Eating cinnamon sticks seems like a harmless idea, but could there be risks or side effects? Here is a quick overview of what to expect if you snack on the spicy bark.
Upset Stomach
Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. It contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde that gives cinnamon its signature spicy-sweet flavor. While cinnamon is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the FDA, eating more than the recommended serving may irritate your mouth and upset your stomach.
Cinnamon sticks are quite hard and fibrous. Attempting to chew and swallow a whole stick could cause choking or digestive issues. The rough texture and pointy ends of a stick may scratch or puncture your throat or stomach lining. This damage allows stomach acid to irritate the sensitive tissue and provoke nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Toxic Effects
Cinnamaldehyde and other oils in cinnamon bark contain antioxidants and have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, high concentrations of these compounds may be toxic. Eating multiple sticks in one sitting could potentially cause toxic effects.
Animal studies show that extremely high doses of cinnamon oil can cause liver damage. The coumarin content in cinnamon may also produce toxic effects on the liver and kidneys if consumed regularly in excessive amounts. More research is needed to determine safe dosage guidelines for humans.
Blood Sugar Changes
Cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon stimulates insulin receptors and inhibits the enzyme that inactivates insulin. While this effect can help manage diabetes, it may cause excessive blood sugar drops if you do not have diabetes.
Signs of low blood sugar include shakiness, weakness, confusion, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness and fast heartbeat. Severely low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness or seizures. Consuming multiple sticks could compound this risk if you are susceptible to low blood sugar.
Dental Damage
Cinnamon sticks are quite hard and dense. Attempting to chew a whole stick could crack, chip or break your teeth. The stick may also become lodged between teeth or underneath gums. This can cause pain, swelling and damage to dental work like fillings, crowns or bridges.
The fibrous texture of the stick can also abrade the enamel that protects your teeth. Eroded enamel exposes the sensitive dentin underneath and puts you at greater risk for cavities and other dental issues. Damaged gums may become inflamed and bleed easily as well.
Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to cinnamon and may experience reactions after eating it. Symptoms generally include skin inflammation, rashes, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, wheezing, watery eyes and chest pain.
The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon seems to provoke the majority of allergic responses. Allergic reactions tend to be more severe if the cinnamon is consumed in concentrated oil form. Reactions can also worsen with repeated exposure. People with sensitivities may experience increased reactions if they consume multiple sticks at one time.
Drug Interactions
The coumarin found in cinnamon may interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver. These include warfarin, phenprocoumon and other anticoagulant medications. Coumarin can enhance the effects of these blood thinners and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Cinnamon also lowers blood sugar levels. It may interact with diabetes medications causing blood sugar to drop too low. If you take insulin or medications for diabetes, consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of cinnamon.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns
There is not enough reliable information available to determine if cinnamon is safe to consume in amounts greater than food flavoring during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To stay on the safe side, avoid eating more than 1-2 grams per day.
Animal studies suggest coumarin, a compound found in cinnamon, may cause liver damage. It’s unclear if cinnamon could also affect liver function in pregnant or nursing women. More research on the risks is needed.
How Much is Too Much?
Eating small amounts of cinnamon sticks or powder is generally deemed safe. Many sources suggest limiting intake to:
- 6 grams of cinnamon daily for adults
- 2 grams daily for pregnant women
- 1 gram daily for children ages 6-12
- 1⁄2 gram daily for children under 6
Higher doses may be toxic and cause liver damage or other side effects. Consuming more than 5 grams per day for extended periods is not recommended.
One cinnamon stick weighs around 5 grams. So for most healthy adults, 1 stick per day should be safe. Higher amounts may provoke side effects or drug interactions. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating multiple sticks in one sitting.
Conclusion
While cinnamon sticks make a fragrant decoration, they are not intended for consumption. Attempting to eat one could damage your teeth or pose a choking hazard. The safest way to add cinnamon to your diet is by sprinkling ground cinnamon as a spice.
If you do choose to snack on a stick, limit it to one per day with food to reduce the risk of side effects. Avoid giving whole cinnamon sticks to children. And consult your doctor first if you take any medications or have liver conditions. Ultimately, the cinnamon flavor is not worth endangering your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eating cinnamon sticks really be toxic?
Cinnamon is only considered toxic in very high doses. Consuming small amounts, such as a stick a day, is not likely toxic for most healthy people. However, regularly eating multiple sticks per day for months could potentially cause liver damage or other complications.
What amount of cinnamon sticks would cause a toxicity reaction?
The amount varies between individuals based on age, health status and other factors. As a general guideline, more than 5 grams per day for an extended period could potentially overtax the liver’s ability to process coumarin and cinnamaldehyde.
Can you eat cinnamon sticks if you are pregnant?
It’s best to avoid eating more than 1-2 grams of cinnamon per day during pregnancy until more research is available. Consuming high amounts may pose risks to liver function for both mother and baby. Check with your doctor first before eating sticks.
Do cinnamon sticks damage teeth?
Yes, attempting to chew on the hard, fibrous sticks can definitely cause dental damage. Cracks, chips, and loss of enamel and dentin can occur. Sticks can also become painfully lodged in teeth.
Can you eat cinnamon sticks if you have diabetes?
It’s best to consult your doctor first. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar so sticks may interact with diabetes medication and cause glucose to drop too low. Monitor levels closely if consuming sticks.
Are there any benefits to eating cinnamon sticks?
Not really. You can get the same health benefits of cinnamon by using it as a seasoning. Potential risks outweigh any benefit for eating sticks. Simply sprinkle cinnamon powder onto foods or drinks instead.
Can you swallow cinnamon sticks whole?
It is not recommended. Attempting to swallow sticks whole poses a high choking risk and could damage your esophagus. Sticks should always be crushed or powdered before consuming.
What happens if you eat a moldy cinnamon stick?
Moldy cinnamon sticks should not be consumed. Mold produces toxic compounds that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress. At high exposures, mold can become very dangerous to health.
Can too much cinnamon cause liver damage?
Yes, regularly consuming very high amounts of cinnamon may eventually cause toxic effects on the liver. Limit intake to recommended serving sizes. Avoid ingesting concentrated cinnamon oil.
Key Points to Remember
- Cinnamon sticks are not meant to be eaten whole
- Chewing on sticks poses choking and dental risks
- Swallowing sticks may damage the digestive tract
- Eating more than 1 stick per day regularly may cause liver issues
- Allergic reactions are possible, especially with repeated exposure
- Interactions with diabetes drugs and blood thinners could occur
- Pregnant women should limit intake to 1-2 grams per day
- Sprinkle cinnamon powder on foods instead of eating sticks
The Bottom Line
While the aroma of cinnamon sticks is inviting, they are best limited to potpourri. Used in cooking and baking, cinnamon is perfectly safe. However, attempting to snack on sticks could cause more harm than good. At the end of the day, your health and safety are more important than suffering through the unpleasant effects of overindulging in straight cinnamon sticks.
