Latest news with #Cinnamomum
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Is cinnamon good for you? The sweet spice packs surprise benefits.
Best known as a holiday scent or as the cause of that signature swirl of your favorite sticky bun, cinnamon is an ancient spice that's more than just a cooking staple. From its unique flavor profile to its impressive list of proven health benefits, cinnamon has been prized for centuries across both culinary and medicinal traditions. But before you start sprinkling it on everything you eat, you should know that consuming too much of it can bring about not-so-sweet consequences. Here's what cinnamon is, how it can boost your health and when it's time to ease up on how much you're eating. What is cinnamon? Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of evergreen trees in the genus Cinnamomum. After the bark of these trees is peeled, "it naturally curls into rolls as it dries, which is what we know as the cinnamon stick," explains Kate Donelan, a registered dietitian with Stanford Health Care. These curled sticks are called quills, and they can be chewed on or steeped in hot water to make cinnamon tea. More commonly though, cinnamon quills are ground into powder –becoming a spice that's commonly sprinkled over foods or used in baking. "Cinnamon can be used in many dishes from savory to sweet," says Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet." You'll find it in desserts and baked goods like cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies and pastries and also as a flavor enhancer atop or inside foods like oatmeal, rice pudding and French toast or beverages like apple cider, coffee, Mexican hot chocolate and mulled wines. Its flavoring is also used in a variety of candies and chewing gum. Along with enhancing taste, "adding cinnamon to a food can also extend its shelf life thanks to its natural preservative properties," says Palinski-Wade. The two main types of cinnamon include Ceylon cinnamon (often called 'true cinnamon'), and cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the sweeter, more delicate and more expensive version of the spice, but cassia cinnamon is more popular. Cassia cinnamon is known for being stronger in flavor and darker in color and is the type of cinnamon you usually find in grocery stores. Yes, apple cider can be good for you. But here's why you should avoid overconsumption. What is cinnamon good for? Besides making your lattes and baked goods taste delicious, cinnamon contains several key nutrients and packs some surprising health benefits. Some of its nutrients include carbohydrates for energy, fiber for digestion, protein for muscle growth and maintenance and a slew of vitamins and minerals that include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamins A and K. The spice also has unique properties that make it "beneficial to blood sugar management by improving insulin sensitivity," says Palinski-Wade. Indeed, research shows that consuming just half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can lead to dramatic improvements in blood sugar regulation, making it potentially helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes from developing in some people. This benefit is doubly helpful because cinnamon is also often used as a sugar substitute, meaning "it can provide sweetness and flavor without adding calories," says Donelan. And cinnamon contains antioxidants such as polyphenols "that help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals," explains Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition. "And some studies suggest that cinnamon may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which can help reduce inflammation in the body," Messer adds. "Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including heart disease and certain cancers." In proper amounts, cinnamon can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating, "and there is preliminary evidence to suggest that compounds in cinnamon may also have a protective effect on the brain, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's," says Messer. Heads up: Nutmeg is a great fall spice. But there's such thing as too much. Can you eat cinnamon every day? At the same time, Messer says that cinnamon has some purported benefits that are not proven. 'Be wary of any exaggerated claims of cinnamon's ability to reduce belly fat or promote significant weight loss," she says. And even when cinnamon is beneficial, more doesn't mean better. 'Like most things in life, excessive intake of cinnamon can have potential adverse effects,' says Messer. Possible issues associated with consuming too much of the spice include allergic reactions (that can range from mild irritation to serious symptoms), stomach pain and potential adverse interactions with medications such as blood thinners. And while the safe upper limit for cinnamon consumption is not well-established, for most people, 'consuming a teaspoon or less of ground cinnamon per day as a seasoning or flavoring in food and beverages is unlikely to pose significant health risks," Messer says. Research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture backs this up, as it notes that consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily, "is very safe and there should not be any side effects." It's also worth noting that the type of cinnamon you use matters. 'Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin,' cautions Palinski-Wade. 'And coumarin can damage the liver in high doses.' So long as such considerations are kept in mind though, small doses of the spice bring about only upsides for most people. "It's only large doses or taking cinnamon as a supplement that should be discussed with a doctor before starting," Donelan says. And don't even think about the cinnamon challenge.
RNZ News
10-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications, study finds
By Katla Hetter, of CNN The study was clear that small amounts of cinnamon such as in food like these cinnamon apples or on hot drinks does not put people at risk of overconsumption. Photo: Jenny Garing While cinnamon is a popular spice added to many foods, it has a long history of uses in traditional medicine in many cultures. Today, cinnamon products are sold as dietary supplements to help with a variety of health conditions, including treating diabetes, promoting weight loss and relieving hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. But how much is too much cinnamon? Could there be negative impacts from overconsumption of cinnamon products? People should be cautious because cinnamon could affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences . The authors warned against overconsumption of cinnamon-containing substances, especially in individuals with other health conditions. To help us make sense of the study findings and what the major takeaways are for cinnamon consumption, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. Wen: Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees. The most common type of cinnamon sold in North America is Cassia cinnamon from the Cinnamomum aromaticum trees, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is one of the centers under the National Institutes of Health. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called "true" cinnamon, is from Cinnamomum verum trees. Though some studies have suggested that cinnamon supplementation could be helpful for diabetes treatment or for weight loss, more research is needed to investigate the benefits. Similarly, though preliminary research points to a possible role of nasal spray with Ceylon cinnamon as helping with allergic rhinitis, more research is needed to confirm that it could be a treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that "research doesn't clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition". Cinnamon is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any medical condition. Wen: Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which is a blood thinner. Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin. If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk. In addition, there are known interactions between coumarin and the liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that have high coumarin content could pose health risks for people with liver disease. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there are "theoretical reasons" to think there may be interactions between cinnamon and anti-cancer medications and nicotine. Wen: This new study examined the primary active ingredient of cinnamon, which is called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first looked at whether cinnamaldehyde is well absorbed when orally ingested by examining gastric and intestinal fluids. They found that it is 100 percent bioaccessible in both fluids that are fasted and fed. That means that whether someone is fasting or has just eaten, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be well absorbed. They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolised into another compound, cinnamic acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect drug metabolism. The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. They urge additional research looking into these possible interactions. Until those studies are complete, as the researchers indicated in an associated news release, they recommend that people looking to take cinnamon as a dietary supplement exercise caution and consult a physician before using. Wen: According to the study's researchers, the list of chronic conditions that should prompt caution before trying cinnamon supplementation includes hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression. I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications - for example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba. Wen: The researchers are quite clear that a sprinkling of cinnamon for typical culinary use is unlikely to cause problems. What they warn against is what they refer to as "overconsumption". This isn't clearly defined, as their study was not set up to examine what could be too high of a level of cinnamon. What overconsumption probably refers to is using concentrated cinnamon products like cinnamon supplements over a prolonged period - for instance, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months. Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions. They should also be aware that there's no clear evidence for the benefit of cinnamon supplementation. Wen: Consumers should know that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like they do prescription medications. Under current law, the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the efficacy of dietary supplements. The FDA also does not review supplements before they go to market. Instead, the agency relies on post-market surveillance to identify safety problems. People should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Just because something is marketed as being "natural" doesn't mean that it is safe. Also, something that is safe in small quantities may become unsafe in large quantities. People should always mention what supplements they are taking or thinking of taking to their healthcare provider to assess for drug interactions. - CNN
CNN
08-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications, according to a new study
While cinnamon is a popular spice used added to many foods, it has a long history of uses in traditional medicine in many cultures. Today, cinnamon products are sold as dietary supplements to help with a variety of healthy conditions, including treating diabetes, promoting weight loss and relieving hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. But how much is too much cinnamon? Could there be negative impacts from overconsumption of cinnamon products? People should be cautious because cinnamon could affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. The authors warned against overconsumption of cinnamon-containing substances, especially in individuals with other health conditions. To help us make sense of the study findings and what the major takeaways are for cinnamon consumption, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cinnamon — where does it come from and what are its potentially beneficial health effects? Dr. Leana Wen: Cinnamon is a spice that comes the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees. The most common type of cinnamon sold in North America is Cassia cinnamon from the Cinnamomum aromaticum trees, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is one of the centers under the National Institutes of Health. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called 'true' cinnamon, is from Cinnamomum verum trees. Though some studies have suggested that cinnamon supplementation could be helpful for diabetes treatment or for weight loss, more research is needed to investigate the benefits. Similarly, though preliminary research points to a possible role of nasal spray with Ceylon cinnamon as helping with allergic rhinitis, more research is needed to confirm that it could be a treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that 'research doesn't clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition.' Cinnamon is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any medical condition. CNN: What is already known about possible risks of cinnamon consumption? Wen: Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which is a blood thinner. Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin. If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk. In addition, there are known interactions between coumarin and the liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that have high coumarin content could pose health risks for people with liver disease. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there are 'theoretical reasons' to think that there may be interactions between cinnamon and anticancer medications and nicotine. CNN: What did this new study examine? Wen: This new study examined the primary active ingredient of cinnamon, which is called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first looked at whether cinnamaldehyde is well absorbed when orally ingested by examining gastric and intestinal fluids. They found that it is 100% bioaccessible in both fluids that are fasted and fed. That means that whether someone is fasting or has just eaten, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be well absorbed. They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolized into another compound, cinnamic acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect drug metabolism. The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. They urge additional research looking into these possible interactions. Until those studies are complete, as the researchers indicated in an associated news release, they recommend that people looking to take cinnamon as a dietary supplement exercise caution and consult a physician before using. CNN: Which people should use caution? Wen: According to the study's researchers, the list of chronic conditions that should prompt caution before trying cinnamon supplementation includes hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression. I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications — for example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba. CNN: What about sprinkling cinnamon in coffee or on pancakes? Should we be worried? Wen: The researchers are quite clear that a sprinkling of cinnamon for typical culinary use is unlikely to cause problems. What they warn against is what they refer to as 'overconsumption.' This isn't clearly defined, as their study was not set up to examine what could be too high of a level of cinnamon. What overconsumption probably refers to is using concentrated cinnamon products like cinnamon supplements over a prolonged period — for instance, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months. Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions. They should also be aware that there's no clear evidence for the benefit of cinnamon supplementation. CNN: What else would you like for people to know before starting dietary supplements? Wen: Consumers should know that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like they do prescription medications. Under current law, the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the efficacy of dietary supplements. The FDA also does not review supplements before they go to market. Instead, the agency relies on post-market surveillance to identify safety problems. People should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Just because something is marketed as being 'natural' doesn't mean that it is safe. Also, something that is safe in small quantities may become unsafe in large quantities. People should always mention what supplements they are taking or thinking of taking to their health care provider to assess for drug interactions.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Cinnamon could interact with some prescription medications, according to a new study
Prescription drugs Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow While cinnamon is a popular spice used added to many foods, it has a long history of uses in traditional medicine in many cultures. Today, cinnamon products are sold as dietary supplements to help with a variety of healthy conditions, including treating diabetes, promoting weight loss and relieving hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. But how much is too much cinnamon? Could there be negative impacts from overconsumption of cinnamon products? People should be cautious because cinnamon could affect the metabolism of prescription drugs, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. The authors warned against overconsumption of cinnamon-containing substances, especially in individuals with other health conditions. To help us make sense of the study findings and what the major takeaways are for cinnamon consumption, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner. CNN: What is cinnamon — where does it come from and what are its potentially beneficial health effects? Dr. Leana Wen: Cinnamon is a spice that comes the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees. The most common type of cinnamon sold in North America is Cassia cinnamon from the Cinnamomum aromaticum trees, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, which is one of the centers under the National Institutes of Health. Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called 'true' cinnamon, is from Cinnamomum verum trees. Though some studies have suggested that cinnamon supplementation could be helpful for diabetes treatment or for weight loss, more research is needed to investigate the benefits. Similarly, though preliminary research points to a possible role of nasal spray with Ceylon cinnamon as helping with allergic rhinitis, more research is needed to confirm that it could be a treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that 'research doesn't clearly support using cinnamon for any health condition.' Cinnamon is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any medical condition. CNN: What is already known about possible risks of cinnamon consumption? Wen: Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which is a blood thinner. Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin. If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk. In addition, there are known interactions between coumarin and the liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that have high coumarin content could pose health risks for people with liver disease. Moreover, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there are 'theoretical reasons' to think that there may be interactions between cinnamon and anticancer medications and nicotine. CNN: What did this new study examine? Wen: This new study examined the primary active ingredient of cinnamon, which is called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first looked at whether cinnamaldehyde is well absorbed when orally ingested by examining gastric and intestinal fluids. They found that it is 100% bioaccessible in both fluids that are fasted and fed. That means that whether someone is fasting or has just eaten, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be well absorbed. They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is rapidly metabolized into another compound, cinnamic acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect drug metabolism. The possible interference with drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that overconsumption could induce herb-drug interactions. They urge additional research looking into these possible interactions. Until those studies are complete, as the researchers indicated in an associated news release, they recommend that people looking to take cinnamon as a dietary supplement exercise caution and consult a physician before using. CNN: Which people should use caution? Wen: According to the study's researchers, the list of chronic conditions that should prompt caution before trying cinnamon supplementation includes hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression. I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications — for example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba. CNN: What about sprinkling cinnamon in coffee or on pancakes? Should we be worried? Wen: The researchers are quite clear that a sprinkling of cinnamon for typical culinary use is unlikely to cause problems. What they warn against is what they refer to as 'overconsumption.' This isn't clearly defined, as their study was not set up to examine what could be too high of a level of cinnamon. What overconsumption probably refers to is using concentrated cinnamon products like cinnamon supplements over a prolonged period — for instance, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months. Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions. They should also be aware that there's no clear evidence for the benefit of cinnamon supplementation. CNN: What else would you like for people to know before starting dietary supplements? Wen: Consumers should know that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like they do prescription medications. Under current law, the FDA does not have the authority to regulate the efficacy of dietary supplements. The FDA also does not review supplements before they go to market. Instead, the agency relies on post-market surveillance to identify safety problems. People should be cautious about taking dietary supplements. Just because something is marketed as being 'natural' doesn't mean that it is safe. Also, something that is safe in small quantities may become unsafe in large quantities. People should always mention what supplements they are taking or thinking of taking to their health care provider to assess for drug interactions.
