The benefits and harms of cardamom — 8 proven properties and rules of use

Cardamom is a spice that is widespread in European and Asian cuisines. It goes well with bread and any pastry, coffee and tea, and serves as the basis for many therapeutic recipes.

According to research, cardamom has important beneficial properties for humans. It is able to improve the health of the entire body, protect against pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and significantly reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors.

How it is useful – 8 facts

Below are 8 main facts about the benefits of cardamom based on scientific sources of information.

1. Reduces blood pressure

Cardamom is one of the most effective spices for the treatment and prevention of hypertension.

Research by Indian scientists show that taking 3 grams of cardamom powder per day for 3 months leads to a complete correction of blood pressure in grade I hypertension.

Hypotensive effect of the plant linked with an abundance of antioxidants in the composition that block angiotensin II.

According to experiments on rats, the plant also has diuretic effect , which contributes to an additional decrease in blood pressure.

The seasoning also blocks the formation of blood clots (blood clots) in the lumen of blood vessels and indirectly reduces the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.

Cardamom is recommended to be taken by all persons suffering from hypertension in order to improve their general condition and prevent complications.

2. Reduces the risk of developing cancer

Animal Studies demonstrate the ability of cardamom powder to activate the production of enzymes that destroy malignant cells in the body.

An equally important role is assigned to the medicinal plant for its ability to block free radicals that can cause damage and cancerous cell degeneration.

Selected scientific papers underline increased activity of T-killers responsible for the recognition and destruction of foreign cells.

Specialists from India were given mice received 0.5 grams of cardamom powder for 12 weeks and simultaneously exposed their bodies to carcinogenic chemicals. In group II (control), rodents did not receive cardamom. As a result, malignant processes were observed in 29% of cases in group I, while in 90% of cases in group II.

Similar results show research on human cells in the laboratory. During the experiment, the growth of cancer cells stopped.

3. Protects against chronic diseases

Cardamom has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting chronic inflammation. It is it that provokes the risk factor for the development of most chronic diseases.

When taking spice in the blood, the level of some key markers of the inflammatory reaction (cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-2 and 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) decreases. To similar conclusions came specialists from India.

North-South University Staff (Bangladesh) discovered that when taking cardamom powder, the activity of inflammation in the liver decreases due to the abundance of fats and carbohydrates in the diet.

Against the background of suppression of chronic inflammation, there are no prerequisites for the development of such abnormalities as type II diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, etc.

4. Improves the health of the digestive system

Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to correct gastrointestinal problems.

According to the information Indonesian scientists, the use of cardamom, turmeric and sembung leaves in combination or separately can prevent the development of erosive or ulcerative defects while taking aspirin (used to prevent thromboembolic complications).

Indian Experts assume that cardamom extract is an effective anti-ulcer agent. At a dosage of 12.5 mg per 1 kg of weight, it reduces the size of ulcers by at least 50%.

The ability of seasoning should be noted separately destroy the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. It is responsible for the development of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) in 99% of cases.

5. Improves the condition of the oral cavity

Currently proven the effectiveness of seasoning in order to eliminate bad breath.

Cardamom destroys pathogenic flora, which causes respiratory refreshment and significantly reduces the risk of infectious and inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

Scientists have established that the product depressing growth and reproduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida fungi, Staphylococcus aureus.

The benefits of the plant are invaluable for a healthy smile. Cardamom prevents the appearance of carious processes.

6. Fights infectious and inflammatory diseases

Cardamom extract and essential oil, according to numerous studies, cause the death of pathogenic microorganisms not only in the oral cavity, but also in all tissues of the body.

For example, Indian specialists proved the ability of spices to cause the death of spore-forming bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Australian Experts installed the effectiveness of the plant against salmonella, the most common causative agent of acute intestinal infections.

7. Increases oxygen saturation of cells

The use of cardamom as an aromatherapy remedy increases the influx of air into the alveoli (by improving the work of the respiratory muscles), which increases the concentration of oxygen in the blood.

Against this background, tissue oxygen saturation increases, which has a positive effect on the overall tone of the body and increases the tolerance of any physical exercise.

Cardamom possesses soothing effect on the bronchial mucosa – reduces swelling and spasm, slows down mucus secretion. Such properties allow the plant to be used to relieve bronchial asthma and prevent attacks of this disease.

8. Reduces blood sugar levels

Cardamom powder can improve the course or prevent the development of type II diabetes mellitus.

Plant slows down absorption of carbohydrates from the lumen of the digestive tube, which prevents the appearance of sudden spikes in blood sugar after eating.

Indian Specialists discovered the ability of cardamom (as well as black tea and ginger) to reduce the resistance of peripheral tissues (fat and muscle) to insulin. As a result, glucose begins to be utilized more efficiently by cells, and its level in the blood decreases.

Spice does not interfere with the hormonal mechanisms of regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and is equally effective in the bodies of men and women.

Cardamom is recommended for use by all persons suffering from type II diabetes mellitus, as well as people predisposed to this pathology.

Possible harm

Cardamom is considered a safe product, however, in some situations, it can cause harm to the human body:

1. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the small and large intestines. The irritating effect of cardamom can lead to the development or exacerbation of enteritis or colitis. At the level of the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum, the harmful effect of the plant is not realized.
2. Allergic reactions.  They are the most common complication when ingested, as well as inhaling particles of powder or essential oil. They are characterized by severe course (angioedema) and often involve the upper respiratory tract.

It is recommended to refrain from using cardamom for women during pregnancy, as well as for children under 14 years of age. The effect of the spice on the body of pregnant women and children has not been studied in any of the studies.

Methods of application

Cardamom is widely used in culinary practice, as well as for medicinal purposes in folk and evidence-based medicine.

To protect yourself from risks, it is not recommended to consume more than ¼ tsp of crushed plant at a time.

Consider the basic spice-based recipes:

1. Tea. For cooking, you will need 1 tsp. black tea, ½ tsp. ground or whole cardamom and 400 ml of water. Boil the water, add tea and spice, and let it stand for about 30 minutes. Take 200 ml 2 times a day.
2. Tincture. You will need: 1 tsp cardamom seeds, 2 tsp sugar and 500 ml vodka or medical alcohol. It is recommended to grind the seeds in a coffee grinder before preparing the tincture. Then mix them together with sugar and vodka in a glass container, close the lid tightly. Put it in a dark, cool place for 14 days. Take 50 ml in the morning (on an empty stomach is not recommended).
3. Cardamom milk. Heat 200 ml of milk to 60-70 degrees, add ¼ tsp of spice powder, leave for 3-5 minutes. Take 200 ml 1 time a day (preferably 2-3 hours before bedtime).
4. Infusion for weight loss. You will need 1 tsp. whole cardamom seeds, 250 ml of water. Boil the water, add the spice, let it stand for 20-30 minutes. Strain it. To lose weight, you should consume 75-100 ml up to 3-4 times a day (for 2 weeks).
5. Coffee. Chop 1-2 tsp. coffee beans and 1 tsp. cardamom fruits. Pour boiling water (200 ml), let it stand for 5-10 minutes, strain. Take 150-200 ml 1 time a day in the morning. This drink will not only improve your health, but also gives you a "charge" of cheerfulness for the whole day.

Conclusion

1. Cardamom is a useful medicinal spice that has been used by humans since ancient times.
2. The plant is able to fight hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus and malignant tumors. The effectiveness is emphasized in order to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and improve bad breath.
3. The plant has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can be used to increase the flow of oxygen to all tissues during periods of extreme stress.
4. Spice can cause side effects. It is not recommended to give it to pregnant women and children due to the lack of data on the effect on these groups of people.