What are The Health Benefits of Cardamom?

Little did you know that the cardamom spice that you use in your garam masala not only adds flavor to your dishes but also contains a pool of benefits. This tiny magical ingredient has loads of amazing health benefits that you've been missing out on. Learn more about its wonders to fall more in love with it! 

Introduction: Cardamom

Popularly known as the “Queen of Spices”, cardamom is a common spice in baking and cuisine, as well as in conventional medicine. It comes from plants that belong to the "Zingiberaceae" family, which also contains ginger and turmeric, and their tiny cardamom seeds. 

It smells powerful and aromatic, with a little tinge of lemon. Also, it has a flavor that is a touch citrus-like, sweet, and spicy. As a result, you have the option to utilize this in dishes that are either sweet or savory.

Also, cardamom has been employed in conventional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for medical benefits in addition to its use as a spice. It is said to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help with digestion, blood pressure control, and oral health.

Nepal is the world's top seller of cardamom since it produces the best cardamom in the world. There are about 14 different varieties of cardamom in Nepal, each with its own unique flavor, scent, and health advantages.

Varieties of Cardamom

On the market, you will find different types of cardamom with different tastes and aromas. Although the basic characteristics remain the same, they have their own unique features. The three primary varieties of cardamom are:

1. Black Cardamom: Hill cardamom, Bengal cardamom, and Nepalese cardamom are other names for black cardamom. It is found abundantly in the forests of Nepal. It is the strongest type of cardamom. The flavor of black cardamom is smokey, earthy, and just a little bit bitter. In savory foods like stews, soups, and curries, it is frequently utilized.
   If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of black cardamom then check out our other blog.
2. Green cardamom: It is another popular variety, found mostly in South Asian countries. With undertones of lemon and mint, green cardamom has a sweet, flowery, somewhat spicy flavor. It is a common ingredient in many meals, such as sweets, tea, and curries.
3. White Cardamom: There is another form of cardamom that is slightly less popular but preferable. Yet, it is the best kind if you want the cardamom spice to not be too strong-tasting and pungent. You can use it mildly while backing any goodies.

In any variety of cardamom, you will find it either in whole pods or in powdered form in the market. There is also a debate as to which is the best form to use. Well, it depends on you. The powdered form can infuse and blend well with your food or drink. But it has a slightly shorter lifespan. Hence, you will have to use it quickly before the expiration date.

However, using whole pods, you can use them for a much longer time, and it is also equally beneficial. If you want the powdered form, you can just grind the cardamom pods in small amounts.

What sets black cardamom apart from its green counterpart? Uncover the distinctive characteristics and uses of each variety on our informative page about black vs green cardamom.

Benefits of Cardamom

The spice has been applicable in the past and is still thriving well in the present. Learn more about its benefits below. 

1. Cardamom in Ayurveda: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian holistic medical approach that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Cardamom has a lengthy history of usage in Ayurveda medicine, Cardamom is seen as having a warming impact on the body in Ayurveda and is said to assist in balancing the body's three doshas, or energies (vata, pitta, and kapha). In Ayurveda, cardamom is frequently used to promote good digestion and cure digestive problems like bloating, gas, and constipation. It is frequently used to help relieve tension and anxiety because it is also thought to have a relaxing impact on the mind. In Ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is often used in combination with other herbs and spices to enhance its medicinal properties and to create specific healing formulations for different conditions.
   
   
2. Digestive Health: Cardamom encourages the formation of digestive enzymes in the stomach that help in the breakdown of food and enhance nutrient absorption. Therefore, it is helpful for people who have digestive issues.It contains carminative effects that calm the intestinal muscles and minimize digestive system inflammation. And, hence, those who are suffering from gas, constipation, and bloating can consume it.In some studies, it is believed to relieve Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. In addition, cardamom has been proven to have anti-ulcer properties, which may help protect the stomach lining from damage caused by excess stomach acid and prevent the development of gastric ulcers. Drinking cardamom tea can be a common home remedy for digestive problems. Plus, It can also be useful to women on their periods to relieve abdominal cramps.
   
   
3. Antioxidant Properties: Flavonoids and phenolic acids, two substances with antioxidant characteristics, are found in cardamom. These can aid in defending the body from the cellular harm that free radicals can inflict. According to some studies, cardamom may be able to reduce blood pressure due to its antioxidant and diuretic characteristics. Therefore, it is good for diabetics since it may improve insulin sensitivity. 
   
   
4. Respiratory Health: Cardamom can be an aid to treat diseases including asthma and bronchitis and to improve respiratory function, so it may help you breathe easier. It also has volatile oils, which have a nice scent and may have a calming impact on the respiratory system. Cardamom essential oil's scent may alleviate respiratory discomfort and encourage relaxation when inhaled. Also, it has a use as a mouth freshener to make your breath more refreshed. In some South Asian traditions, the South Asians serve them after meals. 
   
   
5. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cardamom includes ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, including limonene,α-pinene, and β-pinene. Also, the antioxidants in cardamom can aid the body fight against oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, it also has a connection to improving respiratory health as it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory system that may help people with asthma. 
   
   
6. Antibacterial Properties: According to some studies, cardamom is a traditional medicine that might be useful against some bacteria, viruses, and fungi because of its potential antibacterial characteristics. Its antibacterial properties help to prevent illness by limiting the growth of bacteria. Also, it has also been used as a natural preservative in food and medicine to stop contamination and spoilage.
   
   
7. Heart Health: According to some research, consuming cardamom lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those with high blood pressure. It contains high quantities of antioxidants, which may have this impact by reducing inflammation and enhancing blood vessel function. It also has some cholesterol-lowering properties. Consuming cardamom has been found to help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol that can lead to the emergence of heart disease.Also, it has anticoagulant properties that reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack as it prevents blood clots from forming. Eventually, by lowering blood pressure and controlling cholesterol, it helps to improve your cardiovascular health. 

How much Cardamom is Safe to Consume? 

When taken in food amounts, cardamom is typically safe to intake. There is no standard dosage for cardamom because the right dosage depends on the person's age, health, and other circumstances.

A typical guideline is to use 1-2 tablespoons of ground cardamom per day as a flavouring in food. When using whole cardamom pods, you can crush them to extract the seeds, which you can then use in cooking or steep in hot water to make tea.

It is advisable to speak with a medical practitioner or a certified herbalist if you plan to use cardamom as a natural cure or supplement to identify the right dosage for your needs and health situation.

To make the most out of your meals, use the ancient herbal spice i.e. cardamom. Overall, cardamom is a multipurpose spice that offers a number of health advantages. It can be prepared as a tea for a simple approach to benefit from its health and is suitable for both sweet and savoury foods.