One of the most popular spices in traditional medicine is cinnamon, which has been used by people for centuries. The most common use of cinnamon is to flavor different foods and drinks because it has a sweet and spicy flavor that is loved by many people. But women are not very sure about consuming cinnamon during pregnancy. In this article, we intend to help you by examining the benefits and risks of consuming cinnamon.
Is it safe to eat cinnamon during pregnancy?
Yes, if you consume it in moderation, it will not be dangerous for you. Of course, be sure to consult your doctor before use.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, cinnamon is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. However, it’s important to note that some studies suggest that consuming large amounts of cinnamon during pregnancy may be harmful.
Benefits of eating cinnamon during pregnancy
1. Regulator of blood sugar levels
One of the most common problems faced by women during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, and given that cinnamon has the property of improving insulin sensitivity, it can help regulate your blood sugar. In one of the recent studies, it has been found that if pregnant women consume cinnamon continuously for six weeks, it can have a significant effect in reducing their blood levels.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
When the body fights infections and injuries, the body responds with inflammation. But if this inflammation becomes chronic, it will cause complications during pregnancy. Cinnamon is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods that can help you during pregnancy.
3. Antimicrobial property
When women enter pregnancy, their immune system becomes weak, which exposes their body to the risk of contracting all kinds of germs, bacteria, and fungi. And one of the best options to avoid these dangers is cinnamon, which has several antimicrobial compounds.
4. Improve digestion
By reducing inflammation and promoting the secretion of enzymes that cause food digestion, cinnamon prevents constipation, bloating, and heartburn, which are very common during pregnancy.
Risks of consuming cinnamon during pregnancy
1. Miscarriage
Cinnamon contains coumarin, which in high doses can cause miscarriage. However, the amount of coumarin in cinnamon is relatively low and is generally considered safe in moderate amounts.
2. Potential toxicity
Coumarin is one of the compounds that can cause problems in your liver if you consume a large amount of it. However, the amount of coumarin in cinnamon is very small and safe, but you should avoid taking too much of it, especially during pregnancy.
One study published in the journal “Food and Chemical Toxicology” found that consuming large amounts of cinnamon during pregnancy may increase the risk of liver toxicity in both the mother and developing fetus. Another study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” found that high doses of cinnamon can cause a decrease in fetal weight and increase the risk of premature birth.
3. Risk of an allergic reaction
It rarely happens that someone has an allergic reaction after eating cinnamon, but the symptoms of this type of reaction can be breathing problems, hives, and swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue.
4. Interference with Medications
Cinnamon can interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners, so it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming cinnamon supplements.
5. Uterine Contractions
Cinnamon can cause uterine contractions, which may increase the risk of preterm labor. Pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Precautions to be taken when using cinnamon during pregnancy
- Choose Ceylon Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is lower in coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, which is commonly sold in the United States.
- Avoid Cinnamon Supplements: Pregnant women should avoid taking cinnamon supplements as they may contain higher doses of coumarin.
- Cook with Cinnamon: It is safer to consume cinnamon as a spice in cooked foods rather than consuming it directly in large amounts.
- Talk to Your Doctor: It is important to talk to your doctor before consuming cinnamon during pregnancy, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.
Amount of cinnamon
There is no exact amount for cinnamon consumption, but if you consume it in moderation, it is completely safe for you. The Center for Complementary Health recommends a daily intake of half a teaspoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The effect of cinnamon on the human uterus is still not well understood, so use it with caution.
No, in general, it is safe to take cinnamon supplements, but be sure to take it under the supervision of an expert so that you don’t suffer from the side effects of consuming too much of it.
No study or research proves that cinnamon consumption can cause damage to the fetus, but it should not be consumed in excess due to its toxic properties that affect the health of the fetus.
Cinnamon can cause uterine contractions, which may increase the risk of preterm labor. Pregnant women should avoid consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Yes, it is safe to use cinnamon in moderation in cooked foods during pregnancy.
Ceylon cinnamon is lower in coumarin than Cassia cinnamon, which is commonly sold in the United States and is considered safer for consumption during pregnancy.
Yes, cinnamon has been shown to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
Result
Cinnamon is a type of spice with excellent health properties. But pregnant women should be more careful in consuming and eating it due to their condition. And you should consult with your specialist to use cinnamon during this time.
- Ranasinghe, P., Jayawardana, R., Galappaththy, P., & Constantine, G. R. (2013). Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) on Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 15(4), 289-293.
- Lu, J., Zhang, K., Nam, S., Anderson, R. A., Jove, R., & Wen, W. (2012). Novel angiogenesis inhibitory activity in cinnamon extract blocks VEGFR2 kinase and downstream signaling. Carcinogenesis, 33(12), 2501-2510.
- Allen, R. W., Schwartzman, E., Baker, W. L., Coleman, C. I., Phung, O. J., & Talati, R. (2013). Cinnamon Use in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Family Medicine, 11(5), 452-459.
- Wang, J., Wang, Y., Lou, G., Zou, X., & Xu, Y. (2019). Protective effects of cinnamon extract against liver damage induced by excessive vitamin A in pregnant rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 129, 254-261.
- Joukar, S., Najafipour, H., Dabiri, S., Sheibani, M., & Sharokhi, N. (2015). Effects of Cinnamon Consumption on Glycemic Status, Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 6, 1-7.
