The ancient spice cardamom has long played an important role in many traditional cuisines and home remedies across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Derived from several plant species belonging to the ginger family, cardamom adds an aromatic warmth and complexity to both sweet and savoury dishes. Beyond its tempting flavours, cardamom offers an array of health benefits that are being explored and validated by modern scientific research. As this article will explore, cardamom contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and other beneficial plant chemicals that may help support digestive health, heart health, brain function and more. Read on to know more about the benefits of cardamom.
What are the Health Benefits of Cardamom?
Due to cardamom's rich nutrient profile, it offers a multitude of benefits:
- Controls Blood Pressure
Cardamom offers a significant advantage: it potentially lowers blood pressure through its anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of antioxidants in cardamom safeguards cells and tissues from free radical damage- these harmful substances, arising within the body, induce oxidative stress. Moreover, it exerts diuretic effects, whose influence contributes to higher urine production and salt excretion from the body. This can help reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure.
- May fight cancer
Phytochemicals in cardamom are natural substances with biological effects on the body. Notably, a select few, like indole-3-carbinol, limonene, and eugenol, have demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
- Beneficial in Diabetics
By modulating lipid and glucose absorption, cardamom potentially improves certain biomarkers that signal inflammation and disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. It helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, normalises blood sugar levels, and lowers triglycerides, making weight management more effective.
- Regulates insulin levels
Additionally, cardamom potentially enhances the secretion and sensitivity of insulin the hormone regulating blood sugar levels. This makes the consumption of cardamom beneficial for people with diabetes.
- Prevent Ulcers
Ulcers are sores in the tummy lining or intestines that can cause pain, bleeding, and infection. They are caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can damage the mucus protective layer covering the stomach and intestines. Cardamom may help prevent ulcers by inhibiting bacterial growth. It contains terpenoids, such as cineole, pinene, and limonene, which have antibacterial properties and can kill or inhibit the growth of H. pylori and other harmful bacteria that can cause ulcers.
- Combats Bad Breath
Cardamom’s antimicrobial properties fight against bacteria in your mouth, combating bad breath effectively. Chewing cardamom can be a simple and natural way to maintain oral hygiene.