Effects of excessive consumption and overuse of cinnamon
We have always discussed the benefits of cinnamon, but this time we want to talk about its health-related effects.SelMagzLet’s get acquainted with the side effects of excessive cinnamon consumption. While cinnamon has many benefits, we will take a look at 12 of its side effects.CinnamonFrom loweringblood sugarto raising body heat.
Consider a sensible approach to cinnamon, knowing its benefits and drawbacks; what you will read next focuses on the side effects of overusing cinnamon, thus cinnamon is not an inherently harmful spice.
Side effects and disadvantages of excessive cinnamon consumption
1. Toxic buildup:
Excessive cinnamon consumption over a long period can create a specific level of toxicity in the body. The recommended amount of cinnamon, according to the Ministry of Health, is 6 grams, six days a week or less; at this level, cinnamon is safe for most people.
It is recommended to take a break from cinnamon once a week and continue for the other six days. This allows any type of toxin to be cleared from your system, or you can try 5 days on and 2 days off of cinnamon on the weekend.
2.Preterm labor:
Pregnant women should not consume cinnamon. This is because cinnamon (especially its oil) can induce preterm labor or uterine contractions. While it helps with stomach discomfort, gas, and indigestion, you shouldn’t use this duringpregnancy.Sometimes, drinking a cup of cinnamon tea is likely safe, but why take that chance? Using cinnamon pills or especially the scent of
cinnamon oilshould be completely avoided.3. Coumarin and other toxic products:
People who consume cinnamon daily for diet or other health reasons should choose Ceylon cinnamon, which only contains 0.03 – 0.04% coumarin.
Other types of cinnamon have high levels (around 0.4 – 0.8%) of coumarin, which can lead to liver damage if taken daily or in high doses.
In the past, Europeans banned cassia cinnamon due to its effects on the liver. Cassia cinnamon contains benzene, 1,1″-(2-butene-4,1-diyl) bis-benzene, and other components that are present in only trace amounts in Ceylon cinnamon.
4. Blood sugar:
Cinnamon can also lower your blood sugar levels. While 2 teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon powder or boiling cinnamon sticks in tea may not significantly affect blood sugar, cinnamon oil can lead to a drastic drop in blood sugar levels, especially if you are on medication.
So be cautious. If you add more than 2-3 drops of Ceylon cinnamon oil to your tea or
coffeeyou might feel lightheaded. However, its taste when used moderately is incredible.Perhaps one reason Coca-Cola uses Ceylon cinnamon in its products is this, even though these
drinkscontain a lot of sugar.5. Blood thinner:
Cinnamon appears to thin the blood. This blood-thinning property is particularly high in cassia cinnamon, while Ceylon cinnamon does not seem to have this effect.
This blood-thinning attribute makes cinnamon function as a coagulating agent, especially for those suffering from heart diseases.
So you need to be careful not to consume cinnamon with other blood-thinning medications, which is why doctors do not recommend taking cinnamon while on medication.
6. Allergies:
A small minority of people might be allergic to cinnamon, even if they have consumed it without any adverse effects before. Symptoms typically include
runny nose, watery eyes, oreye pain,shortness of breath(usually triggered by the scent of cinnamon oil), upset stomach, nasal swelling, confusion,dizziness, suddenblood pressure drops, andnausea.Most of the time, cinnamon allergies do not pose a life threat. While adults often have cinnamon allergies, young children, especially infants and toddlers, may react, sometimes passing it from mothers who consume cinnamon.If you suspect you have a
cinnamon allergy
, remove all traces of it from your home. Cinnamon is present in manyfoods, so ensure that what you consume does not contain cinnamon. Allergy tests should determine which type of cinnamon you are allergic to.7. Skin irritation:If you touch cinnamon oil undiluted, it can irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation. Powdered
chili pepper
is particularly intense if touched after coming in contact with pure cinnamon oil. Therefore, it’s best to wear gloves or be careful not to let any of it touch your hands.8. Increasedheart rate
:A high amount of cinnamon could be dangerous for people with heart conditions because cinnamon is known to increase heart rate. Also, diluted cinnamon oil can cause a rapid heart rate, especially in children. Remember that cinnamon oil is very potent and should be diluted before use.9. Cinnamon can pose choking risks:
Recently, teenagers and even parents have been playing games to see who can swallow a spoonful
of cinnamon powder
or more. Swallowing cinnamon powder dry can create a serious choking hazard that may lead to death.Cinnamon powder can infiltrate the lungs and cause a severe chest infection, resulting in serious respiratory complications. The lungs can be damaged, and if you don’t have proper ventilation, death is likely. It can also cause long-term damage to your lungs. In fact, any powder could cause such problems.10. Cinnamon pills:
We do not believe that cinnamon pills or capsules are safe or effective due to substances like silica dioxide used in the production of these pills.
11. Interactions with
antibiotics
:Cinnamon can act like an antibiotic in various ways, all of which are natural. The use of commercial antibiotics alongside cinnamon can lead to incompatibilities. This is similar to taking an excess of antibiotics.It is better to avoid cinnamon when taking antibiotics and consult your doctor. The FDA states that cinnamon does not have proven health benefits. If that is the case, why is its sale as a medicine restricted!
12. Body heat:
Chinese medicine suggests avoiding anything that increases body heat when necessary. Cinnamon,
black pepper
,red pepper, cauliflower, crab, garlic, ginger,brown rice, kimchi, onion, and pumpkin can all raise body heat.With an increase in body heat or inflammation, the body will strive to expel excess heat. This often manifests in the form of sores under the tongue, cracked lips, rashes, or thick mucus draining from the eyes.You may not feel this during winter, but it can be felt much more intensely in summer if you consume cinnamon. For instance, avoid cinnamon if you are entering menopause.
Effects of cinnamon on the liver
Side effects of excessive cinnamon consumption
