What is Cardamom, What Is It, What Are Its Benefits?

Cardamom, It is a spice made from the seeds of various plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family.

The spice is native to India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia. Cardamom pods it is small, its cross section is triangular.

Called "the Spice Queen" cardamomIt is the third most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla.

What Are Cardamom Types?

Green and black cardamom There are two main types.

Real cardamom also known as green cardamom, it is the most common variety. 

It is used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes. To smell curry It is added to spice mixtures such as.

Black cardamom It is native to the Eastern Himalayas and is mostly grown in Sikkim, Eastern Nepal and parts of West Bengal in India. It is brown and slightly elongated.

These dark brown seeds are known for their medicinal value, especially due to their nutritional content (essential oils, calcium, iron, etc.).

Nutritional Value of Cardamom

 What Are the Benefits of Cardamom?

Its antioxidant and diuretic properties lower blood pressure

CardamomUseful for people with high blood pressure. In one study, researchers added three grams per day to 20 adults newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. cardamom powder gave. After 12 weeks, blood pressure levels regressed to the normal range.

The results of this study relate to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom. At the end of the study, the antioxidant status of the participants increased by 90%. Antioxidants reduce blood pressure.

Researchers also note that the spice can lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, meaning it encourages urination to clear water that accumulates in the body, for example, water around the heart.

Cardamom ExtractIt has been shown to increase urine output and lower blood pressure in rats.

Contains cancer-fighting compounds

CardamomCompounds in to help fight cancer cells.

Studies in mice, cardamom powdershowed that it can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help fight cancer.

The spice also increases the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors.

In one study, researchers exposed two groups of mice to a skin cancer-causing compound and one group at 500mg per kilogram daily. ground cardamom they fed with.

After 12 weeks, cardamom Only 29% of the group that ate developed cancer, more than 90% of the control group.

Studies on human cancer cells and cardamom yield similar results. One study showed that a particular compound in the spice stopped oral cancer cells in test tubes.

Protects from chronic diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect

Cardamom spiceIt is rich in compounds that can fight inflammation.

Inflammation occurs when the body is exposed to foreign substances. Acute inflammation is necessary and beneficial, but long-term inflammation can lead to chronic illness.

CardamomThe antioxidant, which is abundant in, protects cells against damage and prevents inflammation from occurring.

In one study, at doses of 50--100 mg per kg of body weight cardamom extracthas been found to be effective in inhibiting at least four different inflammatory compounds in rats.

In another study in rats, consumption of cardamom powderhas been shown to reduce liver inflammation caused by diets high in carbohydrates and fats.

Helps digestion

Cardamomhas been used for digestion for thousands of years. It is often mixed with other medicinal spices to reduce pain, nausea, and vomiting.

CardamomThe most researched property of sachet to relieve stomach problems is its ability to heal ulcers.

In one study, mice were given high doses of aspirin in hot water to prevent stomach ulcers. cardamom, turmeric and sembung leaf extracts are given. These mice developed fewer ulcers compared to mice that only received aspirin.

A similar study in rats, alone cardamom extractfound that it can completely prevent or reduce the size of stomach ulcers by at least 50%.

In reality, at doses of 12.5 mg per kg, cardamom extractwas more effective than a common anti-ulcer medication.

Test tube research, cardamomwhich is a bacterium associated with most stomach ulcers. To Helicobacter pylori He suggests that it can protect against.

Prevents bad breath and tooth decay

Oral health and OdorCardamom is an ancient remedy to cure it.

In some cultures, after eating cardamom grainsIt is used to chew whole, to relieve the breath.

CardamomThe reason why peppermint refreshes the breath is due to its ability to fight common mouth bacteria.

A study, cardamom extractsfound that it is effective in fighting five bacteria that can cause tooth cavities.

Additional research, cardamom extractshows that it can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva samples by 54%.

Its anti-bacterial effect can treat infections

Cardamom It also has an antibacterial effect outside of the mouth and can treat infections.

Researches, cardamom extracts and that essential oils have compounds that fight many common bacterial species.

One test-tube study found that these extracts are yeast, a yeast that can cause fungal infections. Candida investigated the effect on drug-resistant strains. Extracts were able to inhibit the growth of some species by 0,99–1.49 cm.

Test tube studies, cardamom oilcausing food poisoning and gastroenteritis. To Campylobacter causing bacteria With Salmonella showed that he was fighting.

Improves breathing and oxygen utilization

CardamomThe compounds in can help increase airflow to the lungs and improve breathing.

When used in aromatherapy, cardamom Provides an invigorating scent that enhances the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise.

One study noted that a group of participants inhaled cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill at 15-minute intervals. This group had a significantly higher oxygen uptake compared to the control group.

CardamomAnother way to increase breathing and oxygen use is by relaxing the airway. This is particularly useful in treating asthma.

In a study in rats and rabbits, cardamom extract It has been found that injections can relieve throat air passage.

It lowers blood sugar levels

When taken in powder form, cardamom It can lower blood sugar.

One study found that eating a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet caused blood sugar levels to stay higher for longer than eating a normal diet.

To mice on the HFHC diet cardamom powder When given, blood sugar did not stay higher than blood sugar of rats on a normal diet.

However, the powder may not have the same effect in people with type 2 diabetes. In a study of 200 adults with this condition, participants consumed three grams of cinnamon every day for eight weeks. cardamom or split into groups that took ginger and black tea or black tea.

Results, cardamom or ginger showed improved blood sugar control.

Promotes heart health

Its antioxidant properties can improve heart health. Cardamom It also contains fiber, a nutrient that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Fights asthma

CardamomIt plays a role in combating asthma symptoms such as wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

Spice improves blood circulation in the lungs, making breathing easier. It also fights the associated inflammation by calming the mucous membranes.

A report, green cardamomHe says that can be used to treat asthma, bronchitis and many other respiratory problems.

Improves sexual health

Cardamomis a proven aphrodisiac. The spice is rich in a compound called cineol and a small pinch cardamom powder It can release nerve stimulants.

Helps relieve hiccups

CardamomIt has muscle-relaxing properties, and these can help relieve hiccups. In this case, you should add a teaspoon of hot water cardamom powder to add. Let it brew for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink slowly.

Helps treat a sore throat

CardamomThe mixture of cinnamon and black pepper can be used to treat a sore throat. Cardamom, while soothing a sore throat and reducing irritation, cinnamon Provides antibacterial protection. 

Black pepperincreases the bioavailability of the two components. Mix 1 gram of cardamom and cinnamon powder, 125 mg of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of honey and drink the mixture three times a day.

Cardamomhas also been found to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. In a study, cardamom powder the subjects given showed less frequency and duration of nausea and less frequency of vomiting.

Protects the liver

Cardamom Extractcan lower liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It can also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.

Skin Benefits of Cardamom

CardamomThe benefits of the skin can be attributed to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Spice helps treat skin allergies and improves skin tone. It can also be used as a tool to cleanse the skin.

Improves the skin

Benefits of cardamomOne of them is that it can lighten skin color. Cardamom oilhelps to remove blemishes and gives a lighter skin.

You can buy skin care products that contain cardamom oil. Or cardamom powderYou can mix it with honey and apply it as a face mask.

Improves blood circulation

CardamomContains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It improves blood circulation in the body. Also, many layers of phytonutrients in spice can improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for skin health.

Treats skin allergies

CardamomThe black variety, in particular, has antibacterial properties. To the affected area cardamom and applying a honey mask (a mixture of cardamom powder and honey) can provide relief.

Gives fragrance

Cardamom It is often used in cosmetics for fragrance. Due to its unique spicy and sweet fragrance, cardamom as well as cardamom oil Used in perfumes, soaps, body shampoos, powders and other cosmetics. 

Provides therapeutic benefits to the skin

CardamomThanks to its therapeutic effects, it can be used in antiseptic and anti-inflammatory skin care products to soothe the skin. When added to perfumes, it can stimulate the senses. 

Cardamom The facial soaps produced by using it give a feeling of warmth to the skin. For treatment purposes cardamom These cosmetics using are known as aromatherapy products.

Provides lip care

Cardamom oilis often added to cosmetics applied to lips (such as lip balms) to give the flavor of oil and make lips smooth.

You can apply the oil on your lips before going to bed and wash it off in the morning.

Benefits of Cardamom to Hair

Cardamomcan contribute to the treatment of certain scalp problems.

Nourishes scalp

CardamomThe antioxidant properties of s, and especially the black type, nourish the scalp and improve its health. 

Spice also nourishes the hair follicles and increases the strength of the hair. You can wash your hair with cardamom water (mix the powder with water and use it before shampooing) to achieve the desired results.

The antibacterial properties of the spice even treat scalp infections, if any.

Improves hair health

The spice strengthens the hair follicles and adds shine and vitality to the hair.

Does Cardamom Weaken?

In a study of 80 overweight and obese prediabetic women cardamom and a slightly reduced waist circumference.

What are the harms of cardamom?

Cardamom it is safe for most people. It is mostly used as a spice in cooking.

Cardamom Research continues into the use and medicinal uses of supplements, extracts and essential oils.

However, there is currently no recommended dosage for the spice as most studies have been done on animals. The use of supplements should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

The second reason to use the cardamom Supplements may not be suitable for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CardamomIf you want to use it for its good health benefits, it is safest to use the spice in food.

How do you use cardamom? Which flavors your food?