Cardamom And Its Natural Benefits
Cardamom is an intense spice often used in both sweet and savory dishes. There are also those who know it for its medicinal uses. How can it help us?
The benefits of cardamom have been documented hundreds of years ago. However, they have only recently been supported by some scientific research. It is often used as a spice because its slightly sweet taste enhances the flavor of the dishes. However, there are some who also use it for medicinal applications.
As detailed in an article in the Journal Medicinal & Aromatic Plants , this ingredient is native to India and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is even one of the most popular flavorings, both culinary and cosmetic. Do you want to know more about it? We describe its benefits in detail below.
Cardamom and Its Health Benefits
Cardamom seeds and essential oil have interesting medicinal uses. While not drugs of first choice, in the case of disease they appear to be the perfect addition to promoting wellness. Of course, as long as they are part of a healthy diet.
According to one chapter in the book Nuts and Seeds for Health and Disease Prevention, this spice has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which explains its beneficial effects on health. In addition, cardamom is safe for most people and can be included in many everyday foods. How can it help us?
It helps to regulate blood pressure
Patients with high blood pressure may benefit from consuming cardamom. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum L ) contributes to the reduction of high blood pressure in patients with primary arterial hypertension.
Additionally, it strengthens fibrinolysis and improves the antioxidant state. It’s not entirely clear why the spice could have such a health effect. However, researchers suspect that this is due to its mild diuretic effect, which stimulates the release of retained fluid in the body and is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
Cardamom protects against chronic diseases
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cardamom reduces the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as those included in the metabolic syndrome category. While inflammation is to some extent necessary, it can cause serious health problems in the long term.
However, as detailed in a study in the medical journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, cardamom contains compounds of polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids that help fight inflammation. Specifically, a dose of 50 to 100 mg per kg body weight was able to inhibit the development of about four inflammatory compounds in a rat study.
Contributes to the health of the digestive system
One of the most important benefits of cardamom has to do with digestive health. There is evidence to suggest that combining it with other medicinal spices can relieve common symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In addition, it is believed to help fight ulcers as well.
In an animal study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine , cardamom extracts in combination with other spices helped reduce ulcer formation. In addition, test-tube studies suggest that it may protect against Helicobacter pylori , which is the leading cause of ulcers and digestive problems.
Cardamom helps maintain oral health
One of the traditional uses of cardamom is oral health. In fact, it is an ingredient that is still used to combat bad breath. And for the production of rubber for the same purpose.
A study published in Dental Research Journal emphasizes that this spice is effective in fighting pathogenic oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.
In addition, a 2009 study found that in test-tube cardamom extracts were useful in combating five bacteria that cause caries. In particular, they effectively inhibited its development. However, more research is still needed to verify this effect in humans.
Other benefits of cardamom
- Cardamom used in aromatherapy may help improve breathing and airflow to the lungs during exercise, according to a study published in the Journal of Health and Allied Science.
- The extract obtained from this spice appears to help lower elevated liver enzymes, triglycerides, and cholesterol, some studies have shown.
- Thanks to the antioxidant content, cardamom also has a positive effect on controlling anxiety behavior.
Is it safe to eat cardamom?
So far, there is no data available on the possible negative effects of cardamom consumption. It is considered safe in healthy adults, although moderate consumption is advisable. On the other hand, it is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women. There is no data on its safety at these stages.
The best way to take advantage of the benefits of spices is to add them naturally to your meals. While they are also available in supplement form, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So be careful.
