The Healing Powers of Cinnamon

I recently discovered an amazing peanut butter and cinnamon smoothie recipe. I’ve never been a fan of peanut butter smoothies before because the peanut butter tends to override all other flavors. However, I am a big fan of cinnamon and am aware of all the amazing benefits it provides. I also include a sprinkle of cinnamon in my frozen dog treats. This particular smoothie recipe calls for 1-2 tsp cinnamon. My thoughts after reading that recipe included, “that’s a lot of cinnamon”, “can you have that much cinnamon in one serving?”, “are there side effects to too much cinnamon?”. So I did some research. 

The Benefits

Cinnamon provides a myriad of health benefits. Which is the driving force for using it in my dog treats. Also, it tastes great. Cinnamaldehyde is the organic compound in cinnamon that gives it that great taste, and is thought to be responsible for the health benefits. Studies have suggested that cinnamon can:

-improve insulin resistance in diabetic patients

-reduce blood pressure

-act as an anti-inflammatory for chronic diseases

-decrease blood sugar levels

-improve cognitive function

-protect against heart disease through a vasorelaxation effect

-inhibit the production and viability of cancerous tumor cells

-potentially aide in weight loss and prevent obesity

-act as an anti-microbial to fight off Listeria, E.Coli, Staphylococcus bacterial infections, Aspergillus (fungal) and Candida (yeast) species. Cinnamon has also been studied and shown to be effective in treating dog ear infections. 

Given all of the benefits of cinnamon, why wouldn’t you use it? My husband will be happy to hear… yes, you should treat yourself to that cinnamon roll! But be mindful of all the added sugar in that cinnamon roll!

The Warning

So what’s the downside? There really isn’t a downside as long as you don’t over-do it. Cassia cinnamon, which is widely available in your local grocery store and probably in your pantry right now, is very high in courmarin. Courmarin is known to be toxic in high doses and can lead to blood clotting issues (especially in patients on drugs such as warfarin). Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, is kind of hard to find in the average store, but is much lower in courmarin levels and is safer to use. 

The Dose

Experts have suggested that humans can have a daily dose of 0.5-3 grams (¼ to 1 tsp) of preferably Ceylon Cinnamon, potentially even up to 2 tsp. 

Cinnamon is non-toxic to pets but can be harmful at high doses. 

Cats can have about 1/16 tsp or “a pinch” mixed into their food daily. Some cats may be sensitive to cinnamon, as cats tend to be highly sensitive creatures to everything. You should discontinue use if your cat refuses the food or experiences vomiting or diarrhea. 

Dogs can safely be given more cinnamon daily. Their dosing is based on weight. Below is the recommended dosing for dogs. 

Under 10lbs just a pinch

10-20lbs ⅛-¼ tsp

20-50lbs ¼-1 tsp

50-100lbs 1-2 tsp

The Recipe

Most dogs will not appreciate a full teaspoon or more being added to their food. I personally just recommend dusting the food or homemade treats in cinnamon, rather than using the upper limits of the daily dose. My dogs seem to like yogurt treats frozen in a silicone mold. You can mix the ingredients together beforehand or build them directly in your mold.

2-4 blueberries per treat

Non-fat Greek yogurt

Sprinkle of ground pumpkin seeds (or 2-4 seeds per treat but you may see whole undigested seeds in your dog’s stool)

Sprinkle of cinnamon

My smoothie recipe (adjusted for my taste)

1 frozen banana

1.5 cups almond milk

1 spoonful peanut butter

1 tsp cinnamon

**Occasionally I’ll add 1 small/medium carrot for a sweeter taste

**add a couple ice cubes for a thicker smoothie or more almond milk for a thinner smoothie

My smoothie recipe is also pet safe if they want a lick!

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