Lead in Cinnamon: Spices have a special significance in our kitchen. Many spices are extremely beneficial for health. One of these is cinnamon, which is the inner part of the bark of a tree. It has been used as a medicine for thousands of years for fever, swelling, cold and vomiting.

However, a shocking revelation has been made about cinnamon. Recently, an analysis by Consumer Reports, an American non-profit organization, found high levels of lead in at least 12 cinnamon products, which is extremely harmful for health. 

Lead in Cinnamon Products

Consumer Reports examined 36 cinnamon products containing garam masala and spice powders. All of these were brands available in grocery stores and shops in the US. It was found that 12 products such as Paras, EGN, Rani brands contained lead levels higher than New York's set limit of 1 part per million (PPM). New York is the only state in the US that regulates heavy metals in spices. The worrying thing is that just a quarter teaspoon of these cinnamon products contains more lead than the daily recommended amount.

Why is lead in cinnamon dangerous?

James Rogers, director of food safety research at Consumer Reports, said that even a small amount of lead can be dangerous for health. It accumulates in the body and never goes away, which can cause serious damage. Children and pregnant women are most at risk from lead. It is no less dangerous for young people as well. Lead prevents children's brain growth and causes learning problems. Long-term exposure to lead in young people can cause liver damage, high blood pressure and even impotence.

How lead can be eliminated

Lead is a naturally occurring element in the soil. Plants can absorb it as they grow. Since cinnamon is made from the bark of trees and these trees take at least 10 years to grow, they get a long time to absorb lead from the soil. Apart from this, whenever cinnamon is dried, lead can be removed from it. People should also avoid using cinnamon containing lead. If there is a possibility of this in any product, then get it tested.