What will happen if you eat a spoonful of cinnamon

Cinnamon challenge: dangerous trend returns to social media

An internet challenge that originated back in 2001 is gaining popularity again - attempting to eat a spoonful of cinnamon. Participants in this dangerous trend put a tablespoon of the spice in their mouth, and then, unable to complete the task, spit out the powder, often in each other's direction. But is it even possible to complete this challenge? And what consequences await those who still decide to try this experiment?

Why this challenge is practically impossible

Cinnamon is not just a fragrant spice, but a fine dry powder with high hygroscopic properties. As soon as a person puts a full spoon of the spice in their mouth, it instantly absorbs all available moisture, turning the mucous membrane into a desert. As a result, it becomes practically impossible to either swallow or speak. When trying to inhale, the situation only worsens - cinnamon particles enter the respiratory tract, provoking excruciating coughing.

Unlike sugar or salt, cinnamon does not dissolve in saliva. It maintains its structure and feels like fine, irritating sand in the mouth. This is why the vast majority of challenge participants give up in the first few seconds, unable to cope with the discomfort.

Real dangers of the cinnamon challenge

This seemingly harmless trick can have serious health consequences.

First, dry cinnamon powder easily penetrates the respiratory tract. In addition to severe coughing, it can cause acute burning in the throat, gag reflex, and even suffocation in severe cases.

Fine cinnamon particles irritate mucous membranes not only because of their physical form but also due to the cinnamaldehyde they contain - a compound that gives the spice its characteristic aroma. This substance is a powerful allergen capable of causing inflammatory processes in the tissues of the oral cavity and nasopharynx.

Particularly alarming is the fact that cinnamon does not dissolve or get eliminated from the lungs naturally. Made from tree bark, it contains cellulose - a substance extremely resistant to biological decomposition. While the body can handle it without problems in culinary doses, a whole spoonful can