Cinnamon is a well-known spice with a distinctive flavor, which is used in the preparation of many foods and drinks, so what are its most important health benefits?
What are its types?
What is the permissible amount per day?
Answers are in this report.
There are 4 main types of cinnamon:
1- Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon, also called "regular" cinnamon, and it is the most used type and the most common in stores;
Due to its cheap price.
2- Real cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, which has a lighter taste and less bitterness.
3- Indonesian cinnamon, called Cinnamomum burmanni.
4- Vietnamese cinnamon, also called Cinnamomum loureiroi.
Although Cassia cinnamon is safe to eat in small to moderate amounts, eating too much of it may cause health problems because it contains high amounts of a compound called coumarin, which may be linked to damaging the liver and increasing the risk of cancer.
The most important ingredients of cinnamon:
1- Cinnamaldehyde, which is found in essential oil.
2- Procyanidins, which has antioxidant activity.
3- Catechins, which has antioxidant activity.
4- Cinnamic acid.
Cinnamon has effects on a range of conditions and diseases, and we confirm that these data are based on experiments, some on humans and some on animals, and are for general guidance only:
1- Diabetes
According to a research review of several trials, data indicate that cinnamon when taken in different doses daily for about 4 months leads to a decrease in glucose levels.
Various hypotheses have been put forward regarding its mechanism of action in diabetes, such as that cinnamon has a stimulating and stimulating effect on insulin, and that it performs processes that reduce insulin resistance.
2- Perceptual abilities
Cinnamon contains phytochemicals that enhance the brain's ability to utilize glucose, and its ability to improve insulin resistance is also an important mechanism, as it may limit the changes that Alzheimer's disease causes in the brain.
3- Antimicrobial effect
Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon is responsible for its antimicrobial activity, and it can inhibit the growth of Listeria and Escherichia coli bacteria in food products, thus increasing their shelf life.
4- Heart disease
An animal study in mice evaluated the effect of Chinese cinnamon on ischemic heart disease, and it is believed that the active ingredients - such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid - protect the heart.
Because of its ability to produce nitric oxide, plus the associated anti-inflammatory property.
5- Blood pressure
A systematic review of 3 studies suggested that cinnamon can cause a significant decrease in systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure, although the exact mechanism remains to be ascertained.
Cinnamon dangers
As for the negative effects of excessive cinnamon, they include:
1- Damage to the liver, as cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, which can be toxic in high doses and is toxic to the liver.
Therefore, it is recommended for patients with liver disorders to avoid cinnamon.
2- Increased risk of some types of cancer.
3- Hypoglycemia.
While eating a pinch of cinnamon may help lower blood sugar, eating too much cinnamon may lead to hypoglycemia and can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and possibly fainting.
And the people most at risk of developing low blood sugar are those who take medicines for diabetes;
This is because cinnamon might enhance the effect of these drugs and lead to low blood sugar.
4- Eating dry cinnamon powder may irritate the throat and may enter the lungs.
This may lead to permanent lung damage.
How much is the maximum allowed?
For adults, one teaspoon of cinnamon should not be exceeded per day, which is equivalent to about two and a half grams, in the form of spices or drinks, because as mentioned above, it is advised not to eat ground cinnamon.
For children, the allowed quantity is less.
If you are ill and taking any medication, consult your doctor before introducing cinnamon to your diet, and do not change your medication without consulting your doctor.
Cinnamon is not a cure for any disease.