Cardamon Uses and Benefits. Cardamon for weight loss
Cardamom herb is used medicinally for a variety of ailments.
Cardamon comes in different forms as essential oils, pods,supplements and powder. Its scientific name is Elletaria Cardamomum. Cardamon is added to cuisine for its taste and aroma, and also used for medicinal purposes.
May help to fight Cancer
Cardamom antioxidant properties can help in fighting cancer. The herb may inhibit the growth of cancer tumor cells. But the results emanating from these claims are all conducted on mice and more studies will be needed ,especially on humans before conclusive statements could be made on its health benefits to fight cancer.
Cardamon Lowers High Blood Pressure
Cardamom has antioxidant and Diuretic Properties that induces the lowering of blood pressure.
Researchers on 20 patients with high blood pressure experienced a decrease in blood pressure after 12 weeks of cardamom powder intake (3Trusted Source).
This could be due to the high content of antioxidant properties of cardamom and the diuretic effect it possesses by expelling water that builds up in the body..
May Help in Ulcer Problem
Cardamon abilities to heal Ulcers.This herb has been used for centuries to help with digestive problems. In one study, rats were fed extracts of cardamom, turmeric and sembung leaf in hot water before being exposed to high doses of aspirin to induce stomach ulcers. Rats fed with cardamon experienced fewer ulcers when compared to the rats that only received aspirin. However, more research is needed on humans against ulcers with respect to cardamon.
The antibacterial effects that treat Infections
Cardamom antibacterial effects help to treat infections. Cardamom extracts and essential oils have compounds that have been used to fight several common strains of bacteria. Bacterias that cause fungus infection, Cardamom essential oils fight the bacteria like Salmonella that leads to food poisoning and Campylobacter that contributes to stomach inflammation (25Trusted Source,).
Cardamom has anti inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory compounds in cardamom may help from protecting chronic diseases. Inflammation occurs when your body is exposed to free radicals. The antioxidants, found abundantly in cardamom, protect cells from damage and fight inflammation . Researchers found that cardamom extract in doses of 50–100 milligram per kilogram (23–46 milligram per pound) of body weight was effective in inhibiting at least four different inflammatory compounds in rats (15Trusted Source).
Cardamom for fresh Breath
Cardamom is used as a component of chewing gum Its properties to fight bad breath due to the minty flavor and the compound in it, that can fight common bacteria and prevent cavity decay are the reason for why it is used in gums.
Research indicates that cardamom extract can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva samples by almost 54% .
Cardamon assist in the Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Cardamon given to rats to reduce the high blood sugar levels.When taken in powder form, cardamom may lower blood sugar.But can this be effective in the treatment of diabetes? More studies are needed to ascertain this for the treatment of diabetes in humans as most of the studies were conducted in rats.
Cardamon may improve breathing for asthma patients
Research in rats and rabbits found that injections of cardamom extract could relax the air passage.When air passages are relaxed , it improves oxygen intake. This assists in the treatment of asthma by improving breathing.
Cardamon on weight loss
A study on overweight and obese prediabetic women found that cardamom slightly reduced the waist line of the women who participated in the study. However, the studies on the connection between cardamom and these benefits of weight loss will need to be further studied. According to DK Publication,” cardamom helps to boost metabolism and helps the body to burn fats more effectively.” Cardamom is therefore considered a good herb that could be used to manage weight loss.
Cardamon Water
This water has been used for ages to assist weight loss and burn stubborn belly fats.
Cardamon water helps reduce bloating or indigestion.It assists in getting rid of excess fats in the stomach when taking daily. One of Its important compounds is melatonin ,which assists in speeding up the fat burning process in the body. Cardamon fights fats especially in the belly where stubborn fats are retained,Cardamon water helps to detoxify the body ,expel the accumulated fats in the belly and lessen bloating.
How to make cardamom water for weight loss on your own
Crush the cardamom pod. Use a cardamom powder possibly
Mix the extracted pod peel and seeds or powder in a cup of water and leave it overnight. Drink the water in the morning in an empty stomach to be most effective. It will be easier if you are using cardamom powder instead of the pods.
It is important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Less intake of calories and exercise to lose the extra pound in the belly faster , The use of cardamom alone will not be as effective if you do not take the amount of intake of calories into consideration..
Cardamom helps digestion and ulcer
It is an effective digestive stimulant and diuretic, Cardamon is used to manage conditions like indigestion, constipation,ulcer and water retention. Research on rats have indicated that Cardamon extracts can reduce the size of gastric stomach ulcer by 50 percent and can help fight the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.However, more studies are needed to determine conclusively if this herb can be beneficial to humans with ulcers .
Cardamom essential oils are known for centuries to promote health. Moreover, it possesses antioxidants and antibiotic qualities, and benefits digestive health
Side Effects
Cardamon is generally safe to consume. You should talk to your doctor before indulging .There are people who chew it and overdose in it. Overdose on this herb can have some consequences., and can interfere with other medications.There are people who are allergic to Cardamom and should stop taking it if you are allergic .
Persons who are allergic and People who Overdose can have respiratory problems like chest pain,shortness of breath,throat tightness and uncomfortable feelings, are some of the side effects that could result from overdose or allergies. .
Gallstone problems can result from excessive intake of cardamom. As our body system cannot completely digest cardamon and can lead to sediments. It is therefore advised that patients with gallbladder stone problems should not consume cardamom.
Hives and Dermatitis,common skin rash can also result if you are allergic or you overdose .
Dosage:
Keep in mind that natural supplements are not controlled by the drug administration and some of these herbs are not 100% safe. There is no standard dosage to be taken. But a requirement of 400 to 500 milligram per day of dried herb per pill should be taken . Cardamon’s natural phytochemicals have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities that have been used for centuries medicinally. However, care must be taken and overdose is not encouraged as more and more research is still being conducted as to its benefits to health.
Conclusion
Cardamom is a natural herb and is not regulated like conventional medicine. Using cardamom for cooking or taking it as a supplement is safe although more studies are needed to ascertain its health benefits .It helps to protect our cells and slow down damage because of its high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. But pregnant women, children and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cardamon. And you should consult your doctor before indulging in it.
