Does cardamom lower blood sugar levels?

 Does cardamom lower blood sugar levels?

This aromatic herb comes from the tropical forests of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Sumatra.

It has been known since ancient times for its excellent health benefits and properties. Cardamom seeds, oils, and extracts are believed to have great medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

 

It is native to India, but today it is available all over the world and is used in both sweet and savory recipes.

It is a plant generally used for gastronomy, due to its unique flavor and intense aroma, but did you know that it also has hundreds of benefits for your health?

 

It has an intense and slightly sweet flavor, which some compare to mint.

 

Nutritional information

 

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

 

Calories: 311 kcal

Protein: 10.76g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Total Fat: 6.70g

Fiber: 28g

Calcium: 383mg

Potassium: 1,119mg

Vitamin C: 21mg

Vitamin B-3: 1.1mg

Iron: 13.97mg

Magnesium: 229mg

Phosphorus: 178 mg

Sodium: 18mg

Zinc: 7.47mg

Manganese: 28.00mg

Properties and benefits of Cardamom

 

Antioxidant and diuretic properties can lower blood pressure

 

Cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure.

 

In one study, researchers gave three grams of powdered cardamom daily to 20 adults who had recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks, blood pressure levels had dropped significantly to the normal range.

 

The promising results of this study may be related to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom.

 

Researchers also suspect that the spice may lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, which means it may promote urination to remove water that accumulates in the body.

 

May contain cancer-fighting compounds.

 

Compounds in cardamom may help fight cancer cells.

 

Studies in mice have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help fight cancer.

 

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

 

Research on human cancer cells and cardamom indicates similar results. One study showed that a certain compound in the spice prevented oral cancer cells from multiplying in test tubes.

 

Although the results are promising, these studies have only been done in mice or in test tubes. Human research is needed before stronger claims can be made.

 

It can protect against chronic diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects.

 

Cardamom 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 disease.

 

Antioxidants, found in abundance in cardamom, protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation from occurring.

 

Although there are not as many studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of cardamom in humans, research shows that supplements can increase antioxidant status by up to 90%.

 

It can help with digestive problems.

 

Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion. It is mixed with other medicinal plants to relieve discomfort, nausea and vomiting.

 

The most researched property, when it comes to relieving stomach problems, is its possible ability to heal ulcers.

 

In one study, rats were fed extracts of cardamom, turmeric, and sembung leaf in hot water before exposing them to high doses of aspirin to induce stomach ulcers. These rats developed fewer ulcers compared to those given aspirin alone.

 

More research is needed to know if the spice would have the same effect against ulcers in humans.

 

It can help treat bad breath and prevent cavities.

 

The use of cardamom to treat bad breath and improve oral health is an ancient remedy. In some cultures, it is customary to freshen breath by eating whole cardamom pods after a meal.

 

Even the gum manufacturer Wrigley uses this spice in one of their products.

 

The reason cardamom can lead to fresh, minty breath may have to do with its ability to fight common bacteria in the mouth.

 

One study found that cardamom extracts were effective in fighting five bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

 

Other research shows that cardamom extract can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva samples by 54%.

 

However, studies in humans are needed.

 

It can have antibacterial effects and treat infections.

 

Cardamom also has antibacterial effects outside of the mouth and can treat infections.

 

Research shows that cardamom extracts and essential oils have compounds that fight several common strains of bacteria.

 

It can improve breathing.

 

Compounds in cardamom can help increase airflow into the lungs and improve breathing.

 

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

 

Another way cardamom can improve breathing and oxygen use is by relaxing the airways. This can be especially helpful in treating asthma.

 

It can lower blood sugar levels.

 

When taken in powder form, cardamom can lower blood sugar levels in laboratory studies with rats.

 

To better understand cardamom's effect on blood sugar in humans, more studies are needed.

 

Liver protection.

 

Cardamom extract can lower elevated levels of liver enzymes, triglycerides, and cholesterol. It can also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease (info).

 

Cardamom: uses

 

Here are some uses that you can give to this wonderful plant:

 

Tea: To make a delicious and relaxing Cardamom tea you must place ¼ cup of seeds in half a cup of boiling water for five minutes. Then place the water in a pot of black tea, strain the seeds and enjoy!

 

Meals: Place some seeds in your mill and add them to your favorite foods when cooking them to add more flavor and aroma to them.

 

Stomach pain: To improve stomach discomfort, place 10 drops of Cardamom essence in olive oil and then rub gently on the stomach for 5 minutes.

 

Appetite: If you suffer from lack of appetite, drink the aforementioned cardamom tea 30 minutes before meals to increase your desire to eat.

 

You can also use the Cardamom oil infusion to perform relaxing massages on other parts of the body.

 

Contraindications of cardamom

 

Cardamom is generally safe for most people.

 

The most common way to use cardamom is in cooking or baking. It is very versatile and is often added to Indian curries and stews, as well as gingerbread cookies, bread and other baked goods.

 

The use of cardamom supplements, extracts, and essential oils is likely to become more common in light of promising research results on its medicinal uses.

 

However, there is currently no recommended dose, as most studies have been done on animals. The use of supplements should be supervised by a doctor.

 

Cardamom supplements may not be suitable for children and pregnant or lactating women.