Undoubtedly we all have differences, small or significant, that give us our individuality or characterize us. One of these differences may be centered on the way our body processes food or assimilates it.
Eventually, there are foods that, due to their nutritional and chemical characteristics, cause discomfort to some people and not to others, as is the case with cinnamon.
In this article, we will talk about cinnamon, a spice widely used in the kitchen and consumed by many people, what its side effects are and why it causes them.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice or an aromatic condiment from the bark of the cinnamon tree, widely used to prepare various culinary dishes and also to prepare tea or garnish sweets, meals and drinks due to its characteristic flavor and aroma.
To highlight: Its presentation is normally in powder form , but it can also be found in the form of a shell or stick and in cinnamon oil. Another common way to consume this spice is through supplements.
The consumption of cinnamon can cause very annoying effects in some people, which can be caused by its components, perhaps it is that we have some sensitivity to this seasoning or it is simply that we abuse its intake .
What side effects can cinnamon cause in the human body?
Due to its chemical and nutritional composition and the individual characteristics of consumers, this spice can sometimes cause some side effects, which we mention below:
1. Allergic reactions to components
Eating cinnamon can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which is the main component of this seasoning and is responsible for its characteristic aroma. (1)
When repeated and constant oral exposure to cinnamaldehyde occurs, the risk of anaphylactic reactions to food may increase, manifesting acute symptoms such as rhinitis, coughing, and eye irritation. Other more worrisome symptoms include contact dermatitis or stomatitis.
Important: If during the consumption of cinnamon in any of its presentations you observe adverse reactions, stop consumption and consult your doctor.
2. Hypoglycemia
Scientific articles describe that cinnamon has a lot of biological activity and seems to mimic the effects of insulin, with benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. (2)
Note: To enhance the effects of this spice, cinnamon supplements were created whose effects are described as being more potent than ground cinnamon.
However, in vitro studies have verified that cinnamaldehyde, an antioxidant present in cinnamon, reduces blood glucose levels and raises insulin levels (1) , so patients taking medications to control diabetes should be careful when ingesting cinnamon in excess, as it can cause a hypoglycemic condition.
You should know: It has been described that the intake of cinnamon can possibly help reduce blood sugar in patients with pre-diabetes. (3)
3. Liver disorders
Excess consumption of cinnamon can cause hepatotoxicity problems. Different varieties of cinnamon are traded in the market, but most commonly Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon .
Cassia cinnamon contains high concentrations of coumarins , an organic chemical compound with anticoagulant properties. This compound has been held responsible for liver damage, even at low doses. (4)
Important: Taking cinnamon supplements without medical supervision can cause liver damage if the variety is not known.
4. Respiratory problems
Using cinnamon can cause some problems in the respiratory system. And how can this happen? When we consume too much cinnamon powder, the microparticles of this spice can go directly to the lungs and from there to the bronchi.
To highlight: Cinnamon in this presentation becomes a caustic powder composed of cellulose and bio-resistant fibers, which the body cannot dissolve or degrade in the lungs, causing irritation, clogging of the respiratory tract, lung inflammation, pneumonia or crises. of asthma.
Also, we must remember that cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that can cause allergic-inflammatory reactions and is even an irritant to the mucous membranes.
Note: People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should use caution when accidentally inhaling ground cinnamon, as it can exacerbate their respiratory problems.
5. Drug interaction reactions
Generally, when cinnamon is consumed in small amounts and sporadically, it does not represent major dangers to human health , however, when too much cinnamon is consumed, it can increase the risk of suffering discomfort, including those caused by its interaction with other medications . .
To highlight : If you are taking paracetamol or acetaminophen, drugs that affect liver function, you should consume cinnamon very sparingly, because we already know that this spice contains coumarin, a hepatotoxic compound, which can accelerate liver damage.
Another very common interaction is with diabetes medications , as it has been previously reported that the cinnamaldehyde content of cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, potentially causing hypoglycemia.
6. Uterine contractions
The truth at this point is that there is no scientific evidence or studies that can support that cinnamon can cause uterine contractions, much less to induce labor.
Now, traditional medicine has recommended it for labor , justifying the fact that cinnamon activates the muscular action of the uterus, causing contractions, but as we have mentioned, there is no scientific evidence to support this position.
Note: Excessive consumption of this spice can cause significant changes in health and that is why you should consult your doctor if you suspect that you have a condition before consuming it in supplement form.
7. Oral conditions
At this point we must remember that this spice contains cinnamaldehyde, an irritant to the mucous membranes and can also cause allergic reactions on contact with the mouth if you are sensitive to any of the components of cinnamon.
Excessive consumption of this seasoning can cause swelling of the gums or tongue, a burning or itching sensation, and white patches in the mouth.
Note: It is recommended to consume a maximum of 2 grams (one teaspoon) of cinnamon a day if it is of the Cassia variety and up to 2.5 grams if it is of the Ceylon variety.
8. Risk of cancer
Another of the possible side effects of cinnamon consumption is that it can cause health problems such as the risk of cancer. It has been associated with studies in mice, that the ingestion of large amounts of cinnamon and therefore large amounts of coumarin can cause the development of cancerous tumors in the lungs, liver and kidneys.
Even so, there are no scientific studies to know if the excess of cinnamon or coumarin in the human organism can induce, in the short or long term, the appearance of cancer cells in the organs of the human body. However, we already know that coumarin consumed in large amounts is hepatotoxic .
You should know: Because cassia cinnamon is the largest contributor of coumarin than Ceylon variety cinnamon, and if you are a regular consumer of this spice, it is advisable to only consume the Ceylon variety.
Key Findings
- Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels.
- Cinnamon may be harmful to people with diabetes if it is combined with medications that treat this disease.
- Cinnamon can cause allergic reactions due to its chemical compounds.
- Eating this seasoning is safe in small amounts and can bring many health benefits.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.