Cinnamon's allure: From warming spice to health powerhouse

As the weather turns colder, this spice becomes indispensable. We use it in coffee, porridge, winter tea, sautéed plums, and cottage cheese… It complements many dishes, including savoury ones, providing warmth and an oriental flair. However, it's best to use it sparingly.

Cinnamon is a very popular spice, renowned for its delightful aroma. However, that's not its only appeal. It's particularly useful in the autumn due to its numerous health benefits, although, as always, there’s a caveat.

Cinnamon ranks among the most popular spices globally. Around 39,000 metric tons are produced annually. It is also known as "sweet wood." It is derived from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. The most popular varieties are Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) and Chinese cinnamon (cassia), but there are nearly 250 species of this tree. Worldwide production of cinnamon is approximately 39,000 metric tons each year.

Ceylon cinnamon is the most recommended type because it contains about 250 times fewer harmful coumarins (coumarins in excessive amounts are toxic) than Chinese cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon originates from areas now within Sri Lanka. When shopping, opt for Ceylon cinnamon and products containing this variety rather than the Chinese version. Though it may be more costly, this type of cinnamon serves as a spice and offers more health benefits.

Though cinnamon offers numerous health benefits, excessive consumption can be harmful. This is mainly a concern with cassia cinnamon due to its coumarin content. Consuming large quantities regularly could potentially lead to liver or kidney damage and may cause blood clotting issues in individuals taking blood thinners. Therefore, using cinnamon in moderation is essential and choosing the safer alternative—Ceylon cinnamon, which has much lower coumarin levels.

How much cinnamon is safe? Experts suggest not exceeding half a teaspoon of cassia cinnamon per day. The better choice is always Ceylon cinnamon, which contains significantly less coumarin and can be consumed in larger amounts. If you use cinnamon daily, ensure you know which type you are using. This spice not only warms you swiftly but also helps regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, and aids metabolism.