Indian cuisine is colorful, flavorful, and the spices are not only tasty, but also have health benefits that have been well-documented since ancient times. One such spice among many others is cardamom.
Traditionally, cardamom was considered an herb and was one of the main ingredients in the traditional medicine of India, Ayurveda.
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Cardamom was believed to be a cure for mouth infections, throat problems, chest congestion, gastrointestinal disorders and it was also used as an antidote for poison.
Today, cardamom is among the most expensive spices in the world.
Recognized for its aroma and flavor, it is used in numerous recipes, from spicy dishes to desserts and drinks.
With the number of options constantly growing, more and more people are considering supplementing cardamom in their diet for their overall health.
What is cardamom?
Cardamom is a type of spice that is made from the seed pods of these plants They belong to the ginger family.
Cardamom pods are spindle-shaped with a triangular cross section.
These pods contain several seeds, but the entire cardamom pod can be used whole and discarded or ground into a powder.
The seeds are black and small, while the pods vary in color and size depending on their species.
GREAT INGREDIENTS: Learn about the benefits and properties of CARDAMOM
Cardamom, like most spices, comes packed with tons of nutrients to fuel your body.
Healers have been using cardamom as a popular medicinal plant for more than 5,000 years.
Cardamom comes in three different varieties, but green cardamom is by far the most popular for both culinary and medicinal use.
Contains high levels of Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese and other micronutrients.
These minerals and vitamins work together to provide cardamom with many health benefits.
What is cardamom good for? Let’s see some of its properties
Reduces high blood pressure
Cardamom is known to regulate high blood pressure with daily intake due to its diuretic effect.
Rich in antioxidants, it helps detoxify the blood and expel accumulated water around important organs by promoting frequent urination.
healthy digestion
Indians use cardamom in almost every dish because it helps a proper digestion.
The medicinal properties of cardamom can help eliminate ulcers upset stomach, acid reflux, and other Gastrointestinal disorders.
Fight bad bacteria
Since cardamom is rich in antioxidants and other bacteria-fighting properties, your oral health will be excellent if you consume it regularly.
Cardamom kills harmful bacteria present on the palate and tongue, thus combating bad breath.
relax
Cardamom has a relaxing effect on people due to its antioxidants.
It also fights cortisol buildup in your body, which reduces stress and promotes easy breathing.
Smell cardamom essential oil either chew a piece helps combat stress, as it is refreshing.
Post-surgical recovery
The hours after surgery are filled with disorientation and dizziness.
Cardamom and its essential oils combined with ginger, lemon, and lavender help clear your head, combat nausea, and help you feel relaxed while awake.
Calms and reduces inflammation
Cardamom also clears the sinuses to make breathing easier.
In case you have a form of respiratory inflammation, cardamom can help get rid of any infection, bacteria, or swelling with its antioxidants.
Relieves respiratory ailments
Asthma and wheezing can be reduced by using cardamom in addition to regular medicine.
Helps clear the nasal passage and chest of phlegm to make breathing easier.
It also improves oxygen intake by helping your lungs relax so you can take long, deep breaths.
Benefits of cardamom on the skin
Clear skin: Acne-prone skin will find cardamom helpful as it controls the flow of sebum and cleanses all clogged pores.
Softer lips: chapped lips are no longer a concern due to the antioxidants present in cardamom.
How to consume cardamom?
2 healthy ideas of adding cardamom to your diet
There are several healthy cardamom recipes that are not only delicious, but also loaded with other nutritious ingredients.
Let’s find out the different ways to use cardamom to spice up your cooking.
Banana and cardamom smoothie
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 large frozen banana
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 pitted dates
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1/4 cup almond milk
1 pinch of salt
Preparation:
Add the frozen banana, Greek yogurt, dates, ginger, milk, cardamom, and salt to a blender.
Puree over high heat until completely smooth, pour into glasses and serve chilled.
Rice pilaf with cardamom
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
Seeds of 7 cardamom pods, bruised
1 cup basmati brown rice
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Put a medium saucepan over low heat and pour in the oil.
Add onion to hot oil; add cardamom seeds and continue cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
Turn the heat up to medium and add the rice. Cook and stir until heated through.
Increase heat, pour in broth, stir and bring to a boil.
Add the lemon zest, season with salt and pepper and stir well.
Reduce the heat, cover, and cook the rice until it is tender and has absorbed all (or most) of the liquid, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the rice you used.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest for 2 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving hot.
Nutritional value of cardamom
100 grams of cardamom contain:
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 0mg
carbohydrates: 68g
Fat total: 7g
calorific value: 311 calories