Cardamom is rightly called, ‘Queen spices’ as this spice and a herb is loved for its ability to flavour desserts and salty dishes alike, which makes it impossible to do without in many cuisines. Cardamom is available as whole seed pods, ground powder, used in the form of essential oils and herbal medicines.
Cardamom nutrition and health uses
In addition to enhancing taste, cardamom is rich in many vitamins, minerals and phytochemical compounds that boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Here are some health benefits of cardamom:
Antimicrobial activity
Dr Minal Rakshit, a Mumbai-based nutritionist, says cardamom essential oil is highly effective at killing bacteria and fungi since it destroys their cell membranes. However, beware that you should not have cardamom essential oil without consulting a health professionals.
Metabolic syndrome and diabetes management
Metabolic syndrome consists of a group of disorders: excessive weight, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high density lipo-proteins cholesterols. Animal models have shown that cardamom enhances lipid profiles and aids weight loss in rats that are fed a carbohydrate and fat-orientated diet, says Dr Rakshit. In humans, cardamom can help reduce inflammatory markers, and enhance insulin and haemoglobin A1c in type 2 diabetes patients.
Heart health
Women have higher good cholesterol levels and lower levels of triglycerides. The antioxidant effect in cardamom helps in balancing and improving cardiovascular function and hence boosts heart health.
Oral health
Cardamom contains cineole, an oil that fights bacteria associated with bad breath, cavities, as well as gum diseases. Research results suggest that chewing cardamom seeds helps in the balancing pH levels in the mouth, thus helping prevent cavities.
Liver health
Like many other herbs, cardamom is a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine for its purging abilities. Controlled trials suggest that cardamom treatment improves liver function in those diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Also, in-vivo studies portray cranial cardamom as a hepatoprotective agent against high caloric fat feed.
Medicinal properties
Phytochemicals known to have anti-cancer potential are found in cardamom. Even though it is not a substitute for conventional cancer management, preclinical studies suggest that cardamom component reduced the size and mass of tumors implying a role in cancer control.
Prevention of ulcers
Cardamom might be effective in preventing and healing peptic ulcers. It is claimed that the use of cardamom extract helps reduce ulcers. Studies suggest that it is as effective as turmeric and sembung leaf combined.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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