CINNAMON – SIDE EFFECTS OR DISADVANTAGES

CINNAMON – SIDE EFFECTS OR DISADVANTAGES

Cinnamon is a spice that is obtained from the inner bark of trees scientifically called Cinnamomum and especially mention in the Bible also. Now this day, this spice is available in most supermarkets. The cinnamon has two types called Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is also known as true cinnamon whereas the second one i.e. Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety today and people mostly refer to it as cinnamon. 

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE PER 100 GRAMS

     Nutrient                  Values

• Calories                                       247
• Total Fat                                      1.2 gm
• Sodium                                       10 mg
• Potassium                                  43 mg
• Total Carbohydrates                81 gm
• Protein                                       4 gm

  Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin A                                  5% of the Daily Value
• Calcium                                    1 % of the DV
• Vitamin C                                 6% of the DV
• Iron                                           46% of the DV
• Vitamin B-6                             10% of the DV
• Magnesium                             15% of the DV

There are plenty of health benefits of cinnamon but it has also some side effects if we use it in excess. Now we discuss its disadvantages/side effects. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF CINNAMON

May Damage the Liver

Research shows that regular cinnamon is enriched with coumarin and intake of this substance is harmful to the liver. The daily intake of coumarin was tolerable approximately 0.1 mg/kg of body weight per person. Hence, 3/4 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon daily is normal, and cross of this limit can cause damage liver. Further, those who already exist liver problems should avoid daily intake of cinnamon.

Mouth Sores May be Observed

Cinnamon contains a compound named cinnamaldehyde, which may activate an allergic reaction if consumed in large amounts. However, saliva prevents chemicals from staying in contact with the mouth if we used a small amount of this spice. Besides this, cinnamaldehyde cause allergy-like, tongue or gum swelling, white patches in the mouth, and a burning or itching sensation. However, it is important to note that this compound mostly affects those people who are already allergic patients. While the above-narrated symptoms are not serious, they can just cause discomfort.

May Cause Drastic Low Blood Sugar

Cinnamon is well-known to lower blood sugar ability, hence consuming a bit may lower your blood sugar normally but eating a large amount cause it to fall too low. Hence, people who take medications for diabetes are more at risk of experiencing low blood sugar because this spice may enhance the effects of these medications and cause drastic low blood sugar.

May Cause Breathing Problems

Consuming a large amount of cinnamon in a single sitting may cause breathing problems because this spice has a fine texture and is easy to inhale which may cause coughing, gagging, or difficulty when trying to catch your breath. So people with asthma careful of accidentally inhaling cinnamon may likely experience trouble breathing.