Cinnamon is a spice that is frequently used to prepare sweet dishes. In addition to having a particular flavor, it provides beneficial properties for the body, but can cinnamon be consumed during pregnancy?
Of the various cinnamon types, the Cassia variety is the best known and most commercialized. There are phytochemical compounds responsible for the positive effects on human health. However, there are also secondary substances that can have a negative impact. Find out more in this article.
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Can you take cinnamon during pregnancy?
Cinnamon contains different nutrients and components; therefore, in this spice, you can find vitamins and minerals such as A, complex B, C, E, and K. It also provides calcium, iron, and magnesium.
If you see it this way, through ingestion, you can provide the body with the substances necessary for proper functioning. Conversely, since pregnancy is a stage in which the body prepares for extrauterine life and involves metabolic changes and adaptations, some considerations regarding the consumption of certain products must be considered.
Effects of Cinnamon on Pregnancy
Some documents show that this spice, in humans in general, is used to relieve pain, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and prevent colds, asthma, and digestive diseases, among others.
All this is because it has antioxidants and compounds that act anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. The effect on cell aging has to do with the ability to inhibit free radicals that circulate as metabolic waste. In part, it is the same explanation that supports its antidiabetic potential.
Benefits
So, if it is ingested constantly but moderately, the contribution of cinnamon has a positive action. These benefits include the following:
- It helps reduce nausea and digestive discomfort.
- Control possible spikes in blood pressure.
- Collaborates in the control of blood sugar.
Cinnamon is known to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose transport. In theory, it may have a protective effect against gestational diabetes. However, more studies are required.
What contraindications can cinnamon have in pregnancy?
Contrary to what has been described, cinnamon also has a substance called coumarin, which can cause damage and develop complications during pregnancy in high concentrations.
Specifically, according to an article published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, this compound is a secondary phytochemical (the natural substance of plant origin) that has toxic and carcinogenic effects. Also, pregnancy is a sensitive period, especially the first trimester; its abuse can involve risks.
The level of coumarin present in cinnamon depends on the species. It is known that the species C. loureiroi and C. burmannii contain a higher percentage of the compound than others, such as C. verum. Its use is banned in many countries as an additive, although it is still found in cinnamon-flavored foods and cinnamon food supplements. Let’s look at some possible effects of cinnamon during pregnancy.
Endocrine and metabolic problems in adult offspring
A work published in Endocrine in 2019 suggested that excessive intake of cinnamon during pregnancy and lactation can cause endocrine and metabolic disturbances in offspring. To be more precise, it induces long-term molecular, metabolic, and hormonal changes in adult progeny.
Such changes can lead to increased lipid accumulation and decreased glycogen content in the liver. As with all the contraindications of cinnamon in pregnancy, this complication manifests in principle due to excessive use.
fetal malformation
Various studies and investigations have suggested that cinnamon oil can cause fetal malformation in animals and humans. It can also induce digestive changes and contractions so that the chances of a spontaneous abortion increase. Again, this only happens with cinnamon oil. Its use should be avoided, especially during the first months of pregnancy.
In addition to this, in children who are beginning to taste foods and are genetically predisposed, cinnamon can lead to allergic hypersensitivity. For this reason, it is advisable to be cautious and not introduce it at this stage.
Can you drink cinnamon tea?
Another of the uses that can be given to this spice is to prepare it as an infusion. Up to 30% of pregnant women are estimated to use medicinal plants to prepare tea or other infusions, including cinnamon.
Because the first months cause certain digestive discomforts, the probability of taking these drinks increases, in this sense, it is advisable to know what components they have in order, in any case, not to abuse their intake.
It never hurts to remember that natural herbs can alter sensitive processes, although traditionally considered harmless. That is why advice from obstetrics professionals is necessary to support.
What to remember about the use of cinnamon in pregnancy?
As you will see, in moderate doses, the consumption of cinnamon can positively affect pregnancy, especially in glycemic control, digestive problems, and blood pressure. Remember that the risks associated with coumarin appear only in the face of permanent abuse.
In addition, it is not the only substance that can cause them. Also, consider that other contraindicated components in pregnancy are present in medicinal plants, such as rue, wormwood, and aloe vera.
To conclude, it cannot be said that cinnamon is prohibited or cannot be consumed under any circumstances but must be used conscientiously. But if you still have doubts, you should avoid them as a precaution.