Is Korintje Cinnamon Safe? Exploring the Benefits and Risks of This Popular Spice

Most people have Korintje cinnamon, which is also known as Indonesian cinnamon or Cassia cinnamon, in their kitchens and in baked goods. It has a strong flavour, is sweet, and doesn't cost too much. But is it safe to use every day, especially if you take it as a supplement or in big amounts?

Disclaimer: This page is mainly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified professional. 

Table of Contents

• What is Korintje Cinnamon?

• How it Stacks Up Against Ceylon Cinnamon

• Korintje Cinnamon's Health Benefits

• Safety Issues: Amount of Coumarin

• How Much Is Safe to Eat?

• Conclusion

What is Korintje Cinnamon?

The bark of the Cinnamomum burmannii tree, which is endemic to Indonesia, is what makes Korintje cinnamon. Because it smells so strong and is cheap, it's one of the most popular forms of cinnamon in North America.

It is a kind of Cassia cinnamon, along with Saigon cinnamon (C. loureiroi) and Chinese cinnamon (C. cassia).

How It Stacks Up Against Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon (C. verum), which is also known as "true cinnamon," is:

• Not as strong of a taste

• Not as dark in colour

• Less dense in coumarin, which can hurt the liver in high amounts

Cinnamon from Korintje (Cassia):

• More affordable and easier to find

• More coumarin in it

• More fragrant and spicy

Both varieties are usually safe to use in cooking. But the amount of coumarin is the most important thing for everyday health use.

The Health Benefits of Korintje Cinnamon

Even though there are worries about coumarin, Korintje cinnamon has real benefits:

• Control of blood sugar: May make insulin more sensitive

• Antioxidant properties: It has polyphenols that lower oxidative stress

• Antimicrobial activity: Can kill certain bacteria and fungus

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps the body fight inflammation on its own

Adding Korintje cinnamon to dishes in small amounts might be good for you.

Safety Issues: Amount of Coumarin

Cassia cinnamon has more coumarin than other types of cinnamon. Research indicates that elevated concentrations of coumarin may result in:

• Toxicity in the liver

• Effects that thin the blood

• Possible interactions with drugs like warfarin

The European Food Safety Authority says that the safe daily dose of coumarin is roughly 0.1 mg per kg of body weight. One teaspoon of Korintje cinnamon could go above that limit.

How Much Is Safe to Eat?

If you're healthy and consume cinnamon every now and again, you should be fine. But for everyday use:

• If you're using Cassia or Korintje, don't take more than ½ tsp each day

• For a higher daily dose or supplement, switch to Ceylon cinnamon

• If you take blood thinners or any other medications, talk to your doctor

Also, look at the labelling on supplements; some capsules may include concentrated Cassia powder in them.

Conclusion

Korintje cinnamon is acceptable to use in tiny amounts in cooking, but it shouldn't be used as a daily supplement for a long time because it has coumarin in it. If you use cinnamon for health reasons, like to lower blood sugar or reduce inflammation, you might want to switch to Ceylon cinnamon.

Next steps: Use Korintje in your cooking and save Ceylon for your everyday health. If you're not sure, moderation and variety are the best ways to keep spices safe.

References and Resources