It is safe to consume Ceylon cinnamon as a daily spice in your meals. It doesn’t always need to be measured but is usually limited to a single teaspoon. This is to be on the safe side since it may have chemical components that affect the health of a person. But consuming other types of cinnamon apart from Ceylon cinnamon could have a lot of negative issues. So, what is the favorable recommendation for cinnamon intake? This article brings all the important details regarding the safe amounts of Ceylon cinnamon consumption per day.
The Recommended Daily Intake of Cinnamon
High levels of coumarin present in Cassia cinnamon are linked with liver and kidney damage. Studies show that this chemical component also has a likelihood of developing cancers and tumors. Other side effects include mouth sores and respiratory problems. Therefore, it is important to know the right limits when consuming regular cinnamon.
But there is an exception for this when it comes to Ceylon cinnamon. This contains very low levels of coumarin, which almost has no impact on health. So, it is safe to eat a generous amount of cinnamon coming from Sri Lanka. Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon might be less common and expensive due to its high quality.
The normal recommendation is to consume around ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per day. But according to the US department of health, it is safe to consume up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day. Regular cinnamon intake offers many health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Certain studies have also mentioned that it may help to fight HIV.
What Are Cinnamon Pills?
Anyone that needs cinnamon as a dietary supplement can consume it in pills or capsules. The benefits of cinnamon include:
- Reduces inflammation and increases immune function through its antioxidants
- Slows the rise in blood glucose after a meal, and lowers the blood sugar level in people with diabetes
- Fights off bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms to prevent infections, such as bronchitis and candida
- Supports cognitive and cardiovascular health
- Helps prevent obesity through increased metabolism
- Improving dental and skin health
- Relieves gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite
Cinnamon can affect the thickness of blood and interfere with blood glucose levels. So, it is mandatory to follow the dosages prescribed by a medical practitioner. This is very important, especially if you are undergoing medication for a related disease or have a scheduled surgical procedure.
When and How to Take
Cinnamon pills are recommended by healthcare professionals for people with metabolic issues and high cholesterol. It is important to adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle while consuming dietary supplements.
Cinnamon doesn’t need to be taken as a pill necessarily. Anyone can include it as a spice to flavor their meals. It can be added to oatmeal, baked food, lattes, or coffee. Cinnamon tea is another preferable way in which you can consume cinnamon with less potential for side effects. Most traditional dishes of tropical Asian countries use cinnamon as a flavoring agent.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite the advantages, daily cinnamon intake can cause potential health risks as cinnamon pills contain concentrated doses. Very high doses of cinnamon can cause visible symptoms such as irritation to the mouth and lips, indigestion, low blood sugar, and allergic reactions like skin redness when applied topically. Cinnamon may potentially interact with antibiotics, blood thinners, and heart medications. So, cinnamon intake should be heavily supervised for people with related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements Lower Blood Sugar?
Cinnamon can reduce blood sugar levels and manage diabetes complications. So, it can be used by people affected by diabetes to help lower their blood sugar. But it is recommended to use only Ceylon cinnamon instead of Cassia. This is because Cassia cinnamon usually contains unhealthy levels of coumarin. But the effect is not instant and it may take 20 – 40 days of cinnamon consumption to show a significant decrease in serum glucose levels.
Should You Take Cinnamon Before or After a Meal?
If you are to consume a meal with high carbohydrate content, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to lessen the impact of this food on the blood glucose levels. After eating, the blood sugar rises as the food digests gradually. Adding some cinnamon to the food can slow down this process and decrease the rate of rise in blood sugar levels. So, taking cinnamon before a meal or along with a meal is the best option to get its best effect.
Is It Safe to Ingest 3 Teaspoons of Ceylon Cinnamon a Day?
Yes, it is safe to ingest up to 3 teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon per day. But make sure that you consume pure cinnamon from Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon usually contains different chemical content and a higher level of coumarin which has a negative impact on health. It is not safe to consume that much Cassia cinnamon per day. Most medical practices recommend consuming Ceylon cinnamon to reduce bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood glucose levels.
What Happens if You Eat Honey and Cinnamon Every Day?
Regular consumption of cinnamon with honey can boost the immune system. It protects you from infections involving bacteria and viruses. Both honey and cinnamon are rich sources of antioxidants and consist of anti-bacterial properties. It also improves the digestive system and relieves stomach-related discomforts.
How Much Does Ceylon Cinnamon Cost?
Ceylon cinnamon is made from the dried inner bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum which is an indigenous plant of Sri Lanka. The dried bark is rolled by overlapping the pieces to make a long tube-like structure known as cinnamon quills. One pound of these cinnamon quills costs around $27. This high-quality true cinnamon is quite expensive than regular cinnamon. This contains superior flavor and aroma like most other native spices of the island.
Conclusion
Regular cinnamon intake helps in overcoming infections, and inflammations and normalizes blood sugar levels. You can either consume it as a spice in your dishes or take it as a dietary supplement. Since cinnamon pills have the potential ability to interact with antibiotics and blood thinning medications, it is recommended to use them only under the prescription of your physician. Find out more about common cinnamon uses and benefits.
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