Cardamom Tea Benefits: 5 Ways This Herbal Is Good For You
Cardamom tea is made from the cardamom spice that has a sweet flavor and strong aroma. The flavor is similar to mint, but with hints of woodsy and nutty tastes. The tea is integral in Indian society — it's a staple of chai — but can be found across the globe today thanks to its potential health benefits. Cardamom tea benefits range from improved blood circulation and better digestion to oral health protection.
The tea can be made using cardamom pods, cardamom seeds, and cardamom powder. There are two main types of cardamom known as green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom — Elettaria cardamomum — offers a flavor that is spicy and mildly sweet. Black cardamom — Amomum cardamomum — has a smoky flavor with minty undertones. Discover more about cardamom tea benefits right here with this handy guide.
Health Benefits of Cardamom Tea
Digestion
Cardamom tea is an excellent digestive aid that may help to reduce symptoms of digestive issues including indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach. The tea boasts natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe muscles that can cause stomach cramps. The tea also boasts carminative properties that help to decrease flatulence and bloating. Some research shows that cardamom tea may also ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (1).
Good For the Heart
Cardamom tea may be beneficial for the heart thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. The tea may help to decrease inflammation in blood vessels and improve circulation to reduce the risk of clogged arteries and heart attack. Research shows that cardamom contains large amounts of potassium, which works as a vasodilator to decrease pressure on blood vessels (2). These benefits may also help to decrease high blood pressure when consumed every day.
May Support Weight Loss
Cardamom tea is a naturally calorie-free beverage that can help you reach your weight loss goals when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The tea offers a subtly sweet and refreshing flavor that is more exciting than water and a good replacement for sugar-laden drinks that can wreak havoc on your diet. Animal studies show that cardamom may help to prevent the deposit of fats after meals (3). Human studies are still needed to confirm these benefits.
Aids Oral Health
Cardamom boasts natural antibacterial properties that can help improve oral health and prevent bad breath, also known as halitosis. The spice works by preventing bacterial growth that causes buildup on teeth and the formation of cavities (4). By eliminating this bacteria, cardamom tea works to improve oral health.
Promotes Overall Health
Cardamom contains antioxidants that can help protect health by preventing damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive cells that can cause degradation in healthy cells through a process known as oxidative stress. Compounds in cardamom including cineole, camphor, and limonene among others work to support a healthy immune system. The anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe a sore throat by decreasing phlegm production and swelling that causes irritation.
Side Effects of Cardamom Tea
Cardamom tea has few side effects when consumed regularly. This herbal tea should be avoided if you are taking any blood thinners or blood pressure medications. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before drinking the tea if you have a medical condition or take any medications. The tea may also cause allergies for people allergic to the cardamom plant. Stop use immediately if you experience symptoms like a runny nose or itchy throat when drinking this tea.
Drinking Cardamom Tea
The cardamom plant is sued to produce essential oils and teas that are popular as herbal remedies and in Ayurvedic medicine. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbal tea can help to improve blood circulation, which may protect heart health. The tea may also help to streamline digestion and support immune system response.
To brew cardamom tea, simply add a teaspoon of the ground spice to a cup of hot water or boiling water. To balance out the flavor, you can add a dash of lemon or a spoonful of honey. You can also brew it with black tea leaves or turmeric if you prefer stronger tastes. For more ideas, check out our cardamom tea recipes here. Enjoy the delicious sweet, nutty, and minty flavor of this spice by brewing it into a tasty herbal tea.
Sources:
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5557534/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5557534/
4. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1740&context=ebl
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