No, Vietnamese cinnamon is not bad for you when consumed in moderate amounts. However, excessive consumption can be harmful due to coumarin, a natural compound found in cinnamon, which may have adverse effects on the liver in high doses.
Vietnamese cinnamon, also known as Saigon cinnamon, is a popular spice with a distinctive flavor and aroma. While it’s generally safe for consumption in moderation, excessive intake should be approached with caution due to the presence of coumarin, a naturally occurring compound found in cinnamon.
According to a well-known resource, “The Essential Good Food Guide,” by Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, coumarin is a potentially harmful substance that can be found in varying amounts across different types of cinnamon. In high doses, it may have adverse effects on the liver, making it important to consume cinnamon, including Vietnamese cinnamon, in moderation.
Interesting Facts about Vietnamese Cinnamon:
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Distinct Flavor: Vietnamese cinnamon is known for its sweet and spicy flavor, which sets it apart from other varieties of cinnamon. It has a more intense taste compared to the commonly used Ceylon cinnamon.
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High Coumarin Content: Vietnamese cinnamon contains a relatively high concentration of coumarin compared to other cinnamon varieties. Coumarin, when consumed in excess, can be harmful to the liver.
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Culinary Versatility: Vietnamese cinnamon is a versatile spice used in both sweet and savory dishes, including desserts, curries, and spiced beverages. Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity to recipes.
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Health Benefits: Like other types of cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon is known for its potential health benefits. It may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidants.
Here is a simple table comparing the coumarin content of different cinnamon varieties:
| Cinnamon Type | Coumarin Content |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese Cinnamon | High |
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Low to Moderate |
| Cassia Cinnamon | High |
In conclusion, while Vietnamese cinnamon is not inherently bad for you, moderation is key. Enjoying this flavorful spice in reasonable amounts can be a delightful addition to your culinary endeavors and potentially offer health benefits. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if you have any pre-existing liver conditions or are on medications that may interact with cinnamon. As James Beard, the renowned American chef, once said, “Cinnamon rolls…never run out of style; they’re always up-to-date and always comforting.”
See a video about the subject
The video raises the question of whether Saigon cinnamon is good for our health. It notes that while Saigon cinnamon is generally safe in the amounts commonly found in foods, it contains coumarin, which has been associated with liver damage. This suggests that although Saigon cinnamon may have potential health benefits, caution should be taken to avoid excessive consumption.
Further answers can be found here
Saigon cinnamon is generally safe to eat in small amounts. One of the most important things to keep in mind, however, is that it is higher in coumarins than other types of cinnamon. Too much coumarin may cause liver damage. If you have a liver condition, you may want to limit your intake or avoid the use of cinnamon.
Interesting facts about the subject
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Likewise, Is Vietnamese cinnamon healthier? Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
Similarly to other varieties, Saigon cinnamon is high in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals ( 7 ). The spice also contains several anti-inflammatory compounds that can benefit your health.
Moreover, Is Vietnamese cinnamon better than regular cinnamon?
Saigon Cinnamon vs Ceylon Cinnamon
While all cinnamon varietals contain cinnamaldehyde, he highest concentrations of this compound are found in Vietnamese varieties. As such, Saigon cinnamon is considered to have a much stronger flavor than true cinnamon.
In this manner, Is too much Saigon cinnamon bad?
Saigon cinnamon is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts, long-term. The coumarin in Saigon cinnamon might cause liver injury at doses as low as 50 mg daily, which is found in about 7 grams of Saigon cinnamon.
Then, Is Vietnamese cinnamon real cinnamon? The main difference between these two cinnamon varieties lies in their roots — Ceylon is derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree, whilst Vietnamese cinnamon is derived from the Cinnamomum loureiroi tree. What is this? These cinnamon trees’ bark is what gives cinnamon its distinctive flavor and all of its variants.
Similarly one may ask, Is Saigon cinnamon bad for You? Saigon cinnamon is different from regular cinnamon and not in a good way. With up to 700% more of the coumarin poison by weight, side effects from this Vietnamese cinnamon are more likely; irritation of the lips, mouth sores, increased risk of bleeding, and potential liver damage.
Beside above, Is cinnamon toxic to humans? As a response to this: All types of cinnamon contain a compound called coumarin which is toxic to humans. But the coumarin level varies drastically by type of cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is so high in coumarin that even regular intake of the spice in food doses is likely harmful. A
Similarly, Is Saigon Cinnamon better than Ceylon cinnamon?
Though it’s considered to be lower quality than Ceylon cinnamon, it’s less expensive and easily found in grocery stores. Saigon cinnamon has been linked to several health benefits. Research suggests that cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar, which is especially important for people with diabetes.
In this regard, Is cassia cinnamon bad for You?
Answer: We can conclude from the available research that Cassia cinnamon is the least healthy and most toxic type of cinnamon. Even the amount of Cassia cinnamon used for baking and during regular (non-supplemental) intake may be harmful to human health. What are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon?
Is it safe to eat Vietnamese cinnamon? Response: That depends on your definition of safe. The coumarin molecule found in Vietnamese or Saigon cinnamon is toxic to the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It’s linked to cancer in mice and rats. Occasional consumption of the spice is believed to be safe, though human data is limited.
Secondly, What are the health benefits of Saigon cinnamon?
In addition to being a potent antioxidant, the health benefits of Saigon cinnamon may include the lowering of blood sugar, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol. Research suggests it may inhibit tau formation in the brain, which is a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. In vitro (lab) research is looking at effects on cancer cell growth.
Is cinnamon bad for You? Response: The coumarin molecule found in Vietnamese or Saigon cinnamon is toxic to the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It’s linked to cancer in mice and rats. Occasional consumption of the spice is believed to be safe, though human data is limited. ( 4)
Simply so, Are Vietnamese cinnamon and cassia cinnamon the same? Response: The Vietnamese ( Cinnamomum loureiroi) and more common cassia cinnamon ( Cinnamomum cassia) are closely related. The latter is primarily grown in nearby southern China, which is why cassia is often called Chinese cinnamon.