Cardamom is one of our favored spices, especially for whipping up a storm in the kitchen! Even a dash of heavenly cardamom to tea has its own charm. What is cardamom? It is a spice with a signature sweet yet deep flavor that is comparable to mints.
While its birthplace is India, cardamom is available globally and is used throughout all types of recipes today. Coming to the cardamom benefits, there are several properties of oils, seeds and extracts of the spice. It has been used medicinally for several centuries as per historical records. It is also known by the name Elaichi.
Let us dig deeper to understand all about the cardamom nutritional value, its uses, and health benefits of cardamom.
Cardamom Nutritional Value
Before delving deep into the Cardamom uses and other advantages, take a closer look at these nutritional facts. Here is a list of nutrients found in 100 grams of cardamom:
- Calories: 311
- Carbohydrates- 68.47g
- Dietary Fiber- 28g
- Protein- 10.76g
- Cholesterol-Â O mg
- Fat- 6.7g
Besides, cardamom contains traces of other nutrients like pyridoxine, niacin, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, potassium, thiamin, Vitamin A and C.Â
Top 10 Cardamom Health Benefits
Here is a list of Elaichi benefits that you should be aware of:
1. Reduces Blood Pressure
One of the chief cardamom benefits is that it helps in lowering blood pressure levels considerably. It contains several beneficial antioxidants which makes this possible. It has a diuretic impact that stimulates urination for removal of accumulated water around the heart.
2. May Help Combat Cancer
One of the benefits of eating Elaichi is that it may help in combating specific cancer types. Compounds in this magical spice may combat cancer cells, naturally attacking and eliminating tumors.
3. Comes with Anti-Inflammation Properties
Cardamom comes with several compounds that help in tackling inflammation. Antioxidants in cardamom safeguards the body from cell damage and prevents inflammation.Â
4. Enables Better Digestion
One of the foremost cardamom benefits for males and females alike is its ability to enable better digestion. It is often fused with other helpful spices for lowering discomfort, vomiting, and nausea. It may also work against stomach ulcers.
5. Fights Bad Breath
Also note, that cardamom may also help in the treatment of bad breath while improving oral hygiene considerably. Cardamom contributes towards completely fresh breath and this is possible through its powers to eliminate mouth bacteria.Â
6. Helps with Infection Treatment
Eating cardamom helps greatly in treating various kinds of infections. It has compounds that combat various bacterial strains and types.Â
7. Ensures Better Usage of Oxygen
One of the biggest advantages of cardamom is its impact on ensuring better usage of oxygen and breathing alike. Cardamom contains several compounds that enhance overall lung airflow.Â
8. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Cardamom contributes towards reducing levels of blood sugar as well. More studies are required for substantiating this aspect though.Â
9. Safeguards the Liver
Cardamom helps in lowering elevated enzymes in the liver along with cholesterol and triglycerides. This helps in combating enlargement of the liver and excessive liver weight, thereby lowering risks of suffering from fatty liver ailments.Â
10. Controls Anxiety
Cardamom also has a part to play in controlling and lowering overall anxiety levels in individuals. It contains several beneficial elements which take care of this aspect, thereby keeping you stress-free throughout.Â
Cardamom Side Effects
While cardamom is a part of diverse recipes and is suitable for consumption on a regular basis, there are still some cardamom side effects for male and female consumers alike. These include the following:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Higher gallstone risks
- Interactions and reactions with specific medicationÂ
- AllergiesÂ
Of course, these are mostly seen upon excessive consumption of cardamom on a daily basis.Â
The Bottom Line
Cardamom is a traditional remedy for various ailments and has been used over thousands of years. You should integrate cardamom into your daily dietary regime and recipes for reaping the multifarious benefits. These include stress relief, liver safety, treatment for infections and better usage of oxygen throughout the body. Cardamom also helps with improved digestion while helping in combating specific types of cancer as well. You can harness all these advantages by consuming it on a daily basis. However, make sure that you do not go overboard in this regard.Â
FAQs
What is cardamom best used for?
Cardamom is best used throughout Indian and many other dishes including gravies, curries and even for Kheer. Many people also use it in tea. It is used in several garam masala and other such blends. It adds more flavors to baked products including cheesecake and cookies.Â
Does cardamom affect sperm count?
Several studies have reported how excessive intake of cardamom may lead to issues with fertility in men. Many people have also stated how impotency has arisen due to cardamom consumption. This requires more study.Â
What did cardamom taste like?
Cardamom has a fragrant and warm flavor, which is a fusion of something like pepper, fresh mint and even eucalyptus according to those who have tasted this spice. It has a citrus-esque vibe although it is also sweet.Â
Is cardamom a blood thinner?
Those who have bronchitis or asthma should embrace the consumption of cardamom regularly. It will greatly improve the levels of blood circulation throughout the lungs owing to its blood thinning attributes.Â
How do you use cardamom in a recipe?
Cardamom is often the strongest ingredient in any recipe. Hence, you should add it gradually and slowly into any curry or other dish. It goes well with red meat, poultry, rice and lentils along with oranges. You can also pair it up with cinnamon and nutmeg, or use it in baked products, sausages and tea.Â
