Health benefits of Cardamon

July 25, 2020

You can use the whole pods (remove them before serving the dish) or powder the seeds.

The famous Indian masala chai gets it’s flavor from green cardamom and ginger.

10 Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science
Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint.

It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savory recipes.

The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries (1, 2).

Here are 10 health benefits of cardamom, backed by science:

Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties May Lower Blood Pressure
Cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure.

In one study, researchers gave three grams of cardamom powder a day to 20 adults who were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks, blood pressure levels had significantly decreased to the normal range .

The promising results of this study may be related to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom. In fact, the participants’ antioxidant status had increased by 90% by the end of the study. Antioxidants have been linked to lower blood pressure.

Researchers also suspect that the spice may lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, meaning it can promote urination to remove water that builds up in your body, for example around your heart.

Cardamom extract has been shown to increase urination and decrease blood pressure in rats.

Cardamom may help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties.

Certain compounds in cardamom may fight cancer and stop the growth of tumors in mice and test tubes. Human research is needed to validate if these results apply to humans as well.

The antioxidant compounds in cardamom may help protect cells from damage and slow down and prevent inflammation in your body.

Cardamom may protect against digestive issues and has been shown to reduce the number and size of stomach ulcers in rats.

Cardamom is often used to treat bad breath and is a component of some chewing gums. This is because cardamom might be able to kill common mouth bacteria and prevent cavities.

The essential oils and extracts of cardamom may be effective against a variety of bacterial strains that contribute to fungal infections, food poisoning and stomach issues. However, research has only been conducted in test tubes and not in humans.

Cardamom may improve breathing by stimulating better oxygen uptake and relaxing air passage to the lungs in humans and animals.

A study on rats suggests that cardamom may help decrease high blood sugar levels, but more high-quality human studies are needed.

A limited number of studies suggests that cardamom supplements may decrease waist circumference and prevent anxious behaviors and fatty liver. The reasons behind these effects are unclear but may have to do with the spice’s high antioxidant content.

Using cardamom in cooking is safe for most people. Cardamom supplements and extracts have not been thoroughly researched and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Cardamom is an ancient remedy that may have many medicinal properties.

It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss.

What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong.

However, little or no human research exists for a number of the health claims associated with the spice. More studies are needed to show if or how the results of preliminary research apply to humans.

Nevertheless, adding cardamom to your cooking may be a safe and effective way to improve your health.

Cardamom extracts and supplements may also provide benefits but should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

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