Sunday, February 5, 2012

The Cinnomon Challenge: Really Dangerous?

The cinnamon challenge is said to be impossible. It involves swallowing a tablespoon of cinnamon all at once without the help of water or anything else. Is it dangerous?


There are a few reasons why the cinnamon challenge may seem dangerous to do. When putting so much cinnamon in your mouth at once it completely dries it out and you have no saliva to help you swallow. Another reason is that cinnamon is a powder that burns. If you breathe in a slightly wrong way, you may cause the cinnamon to enter your sinuses leading to a lot of coughing and pain from it burning. This may also induce vomiting. This is because cinnamon contains Cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon it's distinct flavor and is also used in pesticides.
Contrary to some beliefs the cinnamon challenge won't kill you. Pesticides only hurt small creatures and isn't strong enough to cause death in humans except in large amounts, which only a tablespoon of cinnamon doesn't contain. While it won't kill you, it's not worth the pain it causes.

-Zook

5 comments:

  1. I know that cinnamon is harmless, but similar spices like nutmeg can have psychoactive qualities resulting in hallucinations and deliriousness. Also, it's not very good for some pets!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know that cinnamon is harmless, but similar spices like nutmeg can have psychoactive qualities resulting in hallucinations and deliriousness. Also, it's not very good for some pets!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am a rare breed. I tried doing the cinnamon challenge, and with some effort, I was able to conquer it with out much difficulty and no water! I did not choke at all. It was video taped and there is proof somewhere. It feels weird and not fun. The cinnamon clumps up in your mouth, and is very hard to swallow. I can understand why people choke on it. Do I recommend it to your friends who have never heard of it.. yes! But the entire time of doing it, I not once thought it would kill me. If anything it was a bit spicy but it was all harmless fun. More embarrassing than anything.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I too have conquered the cinnamon challenge back in highschool. My friend tried it and puked all over the courtyard so I said, alright lets give it a go. Needless to say i got a heaping tablespoon down my throat and won ten bucks. It was harmless and awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have witnessed the cinnamon challenge undertaken at a friend's yard party. Needless to say, it was very entertaining. Perhaps one can use the cinnamon challenge to refresh the sinuses, when hot soup and tabasco sauce will not do the trick. Also, I heard cinnamon is very healthy and full of antioxidants. I will put cinnamon on my food sometimes for added phytochemical nutrition.

    ReplyDelete