If you flip through my new Fat Flush Reboot, you might notice something a little different in a few of the recipes. In some places, I’ve swapped cinnamon for cardamom. And no — it’s not just for the flavor.
Recently, food safety testing raised some uncomfortable questions about a spice most of us use every day without a second thought. Consumer Reports found that just a quarter teaspoon of many popular cinnamon brands contains more lead than you should consume in an entire day. That’s especially concerning when cinnamon is something people sprinkle into coffee, smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods on a regular basis. Lead doesn’t just pass through the body — it builds up quietly over time, and that’s not something any of us need more of.
That sent me looking for a smarter alternative. And that’s where cardamom comes in.
Cardamom has been used for centuries in traditional cooking and herbal medicine, and it turns out it brings a lot more to the table than just a beautiful aroma. Research shows it contains compounds that help calm inflammation, support metabolic health, and even contribute to healthier blood pressure and heart markers. It also has natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that support digestion and overall cellular health.
In a world where even our spices can carry hidden contaminants, small choices start to matter. Swapping cinnamon for cardamom is an easy, delicious upgrade — one that gives your body real benefits while helping you avoid unnecessary exposure to heavy metals.
Sometimes the healthiest changes are also the simplest.
>> Shop my Amazon Reboot Collection to find Cardamom
>> Get your copy of The Fat Flush Reboot
Resources:
Gill, Lisa L. 2024. “The 12 Cinnamon Powders You Should Never Use.” Consumer Reports, Sept 12, 2024. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-contaminants/high-lead-levels-in-cinnamon-powders-and-spice-mixtures-a4542246475/.
Ryan, Frances. “Here’s Why You Should Think Twice About Cinnamon.” Southern Living, Sept 13, 2024. https://www.southernliving.com/cinnamon-lead-consumer-reports-8712262.
