Like most spices, cardamom is loaded with surprises. Extracted from the seeds of several plants spread across India, Nepal, and Bhutan regions, this spice is normally used to flavor or enhance the flavors of many popular dishes abroad. The spice also came to be known as a type of "herbal medicine" in India and like the food, this usage also spread to many other cultures and is still practiced to this very day.
This is a good thing since cardamom does indeed contain many Health Benefits. Hence, those surprises mentioned earlier. The following is a short list of health benefits one can reap from the cardamom seeds of legend.
5. Cardamom detoxifies the body
Research conducted by Ila Das has shown that the natural oils and biochemicals found in cardamom seeds have a detoxification effect on the human body. This can be a life-saving ingredient given that The Body's own metabolism can be the source of several harmful toxins, especially those that can lead to cancer. In fact, one study showed that cardamom biochemicals could even stop cancer cells in their tracks.
4. It can prevent colorectal cancer
Staying on the subject of cancer, researchers at the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute have found that cardamom is an ideal alternative to treating colorectal cancer, one of the deadliest forms cancer in the world. Previous treatment methods pale in comparison to cardamom's success rate.
In fact, the research suggests that dietary cardamom had an almost 50 percent success rate in terms of deterring this type of cancer.
3. It's a natural anti-depressant
Massage therapists can back up this next claim: According to the writings of researcher Ingrid Martin, the oils found in cardamom are essential for treating depression.
Examinations have found that when this oil is applied to the bodies of lethargic people, it can have a "gently warming and stimulating action." Also, its pleasant scent has similar uses in aromatherapy.
2. It improves blood circulation
Research at the Nitte University in Mangalore, India concluded that cardamom's essential oils promote Blood Circulation which is great for managing stress.
Researchers provided the oil to several patients with stress and found that it helped blood circulate to their lungs more effectively.
1. It controls heart rate
The micronutrients found in cardamom have cardiovascular benefits that many may have overlooked. Research conducted at College of Pharmacy of King Saud University in Saudi Arabia showed that by administering cardamom into the human body, it can lower or even control heartbeats. This is because the enzymes found in the spice can alter cholesterol levels in the body. This is beneficial to those who suffer from hypertension and high blood pressure.
