Benefits of Cardamom

 

Cardamom – Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Cardamom is a spice and is very popular in the world because of its strong aromatic flavor. It grows on Elettaria plant of Zingiberaceae family and it is a native Indian plant. It is also commonly found in other countries of the Indian subcontinent.

Cardamom is made up of several black coloured seeds. It has various medicinal properties and is being used in ayurvedic medicines from an ancient time. It is frequently used in foods such as cookies, tea and cakes and traditional dishes of India to provide beautiful aroma and flavor. It is called elaichi in Hindi.

Health Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamon contains antioxidants –

Cardamom has antioxidant properties in it which are very essential for cardiac health and skin health. Antioxidants reduces LDL bad cholesterol in arteries. An excessive amount of LDL can cause blockage of major arteries which may cause a heart attack. Regular consumption of cardamom can fuel your body with essential antioxidants.

Cardamom provides oral health –

Cardamom contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which prevents in building up of harmful germs on teeth and gums. Cardamom effectively reduces bacteria on teeth and gums which can cause you pain.

Cardamom improves digestive system –

Cardamom is commonly used in various food dishes for its beautiful flavor. It is very beneficial for the digestive system because it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may improves the digestive system. It stimulates metabolism and controls the release of bile acid in the stomach which further improves digestion of food.

Cardamom increase our appetite –

Cardamom stimulates metabolism and production of bile acid in our stomach which results in an increase in our appetite.

Cardamom fight asthma –

Cardamom can play an important role in fighting asthma. It can reduce wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Cardamom's anti-inflammatory properties helps to soothe the mucus membrane and makes it easy to breathe properly.

Cardamom lowers blood pressure –

Few Indian researches has proven that regular intake of cardamom in food diet can help in lower the blood pressure.

Cardamom is the best mouth freshener –

Bad breath could be embarrassing and annoying if not treated on time which can bring down your overall personality negatively. Cardamom's active ingredients can successfully reduce the build-up of plaque on your teeth and gums which can effectively reduce bad breath from your mouth.

You can buy cardamom based mouth spray or mouth freshener packets, usually they are very cheap and affordable in price or you can simply buy it from market and chew them to get its benefits.

Uses of Cardamom

Enhances food flavor –

Cardamom is famous for its beautiful aromatic flavour. It is very helpful in making food delicious. Cardamom is commonly used in many food items in Indian kitchens. You can buy it or its powder from the market and use it in various food items. Cardamom can be added in tea to make it more delicious and healthy, it can be used in traditional Indian sweet dishes such as kheer, suji halwa or gajar ka halwa etc, it simply doubles the flavour and taste of the sweets.

Supports digestive system –

The active ingredients of cardamom stimulates metabolism and increase bile production in stomach which provides you healthy digestive system and gives relief from constipation. Here are some simple home remedies you can try at home and get benefits of cardamom. Take 4-5 grams cardamom seeds, crush them in a jar to make a smooth powder and add this powder in your morning tea. It will increase the taste and flavor of your tea and will cure your digestive system.

Here is another simple home remedy you can try, take 5-6 grams of cardamom seeds and combine them with 8-10 grams of saunf (Fennel seeds) along with 8-10 grams of sugar. You can consume this mixture after taking your lunch and dinner. It will improve your digestion and it will keep your mouth fresh and free from harmful germs.

Cures the liver –

Cardamom can improve liver function because it helps the liver in detoxification. Regular consumption of it after heavy meals is always beneficial for the liver and the digestive system.

Improves metabolism –

Various studies have shown that consumption of cardamom powder or its supplements can improve metabolism and prevents metabolic syndrome, improvement in metabolism is also essential for fat loss programs. Good metabolism can help you reach your fat loss goals quickly.

Side Effects

Cardamom is being used in food and cooking from a long time back, there are no major side effects which were reported with the use of it but it is always recommended to take health professional’s guidance before using it for a medicinal purpose.