Category: Spice safety

Approximately 20% of Saudi women report using herbal treatments like cloves during pregnancy, perceiving them as safer than conventional medicines. However, certain groups should be extremely cautious or completely avoid cloves, especially in concentrated forms like supplements and oils, to prevent serious health risks.

According to a study published in Pediatrics, inhaling a large amount of ground cinnamon can cause severe respiratory issues and damage due to its indigestible cellulose fibers. So, can too much cinnamon hurt your throat? The answer is a definitive yes, especially when the fine powder is accidentally inhaled.

While Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is a common culinary spice, its toxic counterpart, Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), has led to serious poisoning cases worldwide. A primary negative side effect of star anise is the risk of adulteration with this highly poisonous look-alike, which can cause severe health issues.

In 2003, the FDA warned about star anise teas due to side effects. This highlights the question: Can you have too much star anise? The answer is yes, due to the risk of contamination.

Used for centuries in traditional and culinary applications, the clove is generally considered safe when consumed in small food amounts. However, accidentally swallowing clove, especially multiple buds or concentrated oil, can lead to adverse effects, including digestive upset and more severe systemic issues.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for coumarin has been established at 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. Understanding this limit is crucial for determining if and when coumarin in cinnamon is bad for you, as the concentration of this compound varies dramatically between different cinnamon varieties.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), excessive intake of coumarin, a compound found in high concentrations in Cassia cinnamon, can lead to liver damage. This compound is the primary risk associated with consuming too much cinnamon sticks, especially the most common variety found in grocery stores.

A single teaspoon of ground black pepper contains about 2.3 grams of spice. But the question remains, how many peppercorns can you eat in a day? While a few in cooking are harmless, excessive amounts can lead to digestive discomfort and potential health complications.

While black and chili peppers are beloved staples in kitchens worldwide, consuming them in excessive amounts or having specific health sensitivities can lead to uncomfortable side effects. It is important to be aware of how these common spices, particularly their active compounds capsaicin and piperine, affect the body.

Star anise contains shikimic acid, a compound used to produce the antiviral drug Tamiflu. While this suggests potential benefits, the question, 'Can I drink star anise tea every day?', requires a cautious answer due to significant risks related to contamination and dosage.