Cardamom support health by helping with high blood pressure, weight management, and fighting infections, though more research is needed. You can safely add cardamom to your cooking for flavor and benefits, but always consult your doctor before using cardamom supplements or extracts
Here are 10 powerful health benefits of cardamom
1. Cardamom May Naturally Help Reduce High Blood Pressure
Cardamom can naturally help keep blood pressure under control.
In one clinical study, 20 adults recently diagnosed with hypertension were given three grams of cardamom powder each day. After 12 weeks, their blood pressure levels dropped significantly—returning to the normal range. Researchers also noted that participants’ antioxidant levels increased by 90%, which may explain the positive effect.
Antioxidants are well-known for supporting heart health and helping regulate blood pressure. In addition, cardamom may act as a natural diuretic, encouraging urination and reducing excess fluid buildup around the heart. Animal studies also show that cardamom extract can promote urination and lower blood pressure in rats.
2. Cardamom May Help Protect Against Cancer
Some compounds found in cardamom may help protect the body from cancer. Research on mice shows that cardamom powder can boost certain enzymes and improve the activity of natural killer cells, which fight tumors.
In one study, mice exposed to a cancer-causing compound were given cardamom daily. After 12 weeks, only 29% of them developed cancer compared to over 90% in the group that didn’t get cardamom.
Lab studies on human cancer cells also suggest that cardamom extracts may stop the growth of oral cancer cells.
Although these results are encouraging, most research so far has been done on animals or in test tubes. More human studies are needed to confirm cardamom’s role in cancer prevention.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits That May Protect Your Body
Cardamom has natural compounds that may lower swelling and inflammation in the body. While short-term inflammation is a normal defense against infections, long-term (chronic) inflammation can increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and liver damage.
Cardamom is packed with antioxidants that help keep your cells safe and calm down inflammation. Animal studies have shown that cardamom extracts and powders can lower inflammation and even protect the liver from damage caused by unhealthy diets.
Although more human studies are needed, early research suggests that cardamom supplements may significantly boost antioxidant levels and help keep chronic inflammation under control.
4. Cardamom May Improve Gut Health and Reduce Ulcer Risk
Cardamom has long been valued in traditional medicine for its digestive benefits. It is often combined with other spices to ease common problems like nausea, bloating, and vomiting.
One of its most studied benefits is its potential role in healing stomach ulcers. Animal studies show that cardamom extract can lower both the number and size of ulcers caused by medicines such as aspirin. In fact, in some cases, it was found to be more effective than common anti-ulcer drugs.
Research also shows that cardamom may protect the stomach from harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to most ulcer cases.
Although these results are promising, more studies on humans are still needed to confirm the same benefits.
5. Cardamom May Help Freshen Breath and Protect Against Cavities
Cardamom has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to fight bad breath and improve oral hygiene. In many cultures, people chew whole cardamom pods after meals as a natural way to freshen their breath.
Even modern chewing gum brands, like Wrigley, add cardamom to some of their products because of its refreshing effect.
The reason cardamom works so well may be its antibacterial properties. Studies suggest that cardamom extract may help fight harmful mouth bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities.
One study found that cardamom extract was effective against five types of bacteria linked to tooth decay, preventing their growth in test-tube experiments.
One study even found that it could cut down bacteria in saliva by nearly 54%.
Although these findings are promising, most studies so far have been conducted in test tubes. More human research is needed to confirm how effective cardamom really is for oral health.
6. The Power of Cardamom: Beat Infections Naturally
Cardamom isn’t just good for fresh breath—it also has strong antibacterial properties that may help fight infections.
Research shows that cardamom extracts and essential oils contain natural compounds that can combat several common types of bacteria.
In one test-tube study, cardamom extracts were found to stop the growth of drug-resistant strains of Candida, a yeast that can cause fungal infections.
Other studies revealed that cardamom essential oils were just as effective, sometimes even more effective—than standard medicines against harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus, two bacteria that often cause food poisoning.
They may also help combat Salmonella and Campylobacter, which are linked to food poisoning and stomach inflammation.
However, most of these studies were done in laboratories on isolated bacterial strains. More human research is needed before confirming cardamom’s effectiveness as a natural antibacterial remedy.
7. How Cardamom Helps Improve Oxygen Flow Naturally
Cardamom contains natural compounds that may help open up your airways and make breathing easier.
In aromatherapy, the refreshing smell of cardamom has been shown to boost oxygen levels in the body, especially during exercise. In one study, people who inhaled cardamom essential oil before walking on a treadmill had better oxygen uptake compared to others.
Cardamom may also relax the airway muscles, which could be helpful for people with breathing problems like asthma. Animal studies suggest that cardamom extract can relax the throat air passages, making it easier to breathe.
8. How Cardamom Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Cardamom powder may play a role in managing high blood sugar, though more research is needed.
In one study on animals, rats fed a high-fat, high-carb diet had higher blood sugar levels for a longer time. When given cardamom powder, their blood sugar returned to normal more quickly, suggesting that cardamom could support better sugar control.
However, studies on humans show mixed results. In a study of over 200 people with type 2 diabetes, those who drank black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger daily for eight weeks showed different outcomes. Only cinnamon improved blood sugar control, while cardamom did not have the same effect.
Still, cardamom is rich in antioxidants and may support overall diabetes management as part of a healthy diet. More human studies are needed to confirm how effective it is for lowering blood sugar naturally.
9. Other Health Benefits of Cardamom
Apart from its well-known uses, cardamom may offer several additional health benefits:
Supports liver health – Some studies suggest cardamom may help protect the liver from damage and improve its function.
Aids weight management – Cardamom’s digestive and metabolism-boosting properties may support healthy weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.
Boosts heart health – By lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation, cardamom may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Improves mood and mental health – In traditional medicine, cardamom has been used as a natural mood booster and to reduce stress.
Enhances immunity – The spice is rich in antioxidants and compounds that may strengthen your body’s defense against infections.
Although research is still limited, these findings show that cardamom may play a role in overall wellness beyond its common uses.
10. Safe for Most People and Easily Available
Cardamom is generally considered safe for most people when used in cooking or as a natural remedy in moderate amounts. It rarely causes side effects and is widely available in spice markets, grocery stores, and online.
Since it can be added to both sweet and savory dishes, cardamom is one of the easiest spices to include in your daily diet. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to take cardamom supplements, it’s always best to consult your doctor first.
