Scientists tout benefits of miracle spice

By Sari Huhtala

Who would have thought the little seed pod that is the signature spice in the popular Finnish coffee bread pulla is packed with enough antimicrobial compounds for scientists to recommend its use to develop new antibiotic drugs, plus has been proven to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and help prevent disease.

Scientists have discovered cardamom, considered the “queen of spices,” contains potent antioxidants, phenolics and flavonoids, that can “remarkably increase levels of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes in the body,” that have been proven to lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and improve type 2 diabetes, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Green cardamom has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb for the treatment of asthma, cardiac issues, jaundice, indigestion and as a treatment for dental caries. A number of clinical trials have proven cardamom displays anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimutagenic and hypoglycemic qualities against common diseases, according to the study – Evaluating the antimicrobial potential of green cardamom essential oil focusing on quorum sensing inhibition of Chromobacterium violaceum.

The study results show cardamom essential oil’s antibacterial compounds are effective in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans and streptococci mutans.

In a separate study, which appeared in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics in 2009, daily consumption of cardamom powder, made from grinding the full cardamom seed pod into a powder and adding it to gelatin capsules, “significantly decreased systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure in stage 1 hypertension patients.” Using the outer shell of the seed, which contains polyphenols, may have increased positive results for patients, researchers say.

In the study – Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom –  researchers note “The drug treatment of mild hypertension has been associated with metabolic alterations that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in stand off or even a negative effect overall.” In a quest to find alternatives for the treatment of mild hypertension, they recruited 20 newly diagnosed patients of primary hypertension between the ages of 35 to 50. Excluded from the study were patients with stage 2 hypertension, among other diseases, as well as smokers, alcoholics, those on oral contraceptives, cholesterol lowering drugs or on any dietary programs or weight loss programs.

The patients consumed two capsules of cardamom twice a day. Each capsule had 0.75 grams of cardamom powder, which is the equivalent of one and a half teaspoons daily. They were also advised not to begin any exercise programs, change dietary habits or add any additional drugs.

At the end of eight weeks, systolic blood pressure reduced to 139.4 mm Hg. By 12 weeks, systolic blood pressure reduced to 134.8 mm Hg and diastolic pressure reduced to 79.6 mm Hg. The average reduction was 19 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 12 mm Hg in diastolic pressure. Total antioxidant activity in patients increased by 90 per cent, and cholesterol was reduced by 19 per cent.

Aside from grinding green cardamom pods and adding to capsules, there are a number of ways to use the spice as a nutraceutical in every day foods.

• Add ground cardamom to a daily breakfast bowl
• Use it as a warming spice for soups https://www.aliveandfit.ca/warming-pumpkin-soup/
• Add it to your favourite baked goods
• Ground pods and add it to your coffee before brewing
• Try it in rice, lentil and bean dishes
• Add extra ground pods into your favourite chai tea

(This information is not intended to replace medical advice and treatment from a health care practitioner).

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine. She has over 25 years experience in journalism and over 15 years experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family.