Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? A favourite household spice, cinnamon was once traded as currency. The spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell, making it popular in cooking, especially in cinnamon roasted almonds bakes and savoury curries.

Derived from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree, the bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our delicious cinnamon recipes, from cinnamon buns to cinnamon tea. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon derives from the essential oils contained in the bark, called cinnamaldehyde. These bacteria may help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut, support digestive health and alleviate any digestive issues. Human trials are promising and suggest cinnamon may have a moderate effect on lowering fasting blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. In Alzheimer’s, accumulation of protein fragments in the brain act by slowing how a person thinks and remembers.

1 tsp per day is considered safe for most adults, with less for children. In rare circumstances, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis. However, it is high in compounds called coumarins, which in large doses may cause toxicity. Ceylon, or ‘true’ cinnamon, has relatively low levels of coumarins and may be better tolerated. If consumed in large amounts, cinnamon may interact with prescribed medication, including those for diabetes, heart and liver disease. If you’re on prescription medication, have a relevant medical condition or have other related concerns, speak to your GP for further guidance. Check out more of our cinnamon recipes.

This article was updated on 22 November 2021 by Kerry Torrens. Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health. Over the past 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 10 January 2023. Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is the name for several species of trees and the commercial spice products that some of them produce.