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Cardamom is a spice used in many dishes and as medicine. In fact, cardamom is a popular food in the Middle East and Arabia, but now they have also become popular in the West. The article will provide information about the health benefits of cardamom based on scientific evidence.
1. What is cardamom?
Cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants that belong to the same family as ginger. It has a distinctive flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. People can use the seeds and fruit of cardamom in curries, desserts and meat dishes, as well as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea.
Cardamom seeds, oils and extracts are said to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in Traditional Medicine for centuries. Therefore, people can also take cardamom as a supplement with health benefits. Furthermore, cardamom contains phytochemicals that have good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Thảo quả là một loại dược liệu với những công dụng bất ngờ
2. What are the effects of cardamom?
2.1. Antioxidant and diuretic properties can lower blood pressure
Cardamom is known to be helpful for people with high blood pressure. In one study, researchers gave three grams of cardamom powder daily to 20 adults newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks of use, the study results showed that the blood pressure level was significantly reduced to normal.
The promising results of this study may link the high antioxidant content of cardamom to a number of diseases. In fact, the participants' antioxidant status increased by 90% by the end of the study. This antioxidant has been linked to lower blood pressure.
Researchers also suspect that this spice can lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, which means it can promote urination to remove water build-up in the body. Furthermore, cardamom extract has been shown to increase urination and decrease blood pressure in rats.
2.2. May contain cancer-fighting compounds
Substances in cardamom may help fight cancer cells. Studies in rats have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help fight cancer.
Spices can also enhance the killing ability of natural cells to attack tumors. In a study conducted in two groups of rats with a skin carcinogenic compound and in which one group was fed 500 mg of cardamom/kg body weight per day. After 12 weeks of study, the results showed that in the group of mice that ate cardamom, only 29% had cancer, compared with more than 90% of the control group.
Studies on the association of human cancer cells and cardamom show similar results. Research shows that a certain compound in the spice stopped oral cancer cells in test tubes from multiplying.
Although the results are promising, these studies have only been done in mice or in test tubes. Therefore, more in-depth studies are needed before declaring the effects of cardamom on cancer cells.
Thảo quả có tác dụng tiêu diệt tế bào ung thư trên da
2.3. May protect against chronic diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect
Cardamom is rich in compounds that can fight inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body comes into contact with foreign substances. Acute inflammation is necessary and beneficial, but long-term inflammation can lead to chronic diseases. Antioxidants, found in abundance in cardamom, also work to protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation from occurring.
One study found that cardamom extract, at a dose of 50-100 mg/kg body weight, was found to be effective in inhibiting at least four different inflammatory compounds in rats. Or, another study in rats found that eating cardamom powder reduced liver inflammation caused by eating a diet high in carbs and fat.
Although there aren't many studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of cardamom in humans, studies show that supplements can increase antioxidant status by up to 90%.
2.4. May help with digestive problems, including ulcers
Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to help with better digestion. It is often mixed with other medicinal spices to relieve discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Previous studies have looked at cardamom the most, as it has been linked to alleviating stomach problems, and its ability to heal ulcers.
In a study conducted in rats, rats were fed extracts of cardamom, turmeric, and sembung leaves in hot water before being exposed to high doses of aspirin to induce stomach ulcers. These mice developed fewer ulcers than mice that received only aspirin.
A similar study in rats showed that cardamom extract alone could prevent or completely reduce the size of stomach ulcers by at least 50%. In fact, at a dose of 12.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, cardamom extract was more effective than a common anti-ulcer drug.
Test tube studies also show that cardamom may protect against Helicobacter pylori , a bacteria that is involved in the development of most stomach ulcer problems .
However, more research is needed to know if this spice has the same effect against ulcers in humans.
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2.5. Can treat bad breath and prevent tooth decay
The use of cardamom to treat bad breath and improve oral health is an ancient remedy. In some cultures, it's common to freshen the breath by eating the whole rind of cardamom after a meal. Even gum maker Wrigley uses this spice in one of its products.
The reason why cardamom can lead to fresh breath may have to do with its ability to fight common oral bacteria. One study found that cardamom extract was effective against five types of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. In several test-tube studies, the extract suppressed bacterial growth up to 2.08 cm. Or, additional research also shows that cardamom extract can reduce the number of bacteria in a saliva sample by 54%. However, all of these studies were conducted in test tubes, making it unclear whether the results would be applicable to humans.
2.6. May have antibacterial effects and treat infections
Cardamom also has an antibacterial effect outside the mouth and can treat infections. Research shows that cardamom extract and its essential oil have compounds against several common strains of bacteria.
A test-tube study looked at the effects of these extracts on resistant strains of Candida, a type of yeast that can cause fungal infections. Research results show that herbal extracts can inhibit the growth of some strains by 0.99 -1.49 cm.
Additional test-tube studies also show that cardamom essential oils and extracts are like, and sometimes more effective than standard drugs, against E. coli and Staphylococcus, two bacteria that can cause poisoning food.
Test-tube studies also show that cardamom essential oil fights Salmonella bacteria that lead to food poisoning and Campylobacter which contributes to gastritis. However, current studies on the antibacterial effects of cardamom have only looked at isolated bacterial strains in the laboratory. Therefore, the evidence is not strong enough to claim that this spice will have the same effect in humans.
Thảo quả đặc biệt có công dụng trong chống lại vi khuẩn E. coli
2.7. May improve breathing and use of oxygen
Compounds in cardamom can help increase air flow to the lungs and improve breathing. When used in aromatherapy, cardamom can provide a strong odor that enhances the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise.
One study suggested a group of participants inhale cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill for a period of 15 minutes. The results showed that the group given cardamom essential oil had a significantly higher oxygen absorption than the control group. In other words, cardamom can improve breathing and oxygen use to help relax the airways. This can be especially helpful for treating asthma.
A study in rats and rabbits found that injections of cardamom extract could relax the airways. If the extract had a similar effect in people with asthma, it could help stop the airways from becoming inflamed and improve breathing for this subject.
2.8. Can lower blood sugar
When taken in powder form, cardamom can lower blood sugar. A study conducted in rats on a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet found that their blood sugar levels were higher than when they were fed a normal diet. However, when rats on the HFHC diet were given cardamom powder, their high blood sugar levels did not last longer than the blood sugar levels of the rats on the normal diet. However, the powder probably won't have the same effect in people with type 2 diabetes.
In a study of 200 adults with this condition, participants were divided into groups to drink only black tea or black tea with three grams of cinnamon, cardamom or ginger per day and taken for eight weeks. Results showed that cinnamon, but not cardamom or ginger, improved and controlled blood sugar. Therefore, to better understand the effects of cardamom on blood sugar in humans, more research is needed.
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2.9. Other Potential Health Benefits of Cardamom
In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, cardamom can be healthy in a variety of ways. Studies in rats have found that the high antioxidant levels in the spice can prevent both liver enlargement, anxiety, and even aid in weight loss:
Protect the liver: Cardamom extract may Lowers liver enzymes, triglycerides and cholesterol. They can also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease. Anxiety: A rat study found that cardamom extract was able to suppress anxious behaviors. This may be because low blood levels of antioxidants have been linked to the development of anxiety and other mood disorders. Weight loss: A study in 80 women with diabetes along with overweight and obesity found a link between cardamom and a slightly reduced waist circumference. However, studies on weight loss in rats and spices have yet to find significant results. The amount of research on the link between cardamom and these potential benefits is limited and has mostly been done on animals. What's more, the reason why spices can help improve liver health, anxiety, and weight isn't clear. Therefore, more in-depth studies are needed to determine this relationship.
Các chất trong thảo quả có tác dụng hỗ trợ giảm cân
2.10. Cardamom is safe for most people
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, breads and other baked goods.
The use of cardamom supplements, its extracts and essential oils is likely to become more common in the promising results of research on medicinal uses. However, there is currently no recommended dose for this spice because most of the research has been done on animals. Therefore, the use of supplements should be monitored by a medical professional. Furthermore, cardamom supplements may not be suitable for children and women who are pregnant or nursing.
Most supplements recommend 500 mg of cardamom powder or extract once or twice a day. The FDA does not regulate supplements, so be sure to choose brands that have been tested by third parties if you want to try cardamom supplements. And best of all, if you're interested in trying cardamom, keep in mind that adding cardamom as a spice to your food is probably the safest bet.
In summary, cardamom is an ancient remedy that may have many medicinal properties. It can lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and aid in weight loss. What's more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria, and protect your liver, although the evidence in these cases is not enough. This is less powerful. However, little or no studies have been done with humans on some of the health benefit claims associated with this spice. Therefore, more research is needed to establish a basis for the effects of cardamom on humans.
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Reference source: healthline.com
