While cinnamon is a popular spice used in many foods, as well as in the coastal medicine of many cultures for years, new research shows that it should not be reckless.

Today, cinnamon is present in many dietary supplements and is widely considered to help treat diabetes, weight loss, allergic rhinitis and more.

However, according to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, cinnamon should not be overturned, such as through dietary supplements, as it may affected him metabolism.

Speaking to CNN, Liana Ven, an emergency doctor and an associate professor at George Washington University explains the conclusions of the new research.

What is cinnamon – where does it come from and what are its beneficial effects on health

Cinnamon is a spice coming from the dried cinnamomum tree bark. The most common type of cinnamon is Cassia cinnamon from the trees Cinnamomum Aromaticum.

OR cinnamonsometimes called “true” cinnamon, comes from the trees cinnamomum verum.

Although some studies have shown that cinnamon consumption can help treat diabetes or weight loss, more research is needed to investigate its benefits, the doctor says.

Similarly, although preliminary research shows that nasal spraying with Ceylon cinnamon can help in allergic rhinitismore research is also needed to confirm the her therapeutic propertynotes.

Also, cinnamon has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any medical condition.

Are there health risks?

Cassia cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarinwhich is a anticoagulant. Ceylon cinnamon can also contain traces of coumarin. If someone who is already taking anticoagulants consumes a large amount of coumarin, may have Increased risk for bleeding.

In addition, there are well -known interactions between coumarin and liver. Prolonged use of cinnamon products that are high in coumarin could create risks to the health of people with liver disease.

At the same time, there are “theoretical reasons” for which experts believe that there may be interactions between cinnamon and anti -cancer drugs and her nicotine, But no specific studies have been done on this.

What did the new study examine

The new study examined the main active ingredient of cinnamon, called cinnamaldehyde. Researchers first examined whether cinnamaldehyde is absorbed When it is hired by mouth, examining gastric and intestinal fluids.

They found whether one is fasting or not, cinnamaldehyde is expected to be absorbed equally well.

They then discovered that cinnamaldehyde is quickly metabolized in another compound, cinnamal acid, and that it can activate multiple receptors that affect the metabolism of drugs.

Possible intervention in drug metabolism is what led the authors to conclude that Over -consumption could cause interactions.

Researchers point out that there should be additional research on these interactions. Until these studies are completed, they recommend people who consume cinnamon As a dietary supplement to be careful and to consult a doctor.

Who should be more attention

According to the study researchers, the people who need to be more attentive are those who have hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis; asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS and depression.

Also, those who use anticoagulants – For example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke. In addition to the medicines cleaned through the liver, there are other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and Gingko Biloba.

Sprinkle cinnamon in foods?

The researchers are absolutely clear, however use of cinnamon in cooking is unlikely to cause problems.

What they warn is the “overconsumption“That is, the use of concentrated cinnamon products, such as nutritional supplements, for a prolonged period of time – for example, taking cinnamon capsules every day for months.