Cardamom benefits and uses

Small green cardamom is best known for adding a sweet, pleasant aroma and flavor to tea. But this popular spice is used in much more than drinks.

It is also added to both sweet and savory dishes while its seeds oil, and extracts have been used in traditional remedies for many years.

Cardamom has a fresh slightly sweet flavor and contains several plant compounds with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Researchers have studied whether these compounds may offer certain health benefits.

May help support healthy blood pressure

Cardamom contains antioxidant compounds that have been studied for their possible effects on blood pressure. Some research has found that cardamom consumption may be linked to a small reduction in blood pressure.

However more research is needed and cardamom should not be used as a replacement for blood pressure medicine.

What about Cancer?

Scientists have studied some compounds in cardamom to see how they may affect cancer cells and tumor growth.

However much of this research is experimental or based on laboratory studies. There is not enough evidence to say that eating cardamom can prevent or treat cancer in people.

May have anti-inflammatory Effects

Cardamom contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from oxidative stress. Some of its plant compounds may also affect processes linked to inflammation.

Because of this cardamom’s possible anti-inflammatory effects have become an area of scientific research.

May support digestion

Cardamom has traditionally been used for digestive problems and stomach discomfort.

Some early studies have also looked at whether cardamom may have protective effects on the stomach and could play a role in reducing the risk of ulcers. However stronger human research is needed before making firm health claims.

May help freshen breath

Chewing cardamom is a traditional way to freshen the breath. Its extract contains compounds that may slow the growth of some bacteria found in the mouth.

For this reason cardamom is also used in some chewing gums and oral care products. However chewing cardamom is not a substitute for regular brushing flossing, or dental check ups.

May have antibacterial properties

Laboratory research suggests that some compounds in cardamom extract may work against certain types of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Researchers have investigated these effects against microbes linked to foodborne illness and other infections.  However laboratory findings do not necessarily mean that eating cardamom can treat an infection.

The bottom line

Cardamom is a flavorful spice that contains antioxidants and other plant compounds. Early research suggests it may have several potential health benefits but more human studies are needed to understand how effective it is.

It can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet but it should not replace prescribed medicines or medical treatment.