Normal blood pressure is defined as 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure is considered high and therefore unhealthy when systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or more, diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher, or when both systolic and diastolic pressure are higher than normal. Researchers have studied cardamom, a spice and medicinal herb, for its potential ability to improve blood pressure levels and have recorded some positive results. Studies are limited, however, and further research is needed to confirm cardamom's health benefits. Always talk to a health care professional when considering using spices or supplements to manage a medical condition.
About Cardamom
Cardamom is a group of perennial herbs related to ginger and native to India. The fruit of cardamom has an oval or round shape and contains numerous seeds. The cardamom fruit is used as a spice in tea or curries and to add flavor to cakes or liquors. Indians traditionally used cardamom to improve digestive, cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Some studies have found that cardamom may be beneficial for decreasing hypertension.
Research
For example, a study published in the February 2008 issue of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" evaluated the effects of cardamom extract on blood pressure using in vivo and in vitro techniques. The authors found that cardamom was able to reduce blood pressure and therefore may be valuable in managing high blood pressure. Another study, conducted with 20 participants who consumed 3 g of cardamom powder daily for 12 weeks, concluded this supplement effectively reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improved the antioxidant status of the subjects. This study was published in December 2009 in "Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics."
Safety
Cardamom seeds are on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Generally Recognized as Safe" list. As with any herb, allergic reactions in susceptible individuals may occur. Children and pregnant women should not use cardamom. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, you should use cardamon cautiously and under the care of physician.
Considerations
The daily dose beneficial for high blood pressure was not sufficiently evaluated in research studies; in traditional medicine, a daily dose would be 1.5. g of ground seeds daily, according to the "Dictionary of Flavors." Consult a nutritionist to find out how you can incorporate cardamom into your diet and the daily amounts of this fruit that may help you better manage your blood pressure. Cardamom does not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs your doctor prescribes to treat hypertension.
References
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cardamom
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Gut Modulatory, Blood Pressure Lowering, Diuretic and Sedative Activities of Cardamom; A.H. Gilani, et al.; February 2008
- "Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics"; Blood Pressure Lowering, Fibrinolysis Enhancing and Antioxidant Activities of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum); S.K. Verma, et al.; December 2009
- "Dictionary of Flavors"; Dolf De Rovira; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension, Complications
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