Cardamom has been a staple in ayurvedic medicine for many centuries, helping to clear up toxins in the body, balance the gut microbiome, and aid digestion and as such, it has earned itself somewhat of a reputation as a weight-loss spice - but can consuming cardamom really help you to lose weight? Let’s take a look. 

Does cardamom help to clear up toxins?

One of the key uses of cardamom in ayurvedic medicine is in clearing unwanted ama, aka removing toxins from the body. Without getting too technical, these toxins often come about as a result of undigested or indigestible waste, and therefore by removing this waste, their associated toxins are also cleared from the body. As a diuretic, cardamom can help to flush out these unwanted nasties and can help to reduce unwanted water retention too. 

Can cardamom reduce abdominal fat?

Another reason why cardamom is considered to be a weight-loss spice is because it has been scientifically linked to the prevention of abdominal fat deposits. Research in animals has shown that cardamom powder, when taken in supplement form, can help to stop fat from depositing around the abdominal area, as well as improving glucose tolerance. Although cardamom alone may not be enough to get rid of stubborn belly-fat, it can’t hurt to have a helping hand when trying to lose weight through diet and exercise. 

Will eating cardamom help your cholesterol levels?

High cholesterol can block your blood vessels, increasing your chance of having a stroke or a heart-attack, and so it is important to keep your levels under control. Alongside helping to clear toxins and reducing abdominal fat deposits, cardamom has been proven to help to reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels in those who are overweight or obese, helping them to lower their overal cholesterol and to reduce their chances of heart problems. 

Are you just losing water weight?

Water retention in the body can dramatically change your weight on the scales, therefore, reducing your water retention can make it appear as though you are losing a lot of weight. Cardamom is a natural diuretic, meaning that it can assist your body to expel extra water by making you go to the toilet, therefore helping you to reduce water retention. 

So does cardamom help you to lose weight? 

At the end of the day, weight is weight, whether it be excess puffiness caused by water retention, or a little extra abdominal fat. Although cardamom may not be the magic weight loss pill you were hoping for, it can undoubtedly help you on your weight-loss journey and so there’s no harm in brewing yourself a cup of cardamom tea or adding a cardamom supplement to your diet if weight loss is your goal.