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Cinnamon is a popular spice that many people enjoy in foods, drinks, and even scented candles. While a little cinnamon can add great flavour to your day, too much of it may cause problems. The good news is you don't have to avoid cinnamon completely. Just use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy cinnamon's aroma and taste but stick to small portions.
Cinnamon, that familiar warm-toned spice found in everything from apple pie to chai tea, has a fascinating history and journey to the kitchen. Native to Sri Lanka, cinnamon comes from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. Skilled harvesters carefully peel away the bark, which curls into quills as it dries. Cinnamon's sweet, woody, slightly spicy flavour comes from the compound cinnamaldehyde.
Cinnamon has been prized for its aroma, flavour, and preservative properties. Today it remains a beloved ingredient around the world. Sprinkled on oatmeal, blended into chai tea, or swirled into baked goods, cinnamon's warmth shines through in both sweet and savoury dishes.
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Why Too Much Consumption Of Cinnamon Harmful
There are four main varieties of cinnamon: Ceylon, Cassia, Saigon, and Korintje. Ceylon cinnamon has a delicate, complex flavour perfect for desserts. The more pungent Cassia cinnamon is better suited to savoury dishes. Saigon cinnamon offers a sweetness reminiscent of candy. Korintje cinnamon from Indonesia has a mild flavour great for baking. Cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin that can be harmful in large amounts. As per National Library of Medicine, consuming very high doses of coumarin could potentially lead to liver damage over time.
Disadvantages Of Cinnamon Consumption
Respiratory problems
Cinnamon can actually make it hard to breathe! When you eat foods with cinnamon, or cook with it, you might breathe some in by accident. This can make you cough and sneeze a lot. It can even make it hard to get enough air. It is not good for people with asthma and they need to be careful with it. Breathing problems are no fun. So, if cinnamon makes you cough or feel short of breath, try using less of it in your foods. Or stop eating it altogether. Your lungs will thank you!
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Allergies
Cinnamon is yummy but too much can make some people sick. A few people get allergies from it. They might get a runny nose, watery eyes, trouble breathing, an upset tummy, or swelling on their face or hands. As per the National Library of Medicine, too much cinnamon might cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These allergies usually aren't life-threatening. Check food labels carefully to make sure you don't eat it by accident. See a doctor to find out if you're allergic and how to avoid cinnamon safely.
Dizziness
When the blood sugar gets too low, you might start to feel dizzy. You could also feel very tired and anxious. This is because there is not enough sugar going to your brain.
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As per the National Library of Medicine, cinnamon lowers your blood sugar too much. So be careful with how much cinnamon you eat. Too much can make you feel lightheaded and weak.
Digestive Problems
Some people get a burning feeling in their stomach after eating a lot of cinnamon. This burning can be very severe! It can even make sores in your tummy. These are called ulcers. Cinnamon can stop your tummy from digesting food right. That's not good! The bottom line is you should be very careful with how much cinnamon you eat. Only eat small amounts. Too much can really hurt your stomach. Be smart and don't overdo it on the cinnamon. A little bit goes a long way with this spice.
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Mouth Sores
Cinnamon can make some people get sores in their mouth. This is because cinnamon has a chemical called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde can bother people's mouths. It makes some people feel burning or itching on their tongue or gums when they eat cinnamon. Not everyone gets sores or itching from cinnamon. But some people are extra sensitive to cinnamaldehyde. For them, eating cinnamon is not a good idea because it will hurt their mouth. They should avoid foods with cinnamon so their mouth feels better.
Also read: The Oldest Spice: Origins Of Cinnamon
Heart Rate
Cinnamon makes your heart beat faster. The oil from cinnamon is strong. No more than 2 per cent should be cinnamon oil. When you dilute it like that, it's safe for most people. The oil is powerful, so be careful with it. Stick to small amounts of cinnamon in your foods and drinks. Too much could be dangerous if you have a heart condition.
