Question: I’ve read that cinnamon can help with diabetes and lower cholesterol. I am taking a teaspoon of it a day, even though this seems like a large amount. Do you see any harm in taking this amount?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Cinnamon appears to be safe. However, people with liver damage should be careful because large amounts of cinnamon may increase liver problems. In one study, volunteers ate from 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon for 40 days. One gram of ground cinnamon is about half a teaspoon. Researchers did find that indeed, cinnamon reduced cholesterol by about 18 percent and blood sugar levels by 24 percent. Before taking cinnamon, do consult your doctor, especially if you are a diabetic, and on antidiabetic medication…you don’t want your blood sugar levels to go too low.