Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom is a popular, fragrant spice that is often used in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. In addition to its culinary use, cardamom is prized for its many health advantages in traditional medicine. Its potential to help control high blood pressure is one such advantage that is receiving more and more attention, particularly when taken as cardamom-infused water. When included into a balanced lifestyle, this natural medication has potent effects despite being easy to prepare.
The Scientific Basis of Blood Pressure and Cardamom
Antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential oils like cineole and limonene are among the many bioactive substances found in cardamom. Vasodilatory, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties of these substances have been discovered; these properties all support cardiovascular health.
The diuretic qualities of cardamom are one of the main ways it lowers blood pressure. Diuretics assist the body in removing extra water and salt through urine, which lowers the amount of blood that passes through the arteries. Reduced pressure on artery walls due to a smaller blood volume frequently lowers blood pressure.
Cardamom powder was administered daily for several months to patients with stage 1 hypertension in a clinical research that was published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. The findings demonstrated improvements in antioxidant levels and a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The Functions of Cardamom Water
The nutrients and essential oils are released into the water when cardamom is soaked in water for the entire night, which facilitates the body’s absorption of them. Drinking this cardamom-infused water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach may assist blood pressure regulation, aid in detoxifying, and jumpstart digestion.
Additionally, cardamom water may aid in blood circulation. It promotes improved flow and decreased pressure by relaxing blood vessels and lessening the strain on the heart. By preventing oxidative stress, a primary cause of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, it also promotes heart health.
Advantages That Help Control Blood Pressure
Apart from reducing blood pressure directly, cardamom provides additional health advantages that indirectly promote cardiovascular health:
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: High blood pressure and blood vessel damage can result from chronic inflammation. Cardamom aids in lowering inflammation in all bodily parts.
- Antioxidant Properties: Cardamom’s antioxidants protect cardiac tissue by scavenging free radicals and lowering oxidative stress.
- Stress Reduction: Cardamom may have gentle soothing properties that assist lessen blood pressure rises brought on by stress.
How to Make Water with Cardamom
Cardamom water is simple to prepare:
- To extract the seeds, gently crush two to three green cardamom pods.
- Overnight, soak them in a glass of water.
- The following morning, sip the water without eating.
Depending on your tastes and health objectives, you can do this every day or a few times a week.
Cardamom water can be a natural and helpful treatment for people trying to control their high blood pressure, but it shouldn’t be used in place of prescription drugs or a healthy lifestyle. It can improve heart health when paired with a healthy diet, consistent exercise, and stress reduction. Before beginning any new treatment, always get medical advice, especially if you are currently taking medication for hypertension.