Cardamom spice emerges as a potent fat‑burning ally

Cardamom is a spice that originates from India and Sri Lanka. It is a beloved addition to many dishes and drinks worldwide. Its characteristic spicy, warming, and slightly sweet taste distinguishes it. However, beyond its flavour qualities, it is an ally in the fight against fat and excess pounds.

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 the body temperature. This action reduces weight and decreases 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.

A new study conducted by Texas A&M University and the National Institute of Health Sciences and Nutrition in Mexico suggests that cardamom does indeed burn fat. 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," reports "Newsweek".