Spice Up Healthy Eating With These 15 Health Benefits Of Cardamom

Dec 18, 2018 by apost team

Cardamom is a tasty spice that comes in a green or black variety. It is riddled with hidden health benefits. These seeds help soothe digestion, nausea, pain, inflammation, and dry skin. It can also help detox your body. Cardamom contains a plethora of antioxidants as well. So, your immune system may benefit too. Here are 15 health benefits of adding cardamom to your diet.

1. Asthma and Bronchitis

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Cardamom can help soothe the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis in a few ways. First, it opens the bronchial tubes. It is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. Next, the 1,8-cineole contained in cardamom helps to clear out any mucus.

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2. Common Cold

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1,8-cineole is also found in eucalyptus. We've all heard how effective it is against cold symptoms. This compound behaves like an expectorant. It's also found in cough drops.

You can make a simple cardamom tea to soothe your cold symptoms. Simply mix some cardamom seeds in hot water on the stove. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes. Add a clove and some honey to enhance the flavor.

3. Nausea

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Ayurvedic medicine says that the aroma of cardamom can help reduce nausea in patients. For additional relief, there are a few drinks you can make.

The first one is used to relieve purely physical nausea. It's made by mixing green cardamom and fennel powder with warm water and honey. Use 1/2 teaspoon of each powder.

The second is used to soothe nausea that's caused by anxiety. Follow the same recipe that's listed above. However, you need to substitute milk for the water.

4. Digestion

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Black cardamom is used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate digestive issues. It can decrease occurrences of diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, acid reflux, and general indigestion. It can even help heal stomach lesions.

Stomach infections are also affected by cardamom extract. It fights against bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cardamom is even used to soothe stomach cramps.

Make a tea to help your digestive issues. Mix a teaspoon of cardamom with boiling water. Let it process for around 10 minutes. Sip it after a big meal to keep your digestion on track.

5. Kidney and Liver Problems

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Since cardamom is a natural antioxidant, it's great for your liver and kidneys. They're in a constant state of detoxification. They need help occasionally.

Studies show that cardamom extract can help reduce liver damage. It's possible that cardamom can help reverse kidney damage as well.

6. Appetite

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A special ayurvedic mixture can be used to help stimulate the appetite of anorexic patients. It's made with ashwagandha, gotu kola, fennel powder, cardamom, honey, and hot water.

Cardamom influences appetite by stimulating the production of gastric juices and saliva. The green variety is commonly used alongside ginger and fennel.

7. Obesity

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Cardamom can increase your metabolic rate. As a result, you may have more energy. This will allow you to burn more fat as well. It's also known to lower bad cholesterol numbers. Your good cholesterol will usually not be affected in the process.

Studies conducted on rats show further promise. When obese rats were given cardamom supplements daily, their fat levels reduced. Black cardamom is the best variety to use in the treatment of obesity.

8. Toxicity

It's believed that many ailments are caused by the build-up of toxins in your body. These can block your energy levels. Ayurvedic medicine suggests eating cardamom can reduce these toxins due to its anti-oxidative properties.

9. Immunity

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Antioxidants play a huge role in your immune system. External toxins can introduce free radicals to your body. Cardamom is packed with antioxidants that can fight those toxins that make you sick.

It's especially effective when consumed with berries, greens, herbs, and nuts. Add it to your tea or meals for immune-boosting power.

10. Heart Problems

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Cardamom can act as a natural diuretic. As a result, it can help lower your blood pressure. Adding it to your daily routine is a great way to prevent heart disease.

The black variety can also decrease bad cholesterol build-up in your arteries, which can help protect your heart.

11. Anxiety

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This spice can be used as a natural sedative. It has a nice calming effect on its users. One study claims that it induces sleep in animals as well as a leading anti-anxiety drug known as Diazepam.

It may also help with insomnia. Try making a cardamom tea. You could also mix a bit of cardamom powder with milk.

12. Muscle Spasms

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Some experts suggest using it to soothe issues with stomach cramps, hiccups, and menstrual cramps.

Since cardamom is a natural sedative, researchers say that it could also help treat epilepsy. However, more research is needed on the subject.

13. Skin and Hair Health

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Over half of the cardamom seed is made up of oleic acid. This acid is also found in olive oil. As a result, cardamom seed extract can help soothe dry, itchy, and flaky scalps. It also helps soothe dry skin anywhere on your body.

Cardamom may also help reduce wrinkles and decrease dandruff. Plus, it's a natural antimicrobial. So, it may even help treat those worrisome pimples.

14. Dental Issues

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Cardamom's antimicrobial properties can also fight against oral bacteria. This may help prevent cavities. Additionally, chewing on cardamom pods and seeds can help reduce instances of bad breath.

15. Cancer

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Studies show that the antioxidants in green cardamom can help prevent non-melanoma skin cancers in mice. The size and number of tumors were lessened when the mice were fed cardamom daily.

Another study proved that cardamom helped reduce pre-cancerous lesions in the colons of mice. Cardamom was able to kill cells, stop cell growth, and calm excess pain or inflammation.

How to Use Cardamom

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This multi-functional spice adds flavor to several meals. Use the green variety for desserts. The black variety is perfect for curries and soups. All you need to do is remove the seeds and crush them into a spice powder.

Green cardamom is the best type for treating respiratory issues. Black cardamom is more effective against digestive problems.

The recommended daily dose is about 1 teaspoon. This converts to 1.5 grams. Steep it in some hot water to enjoy a simple tea.

Side-Effects

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  • Gallstones - Consuming too much cardamom may lead to gallstones. If you already have issues with this, please avoid it.
  • Allergies - An allergy to cardamom will present itself with a rash and respiratory issues.
  • Interactions with Drugs - Always ask your doctor if it's safe to add cardamom to your routine. They must make sure that it won't interact with your other medications.

Did you find this helpful? Do you already incorporate cardamom into your daily diet? Let us know! Pass this along to let your friends know about the benefits of cardamom, too!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!