Cardamom, scientifically known as Elletaria cardamomum, is a relative to the ginger family. Cardamom is often used for culinary purposes as a spice to add flavor to food and beverages, most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Scientific analysis of cardamom revealed that cardomom is an excellent dietary source of limonene, a chemical predominantly found in the skin of citrus fruits. A study performed by Mário R. Maróstica Junior at State University of Campinas in Brazil showed that consumption of limonene boosted antioxidant activity. Due to the presence of limonene, consumption of cardamon can offer many health benefits.
Cancer Protection
A study by A. Sangupta for the Department of Cancer Chemoprevention at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in India revealed that oral administration of cardamom was effective in inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, and even caused cell death, in human colon cancer cells. This research was performed on Swiss albino mice, however, the results are encouraging to further research with clinical trials involving the human population.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Scientific studies have also shown that consumption of cardamom offers beneficial properties for the treatment of high blood pressure. A study performed by S.K. Verman for the Indigenous Drug Research Center at RNT Medical College in India showed that oral consumption of 3 g of cardamom per day for 12 week significantly lowered systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in newly diagnosed hypertensive study subjects. The results of this study are encouraging for the use of cardamom for the reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Prevents Blood Clots
There is scientific evidence confirming the beneficial effects of cardamom against platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is the clumping of platelets within the blood stream that eventually leads to blood clot formation. A study performed by W.J. Suneetha for the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition at the Central Food Technological Research Institute in India revealed that cardamom contains several components that protect and prevent blood clots from clumping in the blood stream and forming blood clots.
Diuretic Properties
Scientific studies have also shown that the consumption of cardamom can be of great benefit as a diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that increases urine production and output from the kidneys in order to rid the body of excess fluids and unwanted toxins. A study performed by A.H. Gilani for the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Aga Khan University in Pakistan confirmed that administration of cardamom promoted an increase in diuresis, the mechanism in which urine production and output by the kidney is increased. This study was performed on laboratory rats, however, the results are encouraging for further research in clinical trials involving the human population.
References
- PubMed.gov: Blood Pressure Lowering, Fibrinolysis Enhancing and Antioxidant Activities of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- PubMed.gov: Cardamom Extract As Inhibitor of Human Platelet Aggregation
- PubMed.gov: Dietary Cardamom Inhibits the Formation of Azoxymethane-Induced Aberrant Crypt Foci in Mice and Reduces COX-2 and iNOS Expression In The Colon
- PubMed.gov: Gut Modulatory, Blood Pressure Lowering, Diuretic and Sedative Activities of Cardamom
- "Food Chemistry" September 2009: Antioxidant Potential of Aroma Compounds Obtained By Limonene Biotransformation of Orange Essential Oil
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: D-limonene
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