Cardamom: The spice that's secretly helping you slim down
This is one of the oldest spices in the world with incredible properties. However, few people know that it is not only an excellent addition to dishes, but it can also support metabolism and promote fat burning. This is confirmed by the latest scientific research.
9:34 AM EST, December 3, 2024
Cardamom is a spice that originates from India and Sri Lanka. It is a beloved addition to many dishes and drinks worldwide. It is distinguished by its characteristic spicy, warming, and slightly sweet taste. However, beyond its flavor qualities, it is an ally in the fight against excess weight.
The spice that burns fat
Cardamom is known for its versatile health benefits. It primarily acts as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, antioxidant, and antimicrobial. It is also an excellent thermogenic, which increases the metabolic rate by raising body temperature. The effect of this action is supposed to be weight reduction and decreased appetite.
"What we found is that this small spice can burn calories and maintain body weight, while increasing appetite and food consumption," says Prof. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, a professor of horticulture and food science.
Cardamom and scientific research
It turns out that based on a new study conducted by Texas A&M University and the National Institute of Health Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico, cardamom does indeed aid in fat burning. The experiment was conducted on mice, which were given cardamom seeds.
"Over the course of the experiment, the mice fed on cardamom-rich diets gained less weight than the control group, despite eating slightly more. This was due to a decrease in body-fat content, along with an increase in lean muscle mass. At a biochemical level, cardamom consumption increased the breakdown of fats and reduced the size of fatty deposits, preventing fat from accumulating in tissues. It also appeared to increase the concentration of mitochondria—the energy-producing powerhouses of the cell—in muscle cells and the liver. This increases the overall energy expenditure of the cell,” reports newsweek.com.
"The study's authors say that the average adult would need to consume at least eight to 10 cardamon pods every day, which is a lot. Also, this study was performed only on mice, so more work still needs to be done to determine whether similar results would be seen in humans," informs "Newsweek".
