High levels of lead found in cinnamon powder, spice blends of 12 brands: Report

A range of cinnamon powder and multi-spice blends have come under the scanner after high traces of lead have been found in nearly 12 brands. This has raised concerns about the adverse effects of such adulteration on health from kidney disorders to heart and liver disorders.
Cinnamon is regarded as a healthy addition to the diet and the spice is known for its medicinal value in managing many chronic diseases, be it diabetes or Alzheimer's disease prevention. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. The compounds in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and associated conditions.
Cinnamon has been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help relax the muscles and reduce pain associated with menstruation. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema. However, lead adulteration could be offsetting many of these benefits and instead increasing risk of serious illnesses.
Lead interferes with the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms of lead-induced anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Lead can accumulate in the kidneys and cause renal dysfunction or chronic kidney disease. Also, it can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Its active compound, cinnamaldehyde, helps fight bacterial and fungal infections, including respiratory and skin conditions. Also, cinnamon stimulates the digestive system, helps with bloating, and may alleviate indigestion. While cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar, excessive consumption might lead to overly low blood sugar in some individuals, especially those on diabetes medications.
Lead exposure can severely damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and regulate essential body functions. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and other serious complications.
Cassia cinnamon can be harmful if consumed in higher doses. High doses of cassia cinnamon, which contains coumarin, can lead to liver toxicity over time. Cinnamon can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes and blood pressure, potentially altering their effects. Prolonged exposure may result in reduced kidney function, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of kidney failure.
Consumer Reports, a nonprofit, discovered high levels of lead in various cinnamon powder and multi-spice powders from 12 brands including Paras, EGN, Mimi's Products, Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, Three Rivers, Yu Yee Brand, BaiLiFeng, Spicy King, Badia and Deep. Out of these brands Paras had the maximum lead content.


Just a quarter teaspoon of any of the mentioned cinnamon products contains more lead than an individual should consume in an entire day, James Rogers, the director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, said.
The Food and Drug Administration has set an interim reference level (IRL) of 12.5 micrograms per day (µg/day) for dietary lead intake in adults. It has set an action level of 0.5 μg/dL for lead in food products intended for use by infants and children.
Recent studies have shown that even low levels of lead exposure can negatively impact health, particularly in children, affecting cognitive development and behavior. The FDA's guidelines aim to reduce risks, encouraging manufacturers to limit lead content in food products, especially those for vulnerable populations like infants and young children.
Most people agree that whole spices are the best bet when it comes to choosing between them and spice mixes. They retain essential oils and active compounds better since they are less exposed to air, light, and moisture, which degrade their health properties. They have a longer shelf life, which means they maintain their potency and health benefits longer than pre-ground blends. Spice blends are time-saving and simplify cooking, but they may contain preservatives, salt, sugar, or artificial flavors that reduce their healthfulness. The convenience may come at the cost of lower nutritional quality compared to fresh-ground spices. Look out for hidden ingredients in store-bought blends, especially additives that may not be beneficial. Grinding whole spices just before adding it your recipe can elevate the flavor and aroma of your dishes. Additionally, experimenting with your own spice combos can allow you to adjust taste as per your liking and make sure you relish your meals.
Spices form an integral part of Indian meals. Being rich in antioxidants, they help protect cells from harmful substances that may potentially cause cancer. Nutrition experts say that there are more than 100 common spices used in cooking around the world. Many of these have be concentrated sources of antioxidants — substances that protect your cells from damage.
The cinnamon powders and spice blends tested by the NGO showed lead levels above 1 part per million (ppm), which is a level used by New York state to indicate products that should be recalled, according to the nonprofit. Consumer Reports' food safety experts have advised people to "avoid those products."
Even having small amounts of lead can be dangerous for the human body as it can accumulate over a period of time and harm health.

Paras Cinnamon powder had the highest levels of lead - 3.52 parts per million or ppm, as per the report.
EGN (2.91 ppm), Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon (2.03 ppm), ShopRite Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon (1.82 ppm), Rani Brand ground cinnamon (1.39 ppm), Zara Foods cinnamon powder (1.27 ppm), Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder (1.26 ppm), Yu Yee Brand five spice powder (1.25 ppm), BaiLiFeng five spice powder (1.15 ppm), Spicy King five spices powder (1.05 ppm), Badia cinnamon powder (1.03 ppm) and Deep cinnamon powder (1.02 ppm) were also on the list of 12 spices with high lead content.
Lead can cause a range of health issues in adults as well as children. In adults ingestion of lead above permissible levels can increase risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and kidney damage. In pregnant women, exposure to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight, as per WHO. High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological issues like learning disorders, behavior problems, and low IQ.
Lead poisoning can have an impact on the brain and nervous system of young children. Even low levels of lead exposure can interfere with the formation of neural connections, resulting in long-lasting effects on learning and emotional regulation. Early detection and intervention are crucial in mitigating these harmful impacts.

Side effects of consuming too much lead
Excessive lead consumption can lead to severe health issues, especially affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive organs. In adults, high lead levels may cause headaches, memory loss, abdominal pain, and mood disorders. For children, it can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Chronic exposure increases the risk of high blood pressure, anemia, and even kidney damage. Long-term exposure can cause permanent damage to vital organs and increase the risk of cognitive decline. In adults, excessive lead exposure can result in fertility issues and complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage or premature birth. Cinnamon also contains a compound called coumarin, which can be harmful in large doses. High intake of coumarin has been linked to liver toxicity and damage. Also, people with liver disease or those taking medications that affect liver function should be particularly cautious. Cinnamon can interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, and heart medicines. Also, inhaling cinnamon powder (especially in large amounts) can cause respiratory irritation or lung issues. Consuming large amounts of cinnamon can cause irritation in the mouth and throat. Inhaling cinnamon powder can irritate the respiratory tract and cause coughing or difficulty breathing. In very high doses, cinnamon might have effects on hormone levels, particularly estrogen. While cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, excessive consumption might lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, especially for diabetics. Cinnamon may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants, and affect their efficacy. Inhaling cinnamon powder can irritate the lungs and cause coughing or difficulty breathing, particularly for those with asthma. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver in large quantities. Ceylon cinnamon has much lower levels of coumarin. Some studies suggest that large amounts of cinnamon may affect hormone levels, although more research is needed in this area. The acidity in cinnamon can be abrasive to tooth enamel if consumed in excessive amounts. In some cases, consuming large amounts of ground cinnamon can cause irritation in the mouth or throat due to its strong flavor and texture. Cinnamon may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you're on any medications. Cinnamon can cause skin irritation, especially in high concentrations or when used on sensitive areas.
Apart from cinnamon contamination, one should also look out for certain side effects of the spice in certain people. Cinnamon can irritate the mouth and lips and cause sores in some people. It can also cause redness and irritation if applied to the skin. Cinnamon supplements should be taken after consultation with your doctor as it may react with antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, and heart medicines.
How to check purity of cinnamon ?
To check the purity of cinnamon, perform a simple water test: add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to a glass of water. Pure cinnamon will mostly sink to the bottom and form clumps, while cassia cinnamon often sold as "cinnamon" will dissolve more quickly, leaving a cloudy residue. You can also look for a distinct sweet and warm aroma, which is characteristic of true Ceylon cinnamon, whereas cassia tends to have a sharper, spicier scent. If the taste is bit strong then, it is not real cinnamon.
Cinnamon lemon drink is a refreshing and invigorating beverage that combines the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon with fresh lemon juice. This drink is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. Simply steep cinnamon sticks in hot water, add freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
Cinnamon is an excellent spice for your overall health when eaten whole. There is always a risk of adulteration when you buy powdered spice mixes. One can make their own spice mixes at home to prevent adulteration.
A study says adding around 1.5 gm cinnamon can help burn belly fat. Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, the study says adding cinnamon to your coffee every day can help reduce waist circumference by 1.68cm. However, having more than 1.5gm per day did not have a significant effect.
This is because cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which may increase thermogenesis—the process by which the body produces heat and burns calories. Additionally, cinnamon is known to improve insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels and preventing spikes that lead to fat storage. However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption can have side effects like liver damage due to the presence of coumarin in certain varieties, such as Cassia cinnamon.
Cinnamon tea has long been hailed as a fat cutter and an effective measure to eliminate fat from the body. Drinking this tea can help alleviate stress and support good sleep. It also helps in reducing fat build up from the liver and helps in improving metabolism.
How to make cinnamon tea?
To make cinnamon tea, boil one cup of water and add a cinnamon stick or half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Strain if needed, then pour into a cup. For extra flavor, add honey or a slice of lemon. Enjoy this comforting, aromatic drink warm. The cinnamon bark spice is known to be available throughout the year and is most ideal to be consumed as a tea especially during winter as it has a warm and sweet taste and is also very aromatic
Yes, excessive cinnamon intake, particularly cassia cinnamon, can affect blood due to its high content of coumarin, a compound that can be toxic to the liver and may thin the blood. Consuming large amounts over time can lead to liver damage, and it may interact with blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. It's best to consume cinnamon in moderation and avoid large doses, especially for those on blood thinners or with liver issues.