15 Reasons Why Cardamom Seeds Are Good For Health

What is cardamom? Cardamom is native to the evergreen forests of India. This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine, but it has also made its way into Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for mouth ulcers, digestive problems, and even depression. Some of the health benefits of this peppery, citrusy spice are now making their way into modern studies. It’s well worth adding cardamom to your food for the flavor alone, but these health benefits are also something to consider whenever you break out the spices.

Cardamom is one of the most valued spices in the world with an intense aromatic flavour used to bring out the best in both savoury and sweet dishes. Its eloquence, culinary magic and healing powers have earned it the title “Queen Of Spices”.True cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) has a green pod – this is the type that I use. You can also buy a black podded cardamom (Amomum costatum and Amomum subulatum), which is a different species that I know little about (other than they have a different, more smokey flavour). If you see white cardamom pods for sale, then they are likely to be green pods that have been bleached or have faded with age.

For vibrancy and taste I recommend green, heads up! You can easily buy cardamom powder in any store that sells herbs and spices – however – I highly suggest that you buy the actual pods rather than the ground stuff. There is a massive difference between the two. Pre-ground cardamom loses it’s culinary magic as the fragrant flavour disappears rapidly. I always peel open the pods, then crush the seeds with a pestle and mortar or by repeatedly chopping over them with a sharp heavy knife.

Ease Symptoms of Digestion Problems

?Cardamom is related to ginger and can be used in the same way to counteract digestive issues and problems. You can use it to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and much more.

Make a cup of cardamom tea and take small sips until your stomach calms down. If you don’t have cardamom tea, you can make your own digestive aid with edible cardamom oil or ground cardamom pods and some hot water.

Detoxify the Body and Remove Waste

This spice helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys. This benefit is ideal for those who want to get rid of the toxins and chemicals from their body to speed up weight and fat loss.

Get Rid of Halitosis or Bad Breath

Chew on cardamom leaves! Cardamom is an aromatic spice that leaves a fresh, lingering scent in your mouth when you chew on it.

In India, they chew cardamom seeds or leaves after meals or whenever they need to freshen up their breath.

A Powerful Diuretic

Part of the reason cardamom is such a good detoxifier is thanks to its diuretic properties. It helps clean out the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, removing waste, salt, excess water, toxins, and combating infections, too.

Depression

Drinking relaxing and calming drinks infused with cardamom may be a way to improve one’s mood.

The science behind the antidepressant qualities of cardamom hasn’t been studied yet, but Ayurvedic medicine swears by the tea as a means to fight depression.

Also, it has a wonderful taste and relaxing scent that helps calm the senses. It might not be clinically proven to fight these mental illnesses, but you can still use them to help alleviate the symptoms.

Promotes Better Oral Health

Apart from helping with bad breath, cardamom is used for sore throats, mouth ulcers, and infections of the mouth and throat.

A recent study found that cardamom seeds and fruit could help improve oral health due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The findings showed that the cardamom extract was effective in disrupting bacteria that can lead to gum disease or infections.

Prevent Cold and Flu Symptoms

This pungent spice may help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s also used for bronchitis and coughs.

In addition to being high in vitamins and minerals, the astringent properties of cardamom tea make it good for helping to fight off bacteria in the body. Drinking a warm cup of cardamom tea can be soothing on a sore throat and can even help suppress coughing.

May Reduce Risk of Developing Cancer

Animal studies are showing promise that cardamom protects against, inhibits growth, and even kills some cancers.

Keep in mind that there’s not enough proven studies showing that cardamom has any actual effect on the growth and development of cancer cells in humans. Don’t delay seeking medical advice if you suspect you’re at risk.

Regulates Blood Pressure

As a diuretic and fiber-rich spice, cardamom significantly lowers blood pressure. Exercising more, cutting back on sugar and adding more potassium to your diet and consuming less sodium can help keep your blood pressure steady.

Prevent Blood Clots

Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and then sticking to the artery walls. In the long run, this may prove to be beneficial in preventing life-threatening clotting.

Acts as an Antioxidant

Many of the vitamins, phytonutrients, and essential oils in cardamom act as antioxidants, cleaning up free-radicals and resisting cellular aging. Getting rid of harmful free-radicals can balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and promote better overall health.

Combats Damaging Pathogens

The volatile essential oils in cardamom inhibit the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungus, and mold. In the long run, this can reduce your susceptibility to common diseases and illnesses.

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Like ginger and turmeric, its relative, cardamom has some anti-inflammatory properties that limit pain and swelling, especially in mucous membranes, mouth, and throat.

Gets Rid of Hiccups

Cardamom is an antispasmodic that can help get rid of hiccups. This also applies to other involuntary muscle spasms, like stomach and intestinal cramps.

Increase Libido as an Effective Aphrodisiac

Want to last longer and stronger in bed? Try supplementing with cardamom seeds!
Traditional medicine lists cardamom as a powerful aphrodisiac that can help with erectile dysfunction and impotence through better blood circulation.