Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark. It is a rich aromatic spice with not just flavourful but even packs a punch with its nutrients. This spice aroma and flavors come from its principal components called cinnamaldehyde and essential oil.
There are two types of cinnamon they are:
- Cassia cinnamon: it is regular cinnamon. This is the usually used type.
- Ceylon cinnamon: It is also known as true cinnamon. This type is expensive and has a less bitter taste.
The major difference between these two varieties is the presence of coumarin. It is used for flavor. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin 8–19 milligrams per teaspoon. While ceylon cinnamon does not. Yes, it is true that cinnamon provides many health benefits. But it can also have some side effects if you consume it more than it’s required.
Side Effects of Consuming Cinnamon in Excessive Amounts
1. lead to respiratory problems
Sometimes we by mistake tend to inhale ground cinnamon. The cellulose fibers present in cinnamon powder don’t dissolve or decompose. It can trigger coughing, sneezing, and difficulty in breathing. However, inhaling a large amount of cinnamon can increase the chances of developing lesions and scarring in one’s airways.
2. Can cause stomach issues
Consuming excessive amounts of cinnamon can create problems. According to research cinnamon can cause gastrointestinal problems if an individual consumes it both in large quantities and over a long period of time. Large amounts of cinnamon can make an individual feel they are getting stomach cramps. This can be as cinnamon may cause irritation in the stomach’s lining. If a person is suffering from a stomach ulcer. Cinnamon can make an ulcer worse and lead to bleeding.
3. Can cause mouth sores
Some people can have cinnamon allergy which can cause swelling in the face. It can cause stomatitis, in which the lips or parts of the mouth become inflamed with some possible symptoms such as burning, mucosal peeling, pain, and ulcers. The manufacturers sometimes use the compound cinnamaldehyde to give products a cinnamon taste. This compound comes from cassia oil and cinnamon bark oil. According to research cinnamaldehyde can cause contact stomatitis.
4. Can make you dizzy
Consuming excessive amounts of cinnamon can drop sugar levels in your body. Because of this an individual can feel dizzy, experience fatigue, and suffer from anxiety.
5. Can interact with certain medications
As per studies small to moderate amounts of cinnamon shouldn’t be a problem. Both ceylon and cassia cinnamon can interact with a number of different types of medications. Cinnamon can interact with not just medications used to treat diabetes, but also drugs used to lower high blood pressure as well. Consuming cinnamon and these medications can cause blood sugar and blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. If an individual is taking any kind of medication they should consult with the doctor about how much cinnamon is safe for their diet.