Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Charlotte May Pexels Logo Photo: Charlotte May

Can I take a teaspoon of cinnamon daily?

For the majority of people, cinnamon is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts – no more than 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children.

What sleeping position helps you lose fat?
What sleeping position helps you lose fat?

Side sleeping: This position helps to improve sleep, lose weight and pain. back, avoid swelling in legs, buttocks, thighs. Sleeping on the left...

Read More »
What does Doctor Oz recommend for weight loss?
What does Doctor Oz recommend for weight loss?

Mehmet Oz created the Dr. Oz 21-Day Weight-Loss Breakthrough Diet, a three-week diet plan intended to "jump-start" weight loss followed by a...

Read More »

Derived from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, the bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form. A favourite household spice, cinnamon was once traded as currency. The spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell, making it popular in cooking, especially in sweet bakes and savoury curries. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our delicious cinnamon recipes, from cinnamon buns to cinnamon tea.

Nutritional benefits of cinnamon

One teaspoon (3g) of cinnamon (ground) provides:

7Kcal / 31KJ

0.1g Protein

0.9g Carbohydrate

1.6 Fibre

5 health benefits of cinnamon

1. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Cinnamon is thought to have many medicinal and soothing properties, and is used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon derives from the essential oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde displays anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

2. May support gut health

Some spices, including cinnamon, have prebiotic properties. These bacteria may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate any digestive issues.

3. May help manage blood pressure

There is some evidence to suggest that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a short-term reduction in blood pressure. Although the evidence is hopeful, it is early days and more long-term random controlled trials are needed.

4. Lowers blood sugar and risk of type-2 diabetes

Cinnamon has a reputation for helping manage blood sugar. It appears to do this by a number of different mechanisms, including managing the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream and mimicking the blood sugar management hormone, insulin. Human trials are promising and suggest cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

5. May be beneficial for the aging brain

Conditions like Alzheimer’s are more common as we age, and are characterised by a progressive deterioration of brain cells. In Alzheimer’s, accumulation of protein fragments in the brain act by slowing how a person thinks and remembers. Cinnamon contains two compounds that appear to inhibit the build-up of these proteins. Much of this evidence is derived from animal studies, so there is still more for us to learn with regards to the effects for humans.

Is cinnamon safe for everyone?

How many sodas until you get diabetes?
How many sodas until you get diabetes?

People who consume sugary drinks regularly—1 to 2 cans a day or more—have a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who rarely...

Read More »
Where does lost fat go?
Where does lost fat go?

Fat leaves the body as carbon dioxide when you breathe and is also released as water through urine and sweat. So if you think about it, that backs...

Read More »

For the majority of people, cinnamon is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a culinary spice and in small amounts – no more than 1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circumstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis. It’s worth remembering that most of the cinnamon purchased from supermarkets is a variety called Cassia cinnamon – this has a stronger taste and is cheaper to buy. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which in large doses may cause toxicity. Ceylon, or 'true' cinnamon, has relatively low levels of coumarins and may be better tolerated. If consumed in large amounts, cinnamon may interact with prescribed medication, including those for diabetes, heart and liver disease. If you’re on prescription medication, have a relevant medical condition or have other related concerns, speak to your GP for further guidance.

Healthy recipes with cinnamon

Cinnamon porridge with banana & berries

Cinnamon-rubbed salmon with couscous & harissa yogurt

Cinnamon crêpes with nut butter, sliced banana & raspberries

Clementine & honey couscous

Check out more of our cinnamon recipes.

This article was updated on 22 November 2021 by Kerry Torrens.

Jo Lewin is a registered nutritionist (RNutr) with the Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health. Follow her on Twitter @nutri_jo. Kerry Torrens is a qualified nutritionist (MBANT) with a postgraduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the past 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

Does metformin change your body shape?
Does metformin change your body shape?

In women, both lifestyle intervention and metformin also reduced waist circumference and subcutaneous fat, whereas in men lifestyle intervention...

Read More »
What are the side effects of using Hydroxycut?
What are the side effects of using Hydroxycut?

The agency pointed to 23 cases of liver-related problems associated with the use of Hydroxycut. These included jaundice, brown urine, fatigue,...

Read More »
Is loss of appetite A side effect of Ozempic?
Is loss of appetite A side effect of Ozempic?

Some of the most common Ozempic side effects include: Gastrointestinal symptoms like upset stomach (nausea and vomiting), stomach pain, loss of...

Read More »
Does B12 make you lose weight?
Does B12 make you lose weight?

There's no solid proof that vitamin B-12 shots, also called injections, help you lose weight. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B complex vitamin....

Read More »