Cardamom is aptly referred to as a “Queen spice” since it is a beloved herb and spice that enhances both salty and sweet foods, making it an indispensable ingredient in many cuisines. Whole seed pods and powdered powder are two forms of cardamom that are used to make essential oils and herbal remedies.
Cardamom Nutrition and Health Uses
Cardamom has a pleasant flavour and is high in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical substances with anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antibacterial properties.
Antimicrobial Activity
Since cardamom essential oil breaks down the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, it is quite powerful at killing them.
Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes Management
Excessive weight, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and low levels of high density lipoproteins and cholesterols are all part of the metabolic syndrome. In those with type 2 diabetes, cardamom can improve insulin and haemoglobin A1c levels while lowering inflammatory markers.
Heart Health
Triglyceride levels are lower and good cholesterol is higher in women. Cardamom’s antioxidant impact promotes heart health by enhancing and harmonising cardiovascular function.
Dental Health
Cineole, an oil found in cardamom, combats microorganisms linked to cavities, gum disease, and foul breath.
Liver Health
Cardamom’s purging properties make it a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, much like many other plants. According to controlled trials, those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may benefit from cardamom treatment in terms of liver function. Additionally, cranial cardamom is shown in in-vivo trials to be a hepatoprotective agent against high-calorie, high-fat diet.
Medicinal Properties
Cardamom contains phytochemicals that are recognised to have anti-cancer properties. Preclinical research indicates that the cardamom component decreased the size and bulk of tumours, suggesting a function in cancer control, even if it is not a replacement for traditional cancer treatment.