Dr Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, PhD
Cinnamon is now investigated as a natural cancer-fighting food because of its strong antioxidants abilities and may be a useful supplement for those at a higher risk of cancer (AO and Gan, 2014)
Irrespective of the wonderful health benefits of this spice, caution must be taken when using this product
When used in moderation, cinnamon is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal side effects. High amounts of cinnamon- and cassia cinnamon in particular- can cause several adverse symptoms.
This is due to the presence of a compound called coumarin, which has been shown to damage the liver in large amounts by Abraham et al., 2010.
While Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts, cassia cinnamon is much higher in coumarin.
The National Toxicology Program reports 1993, that, excess consumption of the coumarin found in cassia cinnamon has also been linked to other health problems, including an increased risk of cancer development
Because of its anti-diabetic properties, cinnamon may also contribute to low sugar levels especially if you are taking blood sugar-lowering medications already
Vivas et al., 2015, study revealed that cinnamon consumption has also been associated with breathing problems and mouth sores in some people
Cinnamon is not known to cause negative reactions or allergies, especially when used in small amounts the wat that is most commonly is
At times, when taking cinnamon extract supplements or using cinnamon essential oil, its possible to take too much, which can interfere with other medications and medical conditions
Cinnamon can become unsafe if you take too many cinnamon supplements, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, having diabetes, have liver disease, or recently had surgery. Always make sure you read the recommended dose of the extract and don’t consume more than is recommended without speaking with your doctor first in order to avoid complications
Additionally, if you are using cinnamon essential oil, you might also want to test a small patch of your skin to first check for irritation and allergic reactions before using larger amounts to prevent negative side effects or allergic reactions
Additionally, many people often wonder: is cinnamon bad for dogs?
While cinnamon is non-toxic to your furry friends, its best to stick to Ceylon cinnamon to minimize coumarin consumption and keep intake in moderation to prevent negative side effects
