Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I was recently evaluating my diet for strengths and weaknesses and I came across some info on cinnamon and it's toxicity. Unfortunately for me, I happen to use it quite frequently, because I like the taste, and I've read about its various anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxident properties. From what I understand, cinnamon contains coumarin, which is toxic and has deleterious effects on the liver and kidneys. Different types of cinnamon are safer, due to their varying levels of coumarin content.

Of course, all things in moderation is the safest route, but I'm wondering if anyone else knows of any spice, herb, or anything else we might be coming in contact with often that has these lower toxicity levels?

flag	asked Jul 19 2011 at 21:08 Todd 5,837●1●11●39

interesting, I'd also thought it was good for the anti-inflammatory properties....I'm curious now! – Kelly Jul 19 2011 at 21:29

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If you can find real ceylon cinnamon, it has a very small fraction of the amount of coumarin than the more common cassia cinnamon. – Phoenix Jul 20 2011 at 1:35

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Penzey's sells real Ceylon cinnamon, and it's pretty stellar stuff. That said, Cook's Illustrated preferred their Chinese cassia for flavor. – air_hadoken Aug 31 2011 at 5:33

PersonMan · Answer 1 · 2011-07-20 00:15:41Z UTC

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I have heard that cinnamon causes mouth cancer(for example if you chew a cinnamon stick). This doesn't deter my cinnamon stick chewing practices though...

answered Jul 20 2011 at 0:15

PersonMan

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Why is your reputation at 1, PersonMan? – Danielle Aug 17 2011 at 1:46

[citation needed] – Dan Jul 31 at 19:09

Ebice · Answer 2 · 2011-08-17 03:22:59Z UTC

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Nutmeg has hallucinogenic properties at ridiculously high levels.

I hope no one comes up with something bad about cumin.

answered Aug 17 2011 at 3:22

Ebice
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I'm in trouble too if there is anything wrong with cumin. Mmmm...I freakin' love the the stuff. A buddy of mine actually had cumin scented oil he'd wear, and I thought it was pretty yummy smelling. – Happy Now Aug 31 2011 at 6:01

Cory151 · Answer 3 · 2011-08-17 03:37:43Z UTC

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The amount you'd have to take to kill you would be massive. Too much water will kill also.

answered Aug 17 2011 at 3:37

Cory151
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Jamie · Answer 4 · 2012-07-31 10:12:51Z UTC

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I am begining to think that many herbs and spices are more medicinal in nature than things we should be eating regularly.

Cinnonon, tumeric, and tea all lower blood sugar, for example.

answered Jul 31 at 10:12

Jamie
5,897●1●3●17

Certain Spices/Herbs with Toxicity Issues

4 Answers