Did you think cinnamon has only benefits? Reasearch says it could be messing with your health

Cinnamon is a staple in kitchens across the globe, commonly used in everything from baked goods to teas. However, new research from the National Center for Natural Products Research reveals that this everyday spice may not be as harmless as it seems—especially for those taking prescription medications for high blood pressure.

Published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, the study highlights a concerning interaction between cinnamon and certain prescription drugs. The research specifically points to cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, which can influence the body’s ability to metabolize medications. This component triggers receptors that regulate how quickly drugs are broken down and cleared from the body. As a result, higher cinnamon intake could reduce a drug’s effectiveness by speeding up its elimination.

The Role of Coumarin and Potential Health Risks

Adding to the concern, another compound found in cinnamon—coumarin—acts as a natural blood thinner. While this property might seem beneficial in some cases, it can pose significant risks when combined with blood pressure medications or anticoagulants. Even small daily doses, such as one teaspoon, could interfere with these medications and potentially amplify their effects in unsafe ways.

Dr. Clint Steele, a nervous system specialist known for his health-related content on Instagram, recently addressed this issue in a video. He noted that consuming one teaspoon or more of cinnamon daily can affect the impact of blood pressure medications and blood thinners. He advised viewers to speak with their healthcare providers before including cinnamon in their regular diet. Steele also emphasized that while minimal amounts—like one-eighth of a teaspoon—may offer cognitive benefits, larger doses could lead to unwanted complications.

Ceylon vs. Cassia: Not All Cinnamon Is Equal

Experts point out that not all cinnamon varieties pose the same level of risk. According to Amar Chittiboyina, associate director at the research center, "true" cinnamon—also known as Ceylon cinnamon and primarily sourced from Sri Lanka—contains significantly less coumarin than the more common Cassia variety. This makes Ceylon a safer option for individuals who are already on medications with blood-thinning properties.

What Should You Do?

Despite these findings, researchers and medical professionals are not urging people to eliminate cinnamon from their diets altogether. A small sprinkle in your morning latte or favorite dish is unlikely to cause harm. However, those with chronic health conditions—such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, or even depression—should be cautious when using cinnamon or any dietary supplement.

Shabana Khan, the lead scientist behind the study, warns against the overconsumption of supplements without medical supervision. She explained that large, unchecked doses can lead to faster clearance of medications from the system, potentially making them ineffective. This highlights the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before making dietary changes involving herbal supplements like cinnamon.