What are the benefits and harms of cinnamon?

Some research shows that cinnamon may be beneficial for people with diabetes. A review of 18 studies showed that cinnamon may lower blood sugar. Cinnamon can also lower cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.

Many studies do not specify what type of cinnamon the participants used or whether they had other problems, making it difficult to draw conclusions. A review shows that cinnamon is beneficial for weight loss and obesity. Cinnamon is sometimes used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or other stomach or intestinal problems, but it is not known whether it actually works in these cases.

Cinnamon contains potassium, magnesium and calcium. Potassium helps counteract sodium’s effect on blood pressure and controls heart rate. Potassium also plays a role in nerve function.

Magnesium and calcium work together to maintain the normal heartbeat. These two minerals are also essential for skeletal health and prevent bone weakening, which is a condition called osteoporosis.

In addition, cinnamon can have other health benefits, such as:

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers tested the plant chemicals in cinnamon and found out its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, compounds in cinnamon also appeared successful in fighting free radicals.

One of the keys to cancer treatment is inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to feed tumors). A study showed that cinnamon can slow down angiogenesis, cell growth and cell signaling. This shows that cinnamon can be a useful tool in the prevention or treatment of cancer.

The compound cinnamaldehyde is responsible for the distinctive smell and taste of cinnamon, which also has extensive antibiotic properties. Cinnamaldehyde was tested against several pathogens, including Staphylococcus, E. coli, Salmonella, and Candida, and was shown to inhibit the growth of these microbes.

Cinnamon is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can help the body avoid oxidative damage. The antioxidants in cinnamon are so strong that cinnamon can sometimes be used as a natural food preservative.

Researchers have found that taking cinnamon supplements can increase the level of antioxidants in the blood and reduce markers of inflammation.

Cinnamon can lower triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, which can help prevent heart disease. If you take supplements with at least 1.5 grams of cinnamon per day, your total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and blood sugar levels may decrease if you have metabolic disease.

It is important to note that the studies conducted on the effect of cinnamon on diseases and health problems are either limited or only conducted on cells or animals. Consuming normal amounts of cinnamon probably won’t have much of an effect on your health. Consuming too much of it is also not a good idea.

Since cinnamon has not been proven as a treatment, no specific dose has been established for it. Some experts suggest half to one teaspoon (2 to 4 grams) of cinnamon powder per day. Some studies have used amounts of 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon. High doses may be toxic.

Irritation and allergy: Cinnamon usually has no side effects, but consuming too much of it can irritate your mouth and lips and cause sores. Some people are allergic to it. If you put it on your skin, it may cause redness and irritation.

toxicity: Eating too much cassia cinnamon can be toxic, especially if you have liver problems. Coumarin in some cinnamon products can cause liver problems, but the amount you get is usually small enough to not cause a problem. Due to the lack of evidence regarding its safety, children, pregnant and lactating women should avoid using cinnamon as a treatment.

Decreased blood sugar: Cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels, so if you have diabetes and take cinnamon supplements, your prescription medications may need to be adjusted.