Scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum, cardamom is a spice taking the form of a tiny pod containing black seeds. It’s an extremely sweet and savory spice, both the pod and its seeds giving off a rich aroma. Cardamom was originally cultivated in India, Nepal and Bhutan, where it’s traditionally used in Ayurveda, India’s medicinal system.
Today, cardamom is widely used in native Indian delicacies, as a garnish on desserts and has found its way into “milk tea” -- a broad term for the many varieties of tea with milk enjoyed in multiple cultures -- as an extra source of flavor.
- Whole seed pods with seeds intact
- Pre-ground cardamom spice powder
- Herbal supplement, typically in capsule form
- Essential oil
Five Benefits of Cardamom
Here are five cardamom benefits that likely stand out for anyone who believes in the singular power of therapeutic herbs and spices for wellness.1. Cardiovascular Protection
Research has linked cardamom with a favorable boost in heart health, although further studies in humans can bolster the findings. A group of researchers in India studied the cholesterol-lowering effect of cardamom in rats with high cholesterol. The rats were given cardamom powder or cardamom oil administered orally.The scientists found that total cholesterol was reduced by 31% while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was slashed by 44% in the rats given cardamom oil. They also saw a notable reduction in serum triglycerides by 42% and liver triglycerides by 33%. GreenMedinfo has extensively covered cholesterol-lowering agents in our database.
2. Antibacterial Effects
Research strengthens the role of cardamom in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria that live in the intestines, while leaving beneficial bacteria unharmed. This surfaces as an important benefit in light of the exceedingly fast development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, mainly due to inappropriate or excessive use of modern, conventional antibiotics in agriculture and health care settings.3. Gastrointestinal Health
Time-tested healing modalities such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine commonly use cardamom for digestive issues, as the spice’s methanolic extract has been shown to help relieve acidity, flatulence and stomach cramps, among various other gastrointestinal discomforts.4. Dental Health
Cardamom may assist in the fight against cavities, gum disease and bad breath - and more than just because of its fresh flavor. A study pointed to the seeds and fruits for their anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties, which can help stop gum disease-causing bacteria in their tracks.5. Cancer-Fighting Potential
Scientific research has long attributed anti-cancer potential to cardamom along with its active components. Phytochemicals in the spice - from indole-3-carbinol to diindolylmethane - have been explored for chemopreventive properties through affecting cells during oxidative stress.In addition, cardamom and cinnamon combined demonstrated potential benefit in reducing colorectal cancer risk by 48%, again through enhancing the body’s antioxidant action.
Cardamom’s uses and benefits are numerous, including as a remedy for sore throat and hiccups, a potential urinary disorder treatment, a natural aphrodisiac and even as a mind and relaxation booster. In fact, its essential oil is often incorporated into stress-fighting aromatherapy to help people handle stress effectively.
References
[i] Organic Facts. Accessed November 3, 2019 [ii] Times Now News. Accessed November 3, 2019 from https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/the-many-health-benefits-of-the-indian-spice-green-cardamom-or-elaichi/470142 [iii] Shamarao Nagashree et al “Anti-hypercholesterolemic influence of the spice cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in experimental rats” J Sci Food Agric. 2016 Nov 26. Epub 2016 Nov 26. [iv] Organic Facts. Accessed November 3, 2019 [v] Organic Facts. Accessed November 3, 2019 [vi] A Jamal et al. “Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats” J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):149-53. Epub 2005 Nov 17. [vii] Organic Facts. Accessed November 3, 2019 [viii] Anaerobe August 17, 2019 [ix] Asha Acharya et al. “Chemopreventive properties of indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane and other constituents of cardamom against carcinogenesis” Recent Pat Food Nutr Agric. 2010 Jun;2(2):166-77.
