You can drink cinnamon multiple times a day if you keep the amount small (around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon total daily), but it's best to limit intake due to coumarin in Cassia cinnamon, which can harm the liver in large doses; aim for Ceylon cinnamon if possible and consult a doctor, especially if you have liver issues or take medications.
If you're using a cinnamon supplement, doses of 1 mg to 6 mg per day are generally considered safe. Keep in mind that your ideal dose may vary based on factors like your weight. People with a smaller body size may need less, while people with a larger body size may need more.
It's safe to drink as tea, though high doses and certain types can worsen some conditions. Taking large doses of cinnamon for long periods, or drinking a lot of cinnamon tea for a long time, can cause digestive upset. These can include common complaints like nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Heart disease prevention
If you take supplements with at least 1.5 grams of cinnamon a day, it may lower your total cholesterol, LDL (or bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar — especially if you have metabolic disease. It may also lower blood pressure if you consistently take it for more than eight weeks.
Cinnamon tea can be consumed at any time of day, depending on your health goals. In the morning, it may help boost metabolism and kick-start digestion. It's also great post-meal, as it aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon Risks
Coumarin is a chemical compound found in several plants, including cinnamon, that can cause liver damage in large doses.
Cinnamon may interact with certain diabetes medications, blood thinners and blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Drinking cinnamon water 15-20 minutes before eating can aid digestion and help prevent blood sugar spikes after meals. Some people also find benefit in having a warm cup of cinnamon water before bed, as it may help stabilise overnight blood sugar levels and promote better sleep quality.
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How to add Cinnamon to your diet
Cinnamon powder is much finer and easier to mix into recipes, whereas ground cinnamon has a coarser texture and can add a bit of crunch to dishes. This means that cinnamon powder is better suited for baking, while ground cinnamon is better suited for savory dishes. Another difference is in their flavor profile.
Cinnamaldehyde has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response in the body, leading to fewer negative symptoms. Inflammation is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Ceylon cinnamon may be able to reduce symptoms of these conditions.
How to Identify High-Quality Ceylon Cinnamon
The cinnamon ritual is an old spiritual practice where you blow a small amount of ground cinnamon through your front door and into your home. Cinnamon is associated with prosperity, protection, success, and positive energy. The key is intention—what you speak and feel as you do it.
Consuming too much cinnamon has been linked to potentially causing liver toxicity and can be harmful if ingested in large doses. As such, Shapiro's recommended daily intake of cinnamon water is no more than two cups daily.
If you take medications for diabetes, blood sugar problems, or heart disease, check with your doctor before drinking cinnamon tea. Some species of cinnamon also contain high amounts of coumarin that may cause liver failure. Do not drink cinnamon tea if you are on medication for a liver disease.
Nutmeg. Nutmeg is a popular spice that can effectively neutralize the strong flavor of cinnamon, creating a balanced and harmonious taste in various dishes.
Roasted cinnamon pairs beautifully with the classic ingredients of the Middle East, like almonds, raisins, cardamom and cloves.
Cinnamon was thought to help people with inflammation, nerve pain, heart disease, cough, and other conditions. Today, cinnamon products are promoted as a dietary supplement for diabetes and weight loss. Ceylon cinnamon is promoted for allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Cinnamon contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. Warfarin, a commonly used blood-thinning drug, is derived from coumarin. Consuming small amounts of cinnamon in the diet may help support the action of other natural blood thinners. However, research in humans is needed.
Levels that are too high or too low can cause health problems. Herbs such as garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon are healthy in normal amounts consumed in food. However, in pill form these herbs can alter liver enzymes, thin the blood, and change kidney functions.
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