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Cassia Cinnamon

OVERVIEW

Cassia cinnamon is a type of cinnamon. It is prepared from the dried inner bark of a certain evergreen tree. In addition to cassia cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is commonly used. The cinnamon spice found in food stores might contain both of these types of cinnamon. But, the most common cinnamon sold in North America is cassia cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon is most commonly used for diabetes. It is also used for prediabetes, gas (flatulence), obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In food and beverages, cassia cinnamon is used as a flavouring agent.


CLASSIFICATION

Is a Form of:

Cinnamon prepared from the dried inner bark of a certain evergreen tree

Primary Function:

Flavoring Agent

Diabetes

Also Known As:

Bastard Cinnamon, Canela de Cassia, Canelle


HOW DOES IT WORK?

Cassia cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone and similar chemicals. These chemicals seem to improve insulin sensitivity. Cassia cinnamon also contains chemicals that may activate blood proteins that increase blood sugar uptake. These effects may improve blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. Cassia cinnamon also contains cinnamaldehyde. This chemical might have activity against bacteria and fungi. It also seems to stop the growth of some types of solid tumor cells.


USES

  • Taking cassia cinnamon doesn't seem to greatly improve blood sugar control or cholesterol in people with prediabetes. But trials to date have been small. So, larger, higher quality studies are needed to confirm.
  • Mosquito repellent. Early research suggests that applying cassia cinnamon oil cream to the skin can protect against mosquito bites. But it seems to decrease in effectiveness faster than creams containing citronella and geranium oils or DEET.
  • Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
  • Cancer
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Common cold
  • Diarrhea
  • Ending a pregnancy (abortion).
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Gas (flatulence)
  • High blood pressure
  • Joint pain
  • Long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Obesity
  • Symptoms of menopause

RECOMMENDED DOSING

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For diabetes: 120 mg to 6 grams taken daily for up to 4 months for type 2 diabetes.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Are cinnamon and cassia the same?

In North America, the most common spice labeled as cinnamon is actually cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon. It is harvested from the bark of the evergreen Cinnamomum aromaticum tree, which is native to southern Bangladesh, China, India, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Why is cassia cinnamon bad for you?

Cinnamon is a delicious spice, linked to many health benefits. While eating small to moderate amounts is safe, eating too much may cause side effects. This mostly applies to Cassia or “regular” cinnamon because it contains high amounts of coumarin, which has been linked to conditions like liver damage and cancer.

Which type of cinnamon is healthiest?

It Is Better to Use Ceylon ("True" Cinnamon)

All cinnamon should have health benefits, but Cassia may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content. Ceylon ("true" cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it's much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety.

What is the difference between Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon?

So, true to its name, Ceylon Cinnamon cannot originate from elsewhere in the world. Another key difference between the two is found in the taste. Cassia Cinnamon tastes stronger and hotter while Ceylon Cinnamon is full of lighter, brighter citreous tones.

How much cassia cinnamon is safe per day?

Cinnamon contains numerous other plant compounds that may have adverse effects when consumed in high amounts. Use all cinnamon sparingly as a spice. Summary Adults should avoid eating more than 1 teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon per day. Children may tolerate even less.

Is cassia cinnamon bad?

Cassia cinnamon is more commonly found in supermarkets, given that it's much cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon. While Cassia cinnamon is safe to eat in small to moderate amounts, eating too much may cause health problems because it contains high amounts of a compound called coumarin.

Can I use cassia bark instead of cinnamon?

Cassia has an easily identifiable flavour profile. ... You can substitute 'true cinnamon' for cassia bark, but be sure to use less of 'true' cinnamon, as it has a stronger flavour. Ground cinnamon also tends to be stronger than whole cinnamon or cassia, so again, caution in substitutions is recommended.

Should you take cinnamon supplements?

There is no recommended dose of cinnamon supplements or extracts. When used in tablet form, many supplement manufacturers will recommend between 500 milligrams and 6 grams daily,10 usually taken with a carbohydrate-rich meal to avoid side effects.

What is cinnamon Cassia good for?

Cassia cinnamon is most commonly used for diabetes. It is also used for prediabetes, gas (flatulence), obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In food and beverages, cassia cinnamon is used as a flavoring agent.

What is the difference between cassia bark and cinnamon?

Cassia, on the other hand, is a different bark from the cinnamon family. Cassia contains almost the same set of cinnemaldehydes and other essential oils as cinnamon, except that cassia is a lot stronger. Cassia is used rather than "true cinnamon" in savoury Indian and Chinese dishes.

Where can I buy cassia cinnamon?

Cassia, in the form of ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, is readily found in the spice section of the supermarket. True cinnamon is often labeled Ceylon cinnamon and is more likely to be found at a specialty spice store or gourmet grocery.

What is cinnamon used for medically?

Cinnamon: Pantry staple -- and medical powerhouse? One of the most commonly used spices in the world, cinnamon has been linked in various studies to improvement in cholesterol and blood sugar control, and it seems to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Does cassia cinnamon have health benefits?

Cassia cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone and similar chemicals. These chemicals seem to improve insulin sensitivity. Cassia cinnamon also contains chemicals that may activate blood proteins that increase blood sugar uptake. These effects may improve blood sugar control in patients with diabetes.

 


CLINICAL STUDIES