Cardamom is a spice that some people liken to mint because of its potent, slightly sweet flavor. It has Indian origins, but is now accessible everywhere and used in both savory and sweet dishes. Since ancient times, cardamom has been used in traditional medicine because it is believed to contain powerful therapeutic effects in its seeds, oils, and extracts.
Here are 8 scientifically proven health benefits of cardamom:
Blood Pressure Can Be Reduced by its Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties
Cardamom can be helpful for those with high blood pressure. Researchers also think the spice can reduce blood pressure because of its diuretic activity, which promotes urine to get rid of water that builds up in your body, including around your heart.
Prevents Cavities and Treats Bad Breaths
Cardamom has been used for generations to improve tooth health and alleviate bad breath. In certain cultures, it's usual to eat entire cardamom pods as breath fresheners after a meal. The reason why cardamom can generate minty fresh breath could be due to its ability to fight common mouth germs.
Helps with Digestive Issues
Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to help with digestion. It is commonly used with other healing spices to cure nausea, vomiting, and pain. Regarding its potential to reduce stomach pain, its prospective ability to cure ulcers has attracted the most attention.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Protects Against Chronic Illness
Several cardamom compounds can be useful in the fight against inflammation. Inflammation happens when your body is exposed to outside contaminants. While short-term inflammation can be beneficial, persistent inflammation can lead to chronic disorders. Some antioxidants found in cardamom protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Includes Cancer-Fighting Substances
The components of cardamom are able to fight malignant cells. Studies have shown that cardamom powder increases the activity of some cancer-fighting enzymes. The spice can increase natural killer cells' potential to fight tumors. Numerous compounds produced from cardamom have been used in research to prevent the growth of tumors. The human study is necessary to verify whether these findings also hold true for people.
Potentially Antibacterial and Treats Infections
Cardamom contains antibacterial qualities and can be used to treat infections outside of the mouth. Studies show that cardamom extracts and essential oils include compounds that are potent in fighting a variety of common bacterial strains. Its extracts and essential oils can be useful in preventing food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, and fungal infections from a variety of bacterial species.
Improves Breathing
The chemical makeup of cardamom can facilitate an increase in lung airflow, which can help with breathing. When used in aromatherapy, cardamom can provide an invigorating perfume that increases your body's ability to utilize oxygen while exercising. Cardamom can improve breathing by promoting enhanced oxygen absorption and easing the airway to the lungs in both people and animals.
Additional Cardamom Health Benefits
Cardamom can be beneficial to your health in additional ways besides the ones already stated.
According to research, the high antioxidant content of the spice can help with weight loss, reduce anxiety, and prevent liver enlargement.
Conclusion:
Cardamom can offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits. It might ease breathing, reduce blood pressure, and promote weight loss. Additionally, research shows that cardamom can help prevent cancer, lessen anxiety, fight infections, and preserve your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less convincing. There has been little to no human testing, however, for a lot of the spice's health claims. More research is necessary to show if or how the results of the preliminary investigation apply to humans.
