How much cinnamon should i take a day

But even with cinnamon's curative effects, never use it in place of medications or treatments provided by your doctor for any condition. If you plan on adding a daily dose of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to your diet, check with your doctor first. Cinnamon can negatively interact with some prescription medications, including antibiotics, diabetes medications and heart disease medications. Some people are allergic to cinnamon too.

Downing a straight teaspoon of ground cinnamon isn't realistic, but this aromatic spice is easy to add to lots of foods and beverages you consume daily. Mix a teaspoon into a cup of hot tea, or mix it with your coffee prior to brewing — added bonus: a house that smells fantastic. If you're not a coffee drinker, make a soothing hot drink with soy milk, honey and a few dashes of cinnamon. Read more: Benefits of Cinnamon Tea.

Cinnamon is a natural addition at breakfast time. Sprinkle it over scrambled eggs, oatmeal or cottage cheese. Blend it into yogurt with chopped apples. Cinnamon may also be added to a smoothie made with blended banana, milk and blueberries. Be creative when consuming your teaspoon. Cinnamon also makes a tasty ingredient in beef stews and chili. Sprinkle it in the pot as the meal cooks, or add a dusting to the top of your serving.

Nutrition Cooking and Baking Herbs and Spices. By Andrea Boldt Updated January 27, Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience. Andrea Boldt. Andrea Boldt has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years.

A personal trainer, run coach, group fitness instructor and master yoga teacher, she also holds certifications in holistic and fitness nutrition. The antioxidants in a teaspoon of cinnamon makes it a valuable anti-inflammatory. Video of the Day. Tip A teaspoon of cinnamon can add more antioxidants to your diet and offer health benefits for your heart and brain. About Cinnamon. Two primary types of cinnamon are available.

In one six-week double blind randomized control trial , individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomized to two dietary intervention groups: those taking six cinnamon pills per day equal to 3 grams and those taking six capsules of wheat flour per day equivalent to 2. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce several of the most common risk factors for heart disease.

While not every study has shown that cinnamon has any noticeable effects on heart health, several small studies have found that cinnamon pills can help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, cinnamon may help prevent the formation of blood clots. Cinnamon contains a number of antioxidants and beneficial compounds that help control inflammation and fight free radical damage, such as tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and anthraquinones.

Cinnamon also increases circulation, improves tissue repair and can help full pain. Cinnamon is believed to support cognitive health by protecting neurons against oxidative stress and reducing cell damage due to its antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties. Cinnamon contains many antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties , which means it can support the immune system and help to lower the risk for infections such as candida, bronchitis, the common cold, strep throat and pneumonia.

Cinnamon can also help freshen your breath and support dental health by killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, cinnamon seems to help treat skin conditions, including acne, redness and irritation, rosacea and skin allergies. How many cinnamon capsules should you take?

At this time there is no established dosage of cinnamon. After four weeks, the twice-daily spray improved pulmonary function measures with no notable side effects. Cassia cinnamon, the kind normally found in grocery stores, contains high concentrations of a compound called coumarin. If consumed in high doses, cinnamon can cause heartburn, indigestion, and mild sweating. Over time, the accumulation of coumarin in the body can impede blood clotting and lead to liver damage.

Cinnamon supplements should be avoided in people taking blood thinners like Coumadin warfarin as this can lead to bleeding problems, including bruising and nosebleeds. Do not take a cinnamon supplement before surgery or a dental procedure. Cinnamon essential oil is highly potent and may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if taken internally. While a single drop in a cup of tea may not do you any harm, anything more should be avoided, even if the oil is "therapeutic grade.

If used topically, cinnamon essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil. If left undiluted, cinnamon oil can cause skin irritation, redness, rash, and a burning sensation. Never apply cinnamon vaginally to treat a yeast infection. Cinnamon can also trigger an allergic response in some people, usually mild to moderate in severity.

Symptoms can include rash, nasal congestion, dizziness, or nausea. Call or rush to your nearest emergency room if you develop wheezing, shortness of breath, facial or throat swelling, vomiting, or abnormal heart rate after taking a cinnamon supplement.

The safety of cinnamon supplements in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children has not been established. There is no recommended dose of cinnamon supplements or extracts.

When used in tablet form, many supplement manufacturers will recommend between milligrams and 6 grams daily, usually taken with a carbohydrate-rich meal to avoid side effects. Ceylon cinnamon is always the better option for therapeutic use as it contains far less coumarin than Cassia cinnamon. When buying a cinnamon supplement or extract, always check to see if it contains Ceylon cinnamon Cinnamomum verum or Cassia cinnamon Cinnamomum cassia.

You can assume that the cinnamon spice on grocery store shelves is Cassia cinnamon. You can buy cinnamon supplements online or at many health food stores or supplement stores. Most are offered in either a milligram 0. Cinnamon extract is also available in gel cap formulations. The type offered in a dropper bottle is mostly used for cooking and can vary considerably in concentration. Before starting on a cinnamon supplement or any type of supplement, always check with your healthcare provider.

To ensure the utmost safety and quality, choose supplements that have been tested and approved by a recognized certifying body such as the U. When purchasing cinnamon essential oil, always look for organic oils with both a distillation and expiry date on the label.

There should also be a listed country of origin as well as a botanical name. Since there is no standard definition of purity for essential oils, these details can separate the good oils from the bad. If using cinnamon oil topically, dilute it with a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil before applying to the skin.

A maximum 5 percent concentration or roughly 30 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil is considered safe for adults. Cinnamon essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin or taken internally, even if it has been classified as "therapeutic grade.

Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor who received her B. Medical review by Heather Moday, M. Heather Moday, M. Last updated on September 30, Two main types of cinnamon. Cinnamon packs an antioxidant punch. Cinnamon can lower blood sugar and carb cravings. Cinnamon may lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Cinnamon has cancer-fighting properties.

Cinnamon may keep your brain healthy and your memory sharp. How much cinnamon is safe to consume per day? Are there any other side effects of cinnamon? Kayleigh Roberts mbg Contributor. Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor living in Los Angeles, California. She earned a B. She covers More On This Topic Recipes. Eliza Sullivan. Abby Moore. With Amy Shah, M. Integrative Health.