Title: Study Reveals Cardamom’s Potential as a “Superfood” with Health and Dietary Benefits
Subtitle: Texas A&M AgriLife research shows cardamom can increase appetite, reduce fat, and combat inflammation
Date: [Current Date]
A new study conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife has shed light on the numerous health and dietary benefits of consuming cardamom, dubbing it a “superfood.” Researchers discovered that cardamom not only increases appetite but also aids in weight loss and inflammation reduction.
The study’s principal investigator, Professor Luis Cisneros-Zevallos from the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, revealed that cardamom consumption can help individuals maintain a healthy body weight and reduce fat content.
“Professor Cisneros-Zevallos’s research program is discovering the fundamental basis of how various horticulture crops impact human health. This work directly aligns with the sustainability, wellness, and food security focus of our department.”
– Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences
The research, titled “Cardamom Seeds Intake Increases Energy Expenditure and Reduces Fat Mass in Mice by Modulating Neural Circuits That Regulate Adipose Tissue Lipolysis and Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism in Liver and Skeletal Muscle,” was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. With cardamom being a popular spice worldwide, these study findings are expected to boost its popularity further. Notably, cardamom offers a warm herbal flavor and a delightful scent combining eucalyptus, mint, and pepper.
Professor Cisneros-Zevallos emphasized cardamom’s potential, saying, “What we found is that this small spice can burn calories and maintain body weight while increasing appetite and food consumption.”
Cardamom study establishes its health benefits
The study involved live animal specimens and administered various doses of cardamom seeds in their regular diet. Results indicated that cardamom not only increased appetite but also led to higher energy expenditure and reduced fat content.
For humans, the study provided estimated dosages of at least 77 milligrams of cardamom bioactives for adults weighing around 132 pounds. This beneficial dosage could be achieved by consuming at least 8 to 10 cardamom pods per day.
The research further confirmed that cardamom influences neural circuits involved in regulating adipose tissue lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle.
Cisneros-Zevallos highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom, as evidenced by previous related studies. His own research suggests that consuming cardamom may reduce low-grade inflammation that often leads to chronic inflammation and the development of various diseases.
“Our team has discovered an amazing opportunity to utilize cardamom as a promoter of overall health,” he affirmed. “With this newfound functionality, cardamom seeds can be incorporated into different industries, including sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements, to facilitate the production of healthier food options.”
Collaborative work with the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City was also an integral part of this interdisciplinary research. The team members included Claudia Delgadillo-Puga, Ph.D., and Ivan Torre-Villalvazo, Ph.D., from the national institute.
Potential for economic opportunities
Cisneros-Zevallos believes that cardamom consumption can help with appetite and weight loss. He suggests that this newfound functionality could meet the demands of the growing sports nutrition market or assist convalescent individuals in improving their appetite.
“There is a wide range of potential health products for cardamom and its naturally occurring compounds,” he stated.
Notably, the study’s findings are advantageous for both health-conscious consumers and Guatemalan farmers. Guatemala is home to over 350,000 families involved in sustainable and environmentally friendly cardamom shade-farming in the tropical forest.
“Cardamom holds significant economic importance for Guatemala,” Cisneros-Zevallos explained. “Expanding its use in the U.S. and globally could provide stability for farmers and help address the immigration crisis observed in recent years.”
The study received funding from Heifer International in Guatemala and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture in Costa Rica. Additional support was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture of Guatemala, and the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture at Texas A&M AgriLife.
Source: Journal reference: Delgadillo-Puga, C., et al. (2023). Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Seeds Intake Increases Energy Expenditure and Reduces Fat Mass in Mice by Modulating Neural Circuits That Regulate Adipose Tissue Lipolysis and Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism in Liver and Skeletal Muscle. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043909.