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. (Source) Cardamom seeds, oils, and extracts have long been employed in traditional medicine because they are regarded to possess remarkable therapeutic capabilities. (Source) Yes, there are many health benefits of cardamom. Let’s check them with their health facts and nutrition value.
1. Cardamom has Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties & May Lower Blood Pressure
Researchers treated 20 adults with newly discovered elevated blood pressure with three grams of cardamom powder each day. Blood pressure readings had dramatically dropped to a normal range after 12 weeks. (Source) The promising results of this study may be related to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom. 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. (Source)
Also Read: Benefits Of Cloves: Nutritional Value, Health Facts And Side Effects
Health Benefits of Cardamom: May Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds
Cardamom’s constituents may aid in the battle against cancerous cells. Studies on mice have demonstrated that cardamom powder can boost the activity of specific cancer-fighting enzymes. The spice might also make natural killer cells more effective at attacking tumors. (Source)
In one study, 500 mg of ground cardamom per kg (227 mg per pound) of weight per day was given to one group of mice while the other two groups were given a substance that promotes skin cancer. Compared to the control group, which received more cardamom, only 29% of the cardamom-eating group had acquired cancer after 12 weeks. (Source)
Health Facts of of Cardamom: May Protect from Chronic Diseases Thanks to Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Compounds found in abundance in cardamom may help combat inflammation. When your body is exposed to foreign toxins, inflammation results. (Source) Despite the fact that chronic inflammation can cause chronic diseases, acute inflammation is required and advantageous. Cardamom is rich in antioxidants, which guard cells against deterioration and prevent inflammation. (Source)
Research indicates that supplements may enhance antioxidant status by up to 90%. Another study in rats found that ingesting cardamom powder reduced liver inflammation brought on by eating a diet heavy in fat and carbohydrates. (Source)
May Treat Bad Breath and Prevent Cavities
Cardamom has been used for centuries as a treatment for foul breath and to enhance dental health. After a meal, it’s customary in some cultures to consume whole cardamom pods to freshen your breath. Even Wrigley, a producer of chewing gum, includes spice in one of their goods.
Cardamom’s capacity to combat common oral bacteria may be the cause of its ability to produce minty fresh breath. According to one study, cardamom extracts were efficient in battling five types of bacteria that might result in tooth decay.
Also Read: Mint Health Benefits: Health Facts Of Mint, Nutritional Value, And Side Effects
May Improve Breathing and Oxygen Use
Cardamom’s chemical composition may assist breathing by facilitating an increase in lung airflow. Cardamom can produce an energizing aroma when used in aromatherapy, which improves your body’s capacity to use oxygen while exercising. (Source)
In one trial, participants were instructed to inhale cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill for 15-minute intervals. In comparison to the control group, this group’s oxygen uptake was noticeably higher. (Source)
Nutrition of Cardamom, Nutritional Values Of Cardamom
According to the Spice Board India 100g of Cardamom has the following nutrients. There are precise estimates of nutritional values contained in the spices.
- Water (g) 8.28
- Energy (Kcal) 311
- Protein (g) 10.76
- Fat (g) 6.70
- Carbohydrates (g) 68.47
- Ash (g) 5.78
- Calcium (g) 0.383
- Phosphorus (mg) 178
- Sodium (mg) 18
- Potassium (mg) 1119
- Iron (mg) 13.97 (Source)
Are There any Side Effects Of Cardamom?
Using cardamom in cooking has not been linked to any known hazards or negative side effects. For the majority of people, using cardamom as a spice and flavoring agent is safe.
These were some of the health benefits of Cardamom. Explore healthy facts about Indian Spices at Healthy Spices.
