Can you eat cinnamon while pregnant? Medical advice says that yes, cinnamon is perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy. As long as you don’t overdo it.
That means baked goods, cakes, soups, sauces, curries, or any other food that includes this tasty spice are all okay.
The only possible risk is with cinnamon supplements and oils.
Despite their supposed health benefits, it might be best to use them sparingly, but more on that later.
Here’s what you need to know about eating (or drinking) cinnamon during pregnancy.
Is cinnamon safe during pregnancy?
According to the US National Institute of Health (NIH), there’s no firm evidence to suggest that cinnamon is unsafe during pregnancy if you consume it in the amounts usually found in food.
At the same time, they do point out that it “may be unsafe for use during pregnancy” if you eat more than that.
This comes with two caveats: 1. The NIH says, “little is known” about its effects. In other words, there’s not enough evidence to say for sure. 2. Eating an amount of cinnamon greater than that usually found in a meal wouldn’t be that fun anyway.
What is known about cinnamon is that it can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions if consumed in very high amounts.
Meanwhile, some forms of cinnamon—i.e. cassia cinnamon rather than Ceylon cinnamon—contain a substance known as coumarin, which can be bad for your liver.
The good news is that, even if you do manage to consume an excessive amount of cinnamon, the risks to pregnant women aren’t any higher than the risks to anyone else.
Can I drink cinnamon tea while pregnant?
So, probably best to avoid too much cinnamon at pretty any time. But is cinnamon tea safe during pregnancy?
Yep! There’s no evidence to link cinnamon tea to any health problems. According to the NHS in the U.K., it’s best to stick to a maximum of four cups of herbal tea per day, but that still sounds like plenty.
Can I take cinnamon supplements during pregnancy?
Now, while it’s difficult to eat or drink too much cinnamon, there’s more of a concern about cinnamon supplements.
These are highly concentrated extracts of cinnamon that are sold as having health benefits—such as helping with diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even working as an insect repellent.
The trouble is that the NIH still recommends you only take cinnamon supplements in the quantities that you would normally eat in food.
What’s more, supplements vary in strength, so it’s difficult to know how much you’re taking.
Considering that there’s limited evidence for the health benefits of cinnamon supplements, it may be best to avoid them during pregnancy.
Cinnamon during pregnancy FAQs
Can cinnamon induce labor?
Although it’s quite a common idea, there’s no scientific evidence that cinnamon can induce labor.
Can cinnamon cause birth defects?
Similarly, there’s no evidence that cinnamon can cause birth differences. While it can have an impact on your liver health in large quantities, it won’t harm your baby if you eat it in normal amounts.
Can too much cinnamon hurt my baby?
We don’t know whether eating too much cinnamon can hurt your baby while they’re still in the womb. But the advice remains: don’t overdo it.
What spices should you avoid during pregnancy?
Most herbs and spices are okay to eat during pregnancy. But you might want to be cautious with:
- Licorice. While licorice-flavored sweets are okay during pregnancy, it might be best to avoid raw licorice root. In large quantities, this can cause premature birth.
- Fenugreek. Some research suggests fenugreek can cause birth differences. Again, this only applies to very high quantities of this spice.
- Very spicy foods. Now, these aren’t going to cause serious health problems, but spicy food can cause discomfort, sweating, and high blood pressure—particularly in people who aren’t used to it.
So, the last word on cinnamon during pregnancy? You can enjoy that tea, muffin, or pastry with peace of mind. ☕🥐
More on pregnancy foods:
Can You Drink Coffee While Pregnant?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Honey?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Cream Cheese?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Grapes?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Pineapple?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Popcorn?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Feta Cheese?
Can You Eat Cheesecake When Pregnant?
Can You Eat Goat’s Cheese When Pregnant?
Can You Eat Mozzarella When Pregnant?
Is Oatmeal Good for Pregnancy?
Can You Eat Cherries While Pregnant?
Halloumi When Pregnant: Can You Eat It?
Is Eating Dates During Pregnancy Okay?
What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy?