know, one little teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon packs around 5 mg of coumarin. So, if you’re a 60 kg person, you probably shouldn’t eat more than a little over a teaspoon and a half per day. Going over that limit regularly could mess with your liver. That said, if you are having any kidney issues, you should always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before significantly changing your diet.
Studies have shown that coumarin, is well, kinda toxic to the liver if you overdo it!
2- Increased Risk of Cancer
Some studies on animals have shown that coumarin—yep, that stuff in Cassia cinnamon again—might increase the risk of certain types of cancer, like lung, liver and kidney tumors. But, you know, those studies are on animals.
Researchers aren’t totally sure *how* coumarin might influence cancer development. One theory is that it messes with DNA, causing damage in the body, that then allows cells to become cancerous.
3- Mouth Sores
Some people might find that cinnamon gives them mouth sores. That’s likely due to cinnamaldehyde, one of the compounds in cinnamon, which can trigger an allergic reaction. This usually only happens if you’re super sensitive to it.
Consuming cinnamon in smaller, more moderate amounts usually doesn’t cause those kind of problems. It only happens if you’re already prone to mouth sensitivity and then BAM, cinnamon hits your mouth!
Symptoms of cinnamon-related mouth irritation can include:
- Mouth sores.
- Swelling in the gums or tongue.
- Burning or itching sensations in the mouth.
- White patches in the mouth.
This, um, seems particularly relevant to those who use a lot of cinnamon essential oil or cinnamon-flavored products.
4- Low Blood Sugar
Cinnamon’s often praised for its ability to help lower blood sugar. But, hold up, consuming too much of it can actually cause your blood sugar to plummet *too* low. We call this hypoglycemia, and it’s not fun. You might feel dizzy, tired, or confused.
This is especially important if you’ve got diabetes. Cinnamon could amplify the effects of your blood sugar-lowering medication, potentially leading to a dangerous drop.
5- Trouble Breathing
It’s rare, but cinnamon can cause breathing problems for some folks. Cinnamon is often a fine powder, which can make it really easy to accidentally inhale it, causing coughing, gagging, and a burning sensation.
Turns out cinnamon’s compounds can irritate the throat, which can then, get you breathing really bad! If you have asthma, you REALLY gotta be careful!
6- Interacting with Certain Medications
Having cinnamon in moderation alongside medication isn’t usually an issue, but large amounts of cinnamon could cause issues for people who take:
- Diabetes Medication.
- Heart Medication.
- Liver Medication.
Why? Because larger amounts of cinnamon can impact medications in two ways:
- First Way: Impact the absorption rate of the medication.
- Second Way: Enhancing and even exaggerating some of the side effects from the medication.
Information and Additional Warnings
Things to keep in mind when taking cinnamon:
- Avoid large amounts of cinnamon, especially if you have underlying conditions, as this could lead to reactions or even permanent liver damage.
- Ceylon cinnamon is a safer alternative if you still want to be able to consume cinnamon, because it has less coumarin.
- The amounts of cinnamon in this article should only apply to adults and not children.
Key takeaways
- Too much Cassia cinnamon can cause liver damage due to its high coumarin content.
- Excessive consumption might increase the risk of certain cancers, though more research is needed.
- Be mindful of potential interactions with medications, especially for diabetes and heart conditions.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is cinnamon bad for your kidneys?
While cinnamon itself isn’t inherently bad for your kidneys, excessive consumption of Cassia cinnamon, high in coumarin, could potentially pose a risk if you already have existing kidney issues. Moderate intake is generally safe.
Can cinnamon cause stomach problems?
Yes, for some people, particularly if consumed in large quantities. Cinnamon can cause mouth sores, and that’s in the stomach too. It may also contribute to gastrointestinal distress or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Is it okay to have cinnamon every day?
For most people, yes, in moderation. A small amount of Ceylon cinnamon daily is generally considered safe and can offer potential health benefits. However, be cautious with Cassia cinnamon due to its higher coumarin levels.
Does cinnamon help you sleep?
There’s limited scientific evidence to directly support cinnamon as a sleep aid. Some find its calming aroma comforting, while others suggest its blood sugar-regulating properties might indirectly support better sleep. This is often a personal experience.
I’ve been adding a dash of cinnamon to my morning oatmeal for years, thinking I was doing myself a favor. But after reading about the potential liver damage, I’m definitely switching to Ceylon cinnamon and cutting back on how much I use!
I love using cinnamon in my baking, but I had no idea about the different types and their coumarin levels! This article has really opened my eyes, and I’m going to be more mindful of the type of cinnamon I’m using.
I’ve always believed in the power of spices, and this article confirms that even good things can have downsides if overdone. It’s a great reminder to stay informed and practice moderation in everything we consume.
So, yeah, while cinnamon’s got some awesome perks, knowing the potential downsides is pretty important. It’s all about finding that sweet spot, right? Like, enjoy your cinnamon, but don’t go overboard!
