Vitamins & Minerals

true ceylon cinnamon

True Ceylon cinnamon is an ingredient in our Bladderwrack Goodness blend, below you will find fascinating information and a myriad of benefits about this ingredient.

Most cinnamon in the supermarkets is the lower quality, cheaper Cassia variety. However, Ceylon cinnamon has more antioxidants, can increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin and is a great anti-inflammatory. Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of a toxic substance called coumarin, so should only be consumed in very small doses. 

The Ceylon cinnamon tree is native to Sri Lanka and the cinnamon it produces is considered to be of superior quality to other types of cinnamon consumed around the world. True Ceylon cinnamon is not to be confused with Cassia cinnamon, which originates in China. 

Cassia cinnamon is often a dark red colour with thicker sticks than its Sri Lankan counterpart. Most cinnamon available in supermarkets is Cassia cinnamon because it is cheap and it has a stronger flavour than Ceylon cinnamon. True Ceylon cinnamon is a tan colour and is made of tight sticks with soft layers.

Ceylon cinnamon can increase insulin sensitivity and improve insulin resistance. This is very important to diabetics and for maintaining a healthy level of insulin in the body. There is also evidence that cinnamon has the power to block tau protein from entering the brain. Excessive tau protein in the brain has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. 

Cinnamon is generally an excellent anti-inflammatory and can be very effective when treating chronic inflammation. Studies have also shown it to be able to reduce the growth of cancer cells as well as fight both bacterial and fungal infections. 

True Ceylon cinnamon is considered safe to use and even thought to be a good choice as an alternative to synthetic insulin therapy for diabetics.

Key benefits of True Ceylon cinnamon include:

  • Anti-inflammatory Effects: True Ceylon cinnamon contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: The cinnamaldehyde compound found in Ceylon cinnamon have antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. This can have implications for oral health, gut health, and food preservation.
  • Antioxidant Activity: Ceylon cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and can contribute to overall health and disease prevention.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: True Ceylon cinnamon can help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It can also aid in reducing fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control).
  • Cognitive Function: Cinnamon can have neuroprotective effects and help improve cognitive function, memory, and attention.
  • Heart Health: True Ceylon cinnamon has benefits for heart health. It can help lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It can also have positive effects on blood pressure regulation.

Avoid True Ceylon cinnamon if taking the following medications:

  • Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs: True Ceylon cinnamon contains coumarin, which may have blood-thinning properties. Combining it with anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) could increase the risk of bleeding. Use caution and consult a healthcare provider.
  • Liver Medications: True Ceylon cinnamon may affect the liver's ability to metabolise certain medications. It could potentially increase or decrease the effectiveness of drugs metabolised by the liver. Consult a healthcare provider before combining True Ceylon cinnamon with such medications.
  • Diabetes Medications: True Ceylon cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels. Combining it with diabetes medications could potentially enhance the medications' effects, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider.
  • Medications Metabolised by Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: True Ceylon cinnamon may interact with medications metabolised by Cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver. Consult a healthcare provider before combining it with such medications.
  • Immunosuppressants: True Ceylon cinnamon may enhance the effects of immunosuppressant medications, increasing the risk of infections or other complications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining True Ceylon cinnamon with immunosuppressants.

Individuals with the following allergies or medical conditions should use caution or avoid True Ceylon cinnamon:

  • Coumarin Sensitivity: True Ceylon cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage and other adverse effects in sensitive individuals. People with known sensitivity to coumarin should avoid True Ceylon cinnamon or use it with caution.
  • Liver Disorders: Due to its coumarin content, True Ceylon cinnamon may pose risks to individuals with liver disorders or impaired liver function. Excessive consumption of coumarin can exacerbate liver damage. Consult a healthcare provider before using True Ceylon cinnamon if you have liver issues.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited information available on the safety of True Ceylon cinnamon during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before using True Ceylon cinnamon due to potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant.
  • Diabetes: True Ceylon cinnamon may affect blood sugar levels and could interact with diabetes medications. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using True Ceylon cinnamon and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for them.
  • Bleeding Disorders: True Ceylon cinnamon may have blood-thinning properties due to its coumarin content. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should use True Ceylon cinnamon cautiously to prevent excessive bleeding.
  • Allergies to Spices: Some individuals may be allergic to spices, including True Ceylon cinnamon. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching or rash to severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. Use caution if you have known spice allergies.

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DIVE DEEPER

Explore the tabs and discover links between true ceylon cinnamon and various elements

Ground cinnamon, 100 grams

Vitamins present
Value
Minerals present
Value

Choline

11mg – 2%

Iron

8.32mg – 104%

Vitamin A

15µg – 2%

Magnesium

60mg – 14%

Vitamin B1/Thiamine

0.022mg – 2%

Manganese

17.5mg – 673%

Vitamin B3/Niacin

1.33mg – 2%

Phosphorus

64mg – 9%

Vitamin B5/Pantothenic acid

0.358mg – 7%

Selenium

3.1µg – 6%

Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine

0.158mg – 12%

Zinc

1.83mg – 17%

Vitamin C

3.8mg – 4%

Vitamin E

2.32mg – 15%

Vitamin K

31.2µg - 26%