January 8, 2026, 10:01 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Cardamom adds sweetness and a hint of spice to food. This spice from Asian cuisine is mainly found in holiday baked goods here, although it has many positive effects. FITBOOK nutrition expert Sophie Brünke explains why it’s worth eating cardamom every day.
No Appetite–No Problem
Cardamom, which belongs to the ginger family, is characterized by its essential oils. These not only provide the distinctive flavor but also have certain effects on the body. According to Indian tradition, it can stimulate appetite. This can be useful for age-related loss of appetite or unintended weight loss without a medical cause. Appetite can also be reduced after surgeries, prolonged bed rest, or due to stress.
There are no studies on the appetite-stimulating effects of cardamom in humans yet. However, a frequently cited 2023 study with mice shows potential. The animals were fed for 14 weeks with or without cardamom seeds. The mice fed with cardamom ate slightly more than the control group but gained less weight due to increased fat burning and higher energy expenditure. The study authors conclude that cardamom could increase appetite because it reduces appetite-suppressing neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus.1 Thus, an appetite-stimulating effect with regular consumption in humans is conceivable but not proven.
Cardamom After Meals Promotes Digestion
Plants produce bitter substances to protect themselves from being eaten, and cardamom is no exception. However, these are very healthy for humans as they stimulate digestion. They promote the production of saliva, gastric juice, and bile, for example.2 This happens even with a single consumption. Those who get into the habit of chewing cardamom pods after meals can do even more good for their gut health.
Animal studies show positive effects on intestinal motility, stool consistency, and the microbiome. For example, the amount of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (metabolic products of gut bacteria) was increased.3,4 There are also indications of a protective effect on the stomach and intestinal mucosa.5,6
Good for Liver, Stomach and Lungs–The Health Benefits of Cardamom
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Goodbye Garlic Breath? The Effect on Breath
Cineole from cardamom is actually known as a classic expectorant for respiratory diseases.7 But the essential oil has another surprising effect: it is said to help against bad breath. Chewing a pod after a meal could help reduce garlic breath. In fact, cineole, as a strong antiseptic, can kill bacteria–including those that can cause unpleasant breath.8 For those who don’t like mint candies, carrying a tin of cardamom pods for on-the-go might be a good alternative.
Good for the Teeth
Beyond fresh breath, studies show another positive effect on dental health. Cardamom extracts are effective against pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.9 The former is involved in the development of cavities, while Candida can lead to fungal infections (candidiasis)–even in the mouth. A 2012 study also points to a promising effect of cardamom against periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums that, if untreated, can allow pathogens to enter the body through the mouth.10