In recent years, the beloved cinnamon roll has been the subject of controversy in Denmark. Despite its widespread popularity as a sweet treat, this pastry almost faced a ban in Denmark due to concerns over its potential harm to human health.
While cinnamon may seem innocuous, there are limits to how much of it our bodies can safely consume. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Denmark almost banned cinnamon rolls and whether or not their concerns were justified. So, if you’re a fan of this sticky, sweet pastry and curious about its potential health risks, read on to discover the truth about cinnamon and its effects on our bodies.
Cinnamon and tonka beans
Is cinnamon harmful? The answer is no, as long as you don’t exceed a certain quantity. However, it can harm your body if you go past this quantity and into excess.
One of the compounds found in cinnamon is coumarin, a natural substance that’s also found in other plants, including tonka beans and sweet clover. Coumarin has a sweet, vanilla-like flavor and is often used as a fragarance in perfumes and cosmetics. However, when ingested in large quantities coumarin can be harmful to your health.
Tonka beans, which are native to South America, contain very high levels of coumarin and are illegal in the United States. In Europe, the use of tonka beans as a food flavoring is also banned. Cinnamon, on the other hand, contains much lower levels of coumarin than tonka beans, but it’s still important to be aware of how much you are consuming.
Coumarin and liver damage
So, what exactly is coumarin, and why can it be harmful? Coumarin is a natural substance that acts as an anticoagulant, which means it can thin your blood and prevent blood clots. While this can be beneficial in some cases, consuming too much coumarin can cause liver damage and other health problems.
In recent years, there has been some controversy over the safety of cinnamon due to its coumarin content. In 2013, Denmark nearly banned cinnamon rolls due to their high coumarin content. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has since concluded that consuming moderate amounts of cinnamon is safe for most people.
According to the EFSA, consuming up to 0.1mg of coumarin per kilogram of body weight per day is safe for most adults. This means that a person who weighs 70kg (154 pounds) can safely consume up to 7mg of coumarin per day. However, children and people with liver problems should be more cautious when consuming cinnamon, as they may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of coumarin.
So how can you enjoy cinnamon without putting your health at risk? The key is moderation. Most people can safely consume up to 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day, which is enough to add flavor to your food without causing you to ingest too much coumarin.
Types of cinnamon
It’s also important to note that different types of cinnamon contain different levels of coumarin. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true cinnamon,” contains much lower levels of coumarin than cassia cinnamon, which is the most commonly used type of cinnamon in the United States. If you’re concerned about your coumarin intake, consider using Ceylon cinnamon instead of cassia cinnamon.
In addition to being a tasty spice, cinnamon has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of cinnamon.
In conclusion, cinnamon is a staple in many kitchens. Be mindful of how much you’re consuming, but there’s no need to completely ban cinnamon rolls from your life. As long as you’re using cinnamon in moderation, you can still enjoy all of its delicious flavor and potential health benefits.
