The extensive commercialization of cinnamon for different purposes has popularized two main varieties, Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Both different and with different effects on health, mainly when you seek to consume daily.
In this article, let's learn about the main difference between both types of cinnamon and its effect when consumed daily.
Is daily consumption of cinnamon dangerous?
Daily consumption of cinnamon is recommended due to its contribution of essential oils. It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive problems. Its benefits have been the subject of scientific research in many universities, finding that cinnamon provides many health benefits.Firstly, it has lipid-lowering properties, that is, it has the ability to reduce lipid levels in the blood. In addition, it helps reduce cardiovascular diseases and has a positive effect on diseases with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. In recent years, studies on the effect of cinnamon on the regulation of blood glucose levels have increased, and although they are not conclusive studies, daily consumption of cinnamon is already being related to a decrease in sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol.
Simply put, there are important health reasons for cinnamon to be consumed daily. But this has also raised alarms about possible toxicity in the liver, causing a hepatotoxic effect if the original cinnamon is not consumed. Its powder version is essential to look closely at the label to knowwhich of the varieties is it, since when it is ground it is
impossible to differentiate them. The Cassia variety is mostly grown in southern
China, while Ceylon comes from Sri Lanka, India, South Asia and
other parts of the world
Ceylon, the best cinnamon for your health
The original cinnamon is the Ceylon type Sri Lankan cinnamon, although the most commercialized has been the Cassia cinnamon from southern China. Both have a vital difference and that is the amount of coumarin they present. Coumarin is a compound present in high quantities in Cassia cinnamon, reaching up to 1%, which means that half a teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon (approximately 2 grams) contains 20 mg of coumarin. At this point it is important to highlight that the European Union (EU) set a maximum permitted limit of 0.1 mg of coumarin per kilo of weight per day to avoid hepatotoxic effects.
According to some studies carried out, the amount of coumarin can vary from one bark to another, and even within the same tree bark. And Ceylon cinnamon can have up to 63 times less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon.