Over the weekend, I tried cardamon for the first time and wanted to share my experience in a post.
I love the taste of Cardamom. Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum) is a spice that comes in the form of a small pod with black seeds inside. This amazing spice has an intensely sweet and savory twist/taste to it, making it a great addition to smoothies and desserts. The seeds and the pod has a rich aroma and are often used in desserts, hot and spicy dishes, coffees, and teas. Cardamon is named “The Queen of Spices” and is one of the most expensive spices out there!
The Origins of Cardamon
Cardamom originated in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In India, cardamom was considered as a therapeutic herb with Ayurveda benefits. It’s also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Cardamon can be really beneficial at relieving constipation, colic, diarrhea, dyspepsia, vomiting, headaches, hypertension (high blood pressure), epilepsy, cardiovascular diseases, and even helps with poor circulation.
Health Benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom provides a plethora of health benefits. According to Organic Facts, some of the health benefits of cardamom includes, gastrointestinal protection, cholesterol control, contains anti-cancer properties, relief from cardiovascular issues, improvement of blood circulation in the body, assist with digestive problems, dental diseases, and urinary tract infections such as cystitis, nephritis, and gonorrhea.
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, cardamom contains an array of notable sources of minerals such as iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and particularly manganese. In addition, cardamom contains contains calcium, potassium, the B-vitamin pyridoxine, and vitamin C. Small amounts of amino acids, fiber and fatty acids are found in cardamom.
Potentially Anti-Cancer
Cardamom combined with ceylon cinnamon has been found to be helpful at reducing the risk of colorectal cancer by 48%, in large part by enhancing antioxidant activity in the body.
Heart and Metabolic Health
Cardamom is great to protect against heart inflammation and protects against heart attack. The potential benefit for blood pressure. In animal experiments, the antioxidant enzymes found in cardamom were found to protect the heart from oxidation and helps to control cholesterol levels, despite diets high fat or cholesterol. Cardamom can help reduce risks of obesity because it helps reduce weight gain and associates metabolic damage to the body.
Balance Blood Sugar
Cardamom lowers high blood pressure. Animal and laboratory studies found cardamom to promote healthy glucose and insulin metabolism. Research in humans showed that cardamom might be useful in reducing complications.
Helps Get Your Mind Right and Relaxation
Cardamom is believed to contain anti-depressant properties, improving your mood and makes an essential oil used in anti-stress aromatherapy. Cardamom has even been an effective choice for handling stressful conditions. Research has found cardamom extract to help ease PTSD-like anxiety symptoms in animals who were tested. One study found that when cardamom was consumed by pregnant woman, the offspring’s ability to learn, memorize and behave was found in the study.
Gastrointestinal Health
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine traditionally. The methanolic extract in cardamom is the component that aids in controlling gastrointestinal discomforts such as acidity, flatulence, and stomach cramps, which cardamon can relieve. Cardamom has been found to be potential against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium linked to stomach ulcers and related cancer.
Antimicrobial Properties
As you may know, modern “conventional” antibiotics cause side effects in the body, such as the inhibition of vital friendly probiotic bacteria living in the intestines. For years, cardamom was good to fight against infection-fighting properties.
Dental Care
For many centuries, cardamom can help freshen your breathe and has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for dental problems. Cardamom contains antimicrobial properties which can help fiht against cavities. It’s also an ingredient in some mouth rinses used to prevent dental plaque.
Other additional cardamom health benefits:
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties and aids relieve bloating
- Helps relieve stomach disorders
- Reduces your risk of colorectal cancer
- Helps improve blood circulation
- Remedifies nausea and vomiting
- Relieves with asthma, sore threat and hiccups
- An effective remedy for curing urinary tract diseases
- Aids in improving heart health
…. and more!
The benefits of cardamom goes on and on!
Cardamon makes an excellent addition to plant-based mylk and you can add it to teas, chocolate, smoothies, and even in your coffee.
Comment below and let me know how you like to use cardamom.
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