The Truth About Ceylon Cinnamon: Debunking the Coumarin Myth

Ceylon vs. Cassia: The Great Cinnamon Debate

If you've ever Googled "best cinnamon," you’ve likely come across claims that Ceylon cinnamon is superior and that Cassia cinnamon is "dangerous" due to its coumarin content. But how much of this is actually true? Let’s break it down—starting with the different types of cinnamon.

The Four Main Types of Cinnamon

1. Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) – Often called "true cinnamon," Ceylon is native to Sri Lanka and has a delicate, mild flavor. It contains very low levels of coumarin, making it favored in certain health circles.
2. Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) – The most commonly used cinnamon in the U.S., Cassia cinnamon has a deep, spicy-sweet flavor and a higher coumarin content than Ceylon. It originates from China.
3. Vietnamese/Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi) – Native to Vietnam, Saigon cinnamon is known for its bold, intense spice and high oil content, making it the most pungent and aromatic variety. It also contains more coumarin than other types.
4. Indonesian Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) – The variety we use at Cinny, Indonesian cinnamon offers the perfect balance of warmth, smooth sweetness, and rich aroma while containing less coumarin than Saigon cinnamon.

Now that we understand the different types, let’s address the coumarin myth and why Indonesian cinnamon is the ideal choice. 

Coumarin Content by Cinnamon Type (Highest to Lowest)

What is Coumarin?

Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including cinnamon, tonka beans, celery, parsley, carrots, strawberries, cherries, apricots, and even lavender. Some individuals metabolize coumarin efficiently and experience no issues, while others (due to genetic differences in liver enzymes, particularly CYP2A6) may be more susceptible to liver toxicity if consumed in very high doses. But the amount found in normal cinnamon intake is negligible and poses no health risk for the vast majority of people. Coumarin is not inherently dangerous and has several potential health benefits.

Potential Benefits of Coumarin:

• Antioxidant Properties – Some studies suggest that coumarin has antioxidant effects, meaning it may help neutralize free radicals that contribute to aging and disease.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Certain coumarin derivatives have been researched for their potential to reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
• Antimicrobial Activity – Coumarin has shown antimicrobial properties in studies, meaning it may help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• Possible Blood-Thinning Effects – Coumarin is chemically related to warfarin, a well-known anticoagulant (blood thinner). While naturally occurring coumarin itself is not a blood thinner, its derivatives have been used in medicine to prevent blood clots.
• Potential Anti-Cancer Properties – Some research suggests that coumarin compounds might have anti-cancer properties, though more studies are needed to confirm this.

How Much is Too Much?

The average person would have to consume absurdly high amounts of Cassia cinnamon daily for an extended period to see any negative effects. For context:

• The tolerable daily intake of coumarin is 0.1 mg per kg of body weight (per European health guidelines).
• This equates to about 1 teaspoon per day for an average adult—which is far beyond what most people naturally consume (and nearly half a dozen packets of Cinny).

Why Indonesian Cinnamon is the Best Choice

At Cinny, we use Indonesian cinnamon because it strikes the perfect balance of flavor, function, and safety. It contains less coumarin than Chinese and Vietnamese cinnamon, offers a richer taste than Ceylon, and delivers the metabolic and blood sugar benefits that make cinnamon so powerful.

The idea that non-Ceylon cinnamon is “bad” is an oversimplification. Quality, sourcing, and usage matter far more than the variety itself. With Cinny, you get a pure, premium cinnamon designed for daily enjoyment and well-being—without unnecessary fear-mongering.