John Myers
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Whether the consumption of cinnamon during pregnancy is harmful depends not only on the amount you eat. Find out what you need to know about the effects of cinnamon on your health and that of your baby in this post.
Only consume cinnamon in moderation during pregnancy
Cinnamon is said to have a labor-inducing effect. For this reason, it is often advised during pregnancy to consume the spice with caution.
- However, there are no scientific studies that clearly prove this. But there are just as few studies that clearly give the all-clear.
- There are different statements about whether cinnamon is harmful during pregnancy or not. However, most doctors see no problem if you enjoy a cinnamon star every now and then.
- Two ingredients in cinnamon can be problematic for your health and that of your baby: coumarin and cinnamaldehyde.
- Larger amounts of cinnamaldehyde can be harmful to your baby.
- According to the Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR), the intake of large amounts of coumarin leads to liver damage.
- Cinnamon can also cause allergic reactions. If you suffer from a pollen allergy, you may be at risk of developing an allergy to cinnamon as well. In addition to coumarin, the ingredient safrole can trigger such an allergy.
Cinnamon is not just cinnamon
There are two different plants from which cinnamon can be obtained.
- The cheaper and more widespread cassia cinnamon is obtained from the Chinese cinnamon tree “Cinnamomum cassia”. Cassia cinnamon contains a lot of coumarins.
- Ceylon cinnamon, which is obtained from the real cinnamon tree with the botanical name “Cinnamomum verum”, is significantly healthier.
- So if you use cinnamon as a spice or baking ingredient, you should use the healthier Ceylon cinnamon – not only during pregnancy.
- However, you should completely avoid cinnamon powder capsules during pregnancy, as they are offered as a dietary supplement.
- The Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns of the harmful effects on mother and child due to the high concentrations of coumarin and cinnamaldehyde.
