Cardamom: The Versatile Spice Cardamom & Its Health Benefits

The Surprising Health Benefits of Cardamom: How to Use This Underrated Spice for Maximum Benefit

Cardamom Introduction:

Cardamom is an often-overlooked spice that deserves more recognition. This unique spice has a host of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to your spice rack. From aiding in digestion to reducing inflammation, cardamom has many uses. We'll discuss the many health benefits of cardamom and how to use it in your cooking.

What is cardamom?

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a spice that comes from the pods of a flowering plant in the ginger family. The pods are dried and then used as an ingredient in cooking or added to beverages for flavor. Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world and has a strong, unique flavor that's often described as a mix of pepper, lemon and floral flavors. In addition to its culinary uses, cardamom has many health benefits. Indian name of Cardamom is Elaichi, there are two types of Cardamom, Green Cardamom & Black Cardamom.

What are cardamom's health benefits?

Cardamom is a spice that is often underestimated. This versatile spice has a long history of use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and is now being studied for its potential health benefits. Cardamom is high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also anti-inflammatory and may help reduce the symptoms of asthma and arthritis. Additionally, cardamom has been shown to improve digestion and may help fight off infection.

How to choose the freshest cardamom

When buying cardamom, look for pods that are green and firm, with a papery skin. The pods should also have a strong, peppery smell. Avoid pods that are black, brittle or have brown spots, as these are signs of age. If possible, buy whole pods and then crack them open yourself, as this will ensure the freshest flavor.

Green Cardamom

What are the best health benefits of cardamom tea?

Cardamom tea is a delicious and healthy drink that offers a wide range of health benefits. Here are just a few:

Antimicrobial Properties

Cardamom essential oil was found to be effective in killing a variety of germs and fungi in one investigation. The antibacterial effect of the oil, according to the researchers, may be attributable to its capacity to destroy the cell membrane of specific bacteria.

In other studies, cardamom essential oil was shown to have "antimicrobial activity against practically all test bacteria," and another study indicated that it could be a component in novel antimicrobial medications.

Cardamom essential oil should not be consumed, and people should always see a doctor before trying any new herbal cure. Some products have the potential to interact with other medications or create negative side effects.

Cardamom has been linked to improved heart health in animals, but more research is needed before researchers can determine how the spice affects human heart health.

Heart Health

Cardamom may help to prevent heart attacks, according to the results of a study. The scientists speculate that antioxidant properties found in Cardamom aids in improving cardiac function. Further studies are going on the effectivity of cardamom on heart disease.

Lowers Blood pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Cardamom oil was proven to enhance cholesterol levels in rats in another study. For eight weeks, the rats were fed a high cholesterol diet. At the end of the result, the rats who were given cardamom had significantly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels than others. It also aids in reducing the blood pressure by removing of bad cholesterol from blood vessels.

Healthy Liver

Cardamom is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its purifying effects. Despite the paucity of scientific evidence to support this claim, cardamom appears to have some beneficial effects on the liver, which is responsible for eliminating toxins from the body.

People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who were overweight or obese were included in one study. When compared to individuals who received a placebo, those who took green cardamom supplements saw improvements in indices of liver health.

Scientists fed rats a high fat, high carbohydrate diet and assessed some liver health markers in another animal study trusted Source. The rats who were given cardamom exhibited lower levels of liver stress after 8 weeks than the rats who were on an un-supplemented diet.

Anti Cancer Properties

Cardamom is high in natural phytochemicals, which may help fight diseases like cancer. Although it cannot replace cancer treatment, certain research suggest that the spice may have anti-cancer qualities.

For example, giving mice cardamom supplements for 15 days reduced the size and weight of their skin tumors, according to one study.

Prevents Ulcers

Cardamom is super spice like its relative ginger, it may aids with stomach issues. The Cardamom may also aids in the prevention of stomach ulcers.

In a recent study, researchers used high dosages of aspirin to cause stomach ulcers in rats. They next given cardamom extract to some of the rats to examine how it affected their ulcers. The ulcers in the rats who ate cardamom extract were smaller and fewer than in the animals who did not.

Another research was conducted, Cardamom extract, when combined with turmeric and sembung leaf, helped protect rats from stomach ulcers, according to the study. Some rats received only aspirin, whereas others received both the herbal extract and aspirin.

How to preserve Cardamom?

Cardamom is a delicate spice that can lose its flavor quickly if not stored and used properly. To preserve it, keep it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. You can also freeze it to extend its shelf life. When you're ready to use it, grind just what you need with a mortar and pestle—cardamom is very potent, so you don't need much.

Cardamom Price

As Cardamom is a super natural spice, it is very costly. The market retail cost varies from Indian Rupees 3000-4500 depending upon its size & quality. Black Cardamom is cheaper than green Cardamom.

Conclusion:

Cardamom is an amazing, versatile spice with a wealth of health benefits. Whether you're using it in sweet or savory dishes, cardamom is a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor and health benefits to your meals.