Thursday
May062010
Is the cinnamon in your pantry harming you?
Cinnamon is a wonderful treat and also a benefit to our health as well. But the problem with using this spice is the imitation cinnamon (Saigon Cinnamon) contains a toxin called coumarin. Check out the studies below that help illustrate this point.
NPR Radio - German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger:
-Click here to download the transcript-
Clinical Care - Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids:
-Click here to download the study done on the benefits of Cinnimon-
Wikipedia on Coumarin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coumarin
Google search for Ceylon Cinnamon:
http://www.google.com/products?q=ceylon+ground+cinnamon&hl=en&price1=&price2=20.00&lnk=prsugg&show=dd
How do you feel about this wonderful spice?
May 6, 2010
Reader Comments (841)
I first want to say that I have your Belly Fat Cure book and have successfully lost 25 lbs. YAY. I like cinnamon and it can be good for you but I have never purchased or thought of purchasing a generic version. I have not viewed the links above but would like to suggest not using Wikipedia as a source. The problem with this is that anyone can add and change Wikipedia. There is no professional or scientific backup for what is on Wikipedia and a lot of the information on it is someones opinion. Professionally and academically Wikipedia is a no no for referencing. I'm sure that there are other "legit" sources that you can link to other than Wikipedia.
thanks for the information
Thank you, Jorge, for alerting us to this!! I JUST started the Belly Fat Cure for my whole family, and just last weekend bought all the ingredients for our new way of eating; including some.....you guessed it, Saigon Cinnamon!! What's funny is that I had a strange feeling about the Cinnamon, but bought it anyway. It's still unopened in my pantry, but I'm going to take it back and get the Ceylon Cinnamon. Thank you for all you do for we who are trying to lead healther lives; thank you for making a difference!!
Thank you for the info. I have successfully lost 40 lbs on the Belly Fat Cure. I have 10 friends and family members that have purchased your book and have been successful as well. I have been on many diets and have spent alot of money and this by far is the easiest way I have ever lost weight.
i have two ground cinnamon in my pantry but both are store brand, shoprite and king kullen and do not say where they are from or what kinds they are.
What should I do?
Great to hear from you again! Missed your emails.
I have lost 23 lbs so far since October 2009.
Thank you so much for the information.
Watkins Cinnamon states there are two kinds of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia. Would the Cassia be the same as the Saigon?
How can you tell the difference between pure cinnamon and the toxic.
I have been using the ceylon cinnamon for years. The only place I have been able to find it is at penzey's spices. www.penzeys.com (I think, if not you can google it). all their spices are ground fresh and have no preservatives. YUMMY!
Jorge, do you have any way to jump start your program? I'm down 25, but slacked off for a while, now I am ready to buckle down and lose the rest. I just need a good kick in the butt....
AWESOME Enlightening INFORMATION. I've had your book for 6 weeks now and have lost about 12 pounds by JUST CHANGING WHAT I EAT. I've always worked out so I know the NEW RESULTS are a credit to THE BELLY FAT CURE BOOK. The ILLUSTRATIONS and Quick, YUMMY, Easy recipes in the book keeps me coming back for more ways to excite my pallett LESS the belly fat.
Thanks Jorge! I'm sure to support your next book too...of course at a much HEALTHIER WIEGHT and a FLATTER BELLY.
The McCormick and Spice Island labels don't say where they come from. McC label just generically lists the countires it grow, not what is in their product, unless they changed labels recently. The Mexican packaged spices say that their "old-fashioned" cinnamon is Ceylon (Sri Lanka) cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon is available in my local regular grocery store. Thanks Jorge! I read the links and found much published information on the dangers. I'll use my old cassia cinnamon on my mouse traps from now on!
Thank you Jorge for the great info.
How is the Cinnamon from Mexico???
There is so much available to us from across the border.
And it can be bought in both forms, ground and sticks, because of the proximity.
Thank you for taking care of us...
WOW! Jorge, thank you so much for the information. I love cinnamon and of course, I have the toxic kind in my spice drawer. I am getting rid of it today and getting the Salon(?) as soon as I can.
Thanks again
You are awesome to keep us informed like this! Kudos!
I'm taking CinSulin but it does not say where the cinnamon comes from, how do I tell?
I also buy the cinnamon I use in cooking at Sprouts (in bulk), where does that come from?
The Wiki reads about Coumarin and Cinnamon are quite interesting. The last container of cinnamon I purchased does not indicate where the spice originated. I've just written to the distributor for more information. I have also purchased cinnamon in bulk and haven't noted it's origin before. I suspect that most labels may not have that information. What can we safely assume about products labelled as cinnamon? Consume in typical moderation? Or don't purchase before it's origin is known?
Jorge, I have been adding about a tsp. of cinnamon to my cereal for a couple of years as I had read the info on the benefits you can receive from it. Now I have read your info regarding coumarin and the danger it can have. I have no idea where my cinnamon comes from except that it is called "Baker's Select" and is sold in the Dollar Tree Store. It says on the container that it is distributed by: Greenbrier Int'l, 500 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320 (Made in U.S.A.). There is no phone # or email to reach this company. I guess I should call information and try to get a number to find out (if they know) what country the cinnamon comes from. Maybe I answered my own question, but if you have any other ideas, please let me know. Also, how long does taking something like this (if it does come from Saigon) would it do harm?
Thank you, Pam O'Neil
Hi Jorge, Yes, I have the bad cinnamon in my spice rack. Will get rid of it ASAP. However, what about taking Cinnamon Capsules. Are those bad for you too?
Jorje, Thank you so much for this valuable piece of info. I have been putting a teaspooon of cinnimon a day with coffee because I had heard about that glucose and lipids study. Little did I know though, last time at Costco I picked up a huge container of Saigon cinnamon! I will be getting a new one today.
Hi,
From what I read Cumerin /Turmeric is good to decrease inflammation process in the body. Some studies have shown it is useful in decreasing inflammation for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I would be careful calling something toxic without all the facts.
When you know better you do better. Thank you!
Hi,
I have to retract my post. I reviewed your materials and see your talking about a different spice. Sorry for my misunderstanding.
WOW !!! I HAVE AND USED THE SAIGON CINNAMON:( SCARY! I didnt want it but it was all that Costco had so I bought it.Later bought regular at the grocery store because we didnt like the taste.I am throwing it in the trash after im off the computor!!! Thank Jorge and crew for all the info you share with us!
How do you tell if the cinnamon is good? It comes from Smart & Final and has both English and Mexican print. I can only tell that is distributed by a company is LA.
I have been adding cinnamon to my coffee grinds before I make my coffee. I started this when I started the BFC after I read about the benefits of cinnamon. Thank you for telling me about the differences. My guess is the store brand I have been using(because it's cheap) is that not so good one! I put about 2 tbls in my coffee grinds-YUM!!
I was on the belly fat cure diet for approx. 5 weeks and lost nothing but about 3 lbs. I need to lose 8 pounds.
Thank you for the information about the cinnamon. I would not find the differences between brand of cinnamons. until you made that comment.
Hi,
I am confused by the "German Cookie" report. First, you atate that the cinnamom used in Eurpope is the good Ceylon cinnamon; so why are the German Christmas cookies toxic? Also, the report states simply that "cinnamon contains coumarin", with no distinction among varieties. Please clarify. Thank you!
At Frontier's website (which is where I buy cin) they list several types, not sure if the other types are good or not.
Vietnamese (Cinnamomum loureirri) (the Saigon)
Chinese (Cinnamomum aromaticum)
Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum)
Korintje (Cinnamomum burmanii)
I have successfully lost 40 ilbs on this diet..combining it with exercise..the weight just comes right off..need 20 to 25 more to go and I am set!! and this WILL be for life!!.....Thank you Jorge for all the advice and info..you are a life saver....
Here's a little more info--
Though often used interchangeably, cassia and cinnamon are not the same. Cinnamomum cassia (grown primarily in China and Indonesia) is reddish-brown and pungently sweet, while Cinnamomum zeylanicum (from Sri Lanka and India) is buff-colored and mild. Cassia is usually preferred for its more intense color and flavor.
Korintji (thick quill cinnamon) and Batavia (thin quill cinnamon) are two types of C. cassia . Korintji comes from a higher altitude than the Batavian and has a slightly more intense reddish-brown color and sharp cinnamon flavor; it's considered the better variety. There are many species of cassia, including C. aromaticum (from China), C. burmannii (from Indonesia), and C. loureirii (from Vietnam or Saigon). True cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, is obtained from C. verum, grown in Sri Lanka. It's tan and very mild.
Now, my question is when "they" talk about cinnamon's benefits, exactly what plant is that they did studies on?
I just listened to this recent post about the dangerous type of cinnamon. I immediately went to my cabinet and pulled out my bottle of cinnamon. It does not list the type of cinnamon that it is. Should I toss it and make sure that I have one specifically labeled "ceylon" cinnamon???
I am so impressed that you know this information. Very few people know this and it is difficult to explain but you explained it well with out going into the details. However, it is not all the easy to find and it really does not taste that great..
If I am wrong, please let me know. I think in small doses such as cooking there is not enough to be harmful but when people start taking mega doses for their health that is where the trouble starts. Thanks for being on top of this.
Couldn't you just go to a South East Asian store that imports its food and ask for their cinnamon? That would be the best source to find the "right" type. If it's not there, I'm sure you could ask the grocer/owner to order some for you. Just a thought for those who figured going online was the only was to get this version of the spice.
Hi George,
I have your books and love them. Just reading your email on cinnamon which was very interesting. I have been putting it on my cereal for years . Am about to run to the pantry and read where its from. Thanks for the warning, if it wasn't for people like you none of us would know what we are eating!!!
Thanks again
Angela Australia
I looked in my pantry and found out that I've been using Saigon cinnamon all these time. I throw it out. And I'm scared of what will be the side effects of this in my liver and kidney. Why are they still allowing it in the market if it's dangerous to health?
I love cinnamon and didn't know about the 4 different types. Just did some online research and the bottle I now have in my spice rack contains another type of cinnamon called cinnamonum burmannii which is neither cassia or Ceylon. Apparently it still has lower levels of coumarin. This is disturbing because it is labeled USDA organic and I trusted that it would be completely safe. i have emailed the manufacturer, Frontier Foods, about whether they have tested the coumarin levels and will see what they say. But I will be looking for Ceylon cinnamon in the meantime. Thanks Jorge for bringing this to our attention.
I recently bought (ordered) a # of Ceylon cinnamon, very expensive. If you are buying cinnamon at a cheap price it is definately not from Ceylon. I personally would not throw the Siagon cinnamon out as a little in baking isn't that bad, that is just my thought about it. I live in San Diego and called many many stores to find the Ceylon cinnamon but it just wasn't available even here so I ordered it.
http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/8487 The FAQs page at this German gov't website (somewhat equivalent to the US's FDA I'm guessing?) may help clarify the risk for the general public. I don't think this is an issue to become alarmed about, probably. The risk to the livers of most people is apparently temporary and reversible. People who should most be concerned are those who already have liver damage or are eating very large amounts of Vietnamese or Saigon cinnamon (aka "cassia.")
For anyone who is concerned and wants to buy Ceylon cinnamon only, it can be obtained mail order from Penzey's. Penzey's also has shops in much of the US, concentrated in large metro areas and in the upper Midwest, because they originated in Wisconsin. Their products are reliably sourced and of good quality.
Jorge,
Thank you for this awesome information. Do you have any info on Cinnamomum cassia (bark)?
I take 1000 mg daily at night because I had heard it helps your circulation and heart as well.
I also take cinnamon in capsule form to reduce my blood sugar. I'm interested in knowing if the capsules are bad. I was taking 2 of them in the morning until I started on the Belly Fat Cure plan. Then I cut back to one capsule. I can't find a source on the bottle. So I guess I will quit using it altogether.
The ingredient you mentioned in your video is not listed on the label of my cinnamon. Should I feel confident that my cinnamon is safe. Because I have diabetes, I consume a theraputic amount daily.
The brand name is "Whole Pantry" . It is labeled as "Vietnamese"
Yvonne
The ingredient you mentioned in your video is not listed on the label of my cinnamon. Should I feel confident that my cinnamon is safe. Because I have diabetes, I consume a theraputic amount daily.
The brand name is "Whole Pantry" . It is labeled as "Vietnamese"
Yvonne
Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is also available ( in bulk ) from mountainroseherbs.com
I buy several pounds per order.
HI Jorge,
Its so great to hear from you agian. I am an original BFC participant and so proud to say that I have changed my life thanks to you. I have lost 25 lbs and many inches.. down three sizes and I will never go back to the way I used to eat.... You taught us so much and here you are sharing more valuable information. Thank you Thank you Thank you for all you do....
Rhonda
I would like to second Grace's recommendation that you do not use/recommend Wikipedia as a resource.
First I have to say I do the BBC, and it has worked well for me BUT… And agene Jorge takes something and blows it WAY out of proposition. Even in the report of the “German Christmas cookies” if you read the whole thing, you will see that they tell you that “New research shows people normally just don’t eat enough to be dangerous”. After looking into this I see that you would have to ingest 1 tablespoon a day for 8 years for it to be dangerous, and that COUMARIN is found in ALL TYPES OF CINNAMON to some degree. So we see that agene Jorge wants to shock you into something..
this is some info that Jorge did not tell us!
Coumarin is found in several plants, including tonka beans, lavender, licorice, strawberries, apricots, cherries, cinnamon, and sweet clover.
There is more coumarin in strawberries and apricots then in the “cinnamon”.
Coumarin has blood-thinning, anti-fungicidal and anti-tumor activities. Coumarin should not be taken while using anticoagulants. Coumarin increases the blood flow in the veins and decreases capillary permeability.
Coumarin can be toxic when used at high doses for a long period.
Coumarin seems to work as a pesticide in the plants that produce it. Coumarin is responsible for the sweet smell of new mown hay.
If you don't want to throw away the old cinnamon, it is a good natural remedy for ants--they won't cross the line!
i don't eat cinnamon. i did Jorjes 400.00 $ food change/exchange starting program last october.. my food habits are very different now. no added sugars. minimal fruit. Minimized carbs. I look at every label for hidden sugars in what i eat. I have lost 16 lbs. but i started at one of the guinea pigs, LAST OCTOBER. But it is a way of life now. I never gave up my only vice of wine and beer, and that is why I have lost less than others. BUT I AM HOT NOW..