Vitamins & Minerals

cardamom

Cardamom is an ingredient in our Weight loss blend, below you will find fascinating information and key benefits about this ingredient.

Cardamom has been used in recipes and traditional medicine for centuries. It is very high in antioxidants and has the ability to lower blood pressure. It can also prevent chronic inflammation and the multiplication of cancer cells. It is often used as a digestive aid and as a breath freshener.  

Native to India and derived from the seeds of the same family of flowering plants as ginger, cardamom is a spice with a taste not dissimilar to that of mint. It is often used in both sweet and savoury recipes and has been used in traditional medicine by several civilisations for centuries.  

Cardamom contains a good number of antioxidants and is also a diuretic, which suggests that it’s great for lowering blood pressure. Certain compounds within cardamom have the amazing ability to stop cancer cells from developing and increase the activity of cancer-fighting cells. The antioxidants in cardamom also prevent inflammation, which is the cause of many common health conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and cancers.  

Cardamom’s status as a digestive aid has been known for centuries and it has shown to be very effective at reducing stomach ulcers. Research suggests that it can protect the body from a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which is known to be the cause of ulcers. It is often used to relieve nausea and stomach pain. 

In some cultures, it’s not unusual to chew cardamom pods after a meal, due to its ability to kill five common forms of oral bacteria. It can prevent cavities and has a fresh aroma that combats bad breath.  

Studies have shown that cardamom can reduce harmful enzymes in the liver and cholesterol levels, which is excellent for preventing chronic inflammation and fat build-up. Its high antioxidant content has also been linked to its ability to ease anxiety. 

Key benefits of cardamom include:

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cardamom contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as cineole and terpinene. These compounds have shown potential in reducing inflammation markers and can help in managing conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and certain respiratory conditions.
  • Blood Pressure Regulation: Cardamom can help regulate blood pressure levels. The antioxidants and diuretic properties in cardamom can contribute to reducing high blood pressure.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Cardamom can help increase insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. 
  • Digestive Health: Cardamom has been traditionally used to aid digestion. It can help promote the production of digestive enzymes, which can improve digestion and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea.
  • Oral Health Benefits: Cardamom has been traditionally used to improve oral health and freshen breath. Its antimicrobial properties can help combat oral bacteria, reduce the risk of cavities, and alleviate oral infections.
  • Respiratory Health: Likely because of its cineole content, cardamom's expectorant properties make it useful in relieving respiratory symptoms. It can help loosen phlegm, ease congestion, and alleviate coughing. Additionally, cardamom's antimicrobial properties can contribute to its effectiveness in managing respiratory infections.

Avoid combining cardamom with the following medications:

  • Anticoagulant Medications: Cardamom may possess mild blood-thinning properties. Concurrent use with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin could increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor for signs of bleeding and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Cardamom may have hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects. Combining it with blood pressure medications could lead to excessive lowering of blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure levels regularly and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Diabetes Medications: Cardamom may lower blood sugar levels. Concurrent use with diabetes medications could enhance the effects, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Sedatives and CNS Depressants: Cardamom may have mild sedative effects. Combining it with medications that also have sedative properties, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids, could enhance these effects, leading to increased drowsiness or central nervous system depression.
  • Thyroid Medications: Cardamom may interfere with thyroid function. Concurrent use with thyroid medications could potentially affect thyroid hormone levels. Monitor thyroid function tests regularly and consult with a healthcare provider.

Individuals with the following allergens or medical conditions should use caution or avoid cardamom:

  • Allergies to Spices: Cardamom belongs to the ginger family and may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with allergies to spices. Symptoms can include skin rash, itching, swelling, or respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing. Use cardamom cautiously if you have known spice allergies.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Cardamom contains certain compounds that may exacerbate gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some individuals. If you have these conditions, monitor your symptoms and consider avoiding cardamom if it aggravates your gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Bleeding Disorders: Cardamom has mild blood-thinning properties and may affect blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or those taking anticoagulant medications should use cardamom cautiously or avoid it altogether to prevent excessive bleeding.
  • Diabetes: Cardamom may lower blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when consuming cardamom to avoid hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). Adjustments to diabetes medications may be necessary under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
  • Thyroid Disorders: Cardamom may interfere with thyroid function. Individuals with thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should use cardamom cautiously and monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly.
  • Gallstones: Individuals with gallstones should use caution when consuming cardamom. Cardamom contains compounds that may stimulate gallbladder contractions, which could potentially exacerbate symptoms in individuals with gallstones, such as pain or discomfort.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should use cardamom cautiously. While there's limited research on its safety during pregnancy and lactation, excessive consumption of cardamom may lead to adverse effects. It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating cardamom into the diet during pregnancy or lactation.

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DIVE DEEPER

Explore the tabs and discover links between cardamom and various elements

Cardamom, 100g

Vitamins present
Value
Minerals present
Value

Vitamin B1/Thiamine

0.2mg - 13%

Calcium

383mg - 38%

Vitamin B2/Riboflavin

0.2mg - 11%

Iron

14mg - 78%

Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine

0.2mg - 11%

Magnesium

229mg - 57%

Vitamin C

21mg - 35%

Manganese

28mg - 1400%