The first use of cardamom was recorded at least 4000 years ago. It is considered one of the oldest spices in the world. It was used in ancient Egypt as a medicine and even as part of rituals and embalming. Both the Romans and the Greeks used this spice because of its harsh aroma. The Vikings discovered cardamom during their travels and brought to Scandinavia. This spice has the properties of an aphrodisiac, and is also used as a cure for impotence, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. These are especially beneficial cardamom properties for men.
What is this spice?
Cardamom is a spice that grows in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cardamom is considered the queen of spices and is one of the most expensive. Takes third place, while the first and second behind saffron and vanilla, respectively. Cardamom is a small “container” with black seeds inside. Both the seeds and the pod give a pleasant aroma. Therefore, they are used as flavorings in Indian cuisine.
Its use is not limited to hot and spicy dishes. Seeds are also added to desserts and drinks to complement the sweet aroma. It has tea with cardamom health benefits. This is a very famous drink, along with ginger tea in India.
In India, cardamom was traditionally considered an herb and was one of the ingredients in Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of medicine and lifestyle) and traditional Chinese medicine. It was believed that this tool for the treatment of infections of the teeth and gums, throat problems, nasal congestion and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of the eyelids, gastrointestinal disorders, gallstones, also helps fight various poisons. There are many positive reviews about the beneficial properties of cardamom.
Facts
100 grams of cardamom contains 300 kcal, 68 g of carbohydrates, 11 g of protein, 28 g of dietary fiber. Its peculiarity is that it does not have cholesterol. It is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. These include niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins A and C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
It is the perfect spice with many health benefits. The most popular cardamom health benefits are listed below.
Prevents cancer
Cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The rising cost of traditional therapy for this disease and subsequent side effects has prompted researchers to look for an alternative. Studies in one of the institutes in Chittaranjan in Calcutta have shown that diet cardamom has a positive effect on colorectal cancer. At the moment, its effectiveness is 48%.
Protects heart health
Studies conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the College of Pharmacology of King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have shown that the use of cardamom in cardiovascular diseases leads to a decrease in heart rate and control of hypertension. The micronutrients found in it can counteract the burst of lipids in the body.
Antidepressant
Cardamom is believed to have antidepressant properties. Its essential oil is one of the main oils used in aromatherapy. It can be used not only for depression, but also for the treatment of various other diseases, ranging from stomach diseases to pulmonary ailments.
Prevents gastrointestinal pathologies
Cardamom extract is a component that helps control gastrointestinal upsets such as acidity, flatulence and stomach cramps. A study conducted at the Department of Chemistry at Jamia Hamdard (New Delhi, India) showed that extracted volatile oils from cardamom have a positive effect on gastrointestinal upsets.
Antimicrobial properties
For many millennia, cardamom was believed to have the properties to fight infection. For modern science, this means that the plant contains antimicrobial components. Cardamom oils have been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of some very dangerous microbes that regularly cause food poisoning. In Ayurveda, cardamom was used as a remedy for urinary tract diseases and infections, such as cystitis, nephritis, and gonorrhea.
Antispasmodic properties
According to Ayurveda, cardamom is good for pain in muscles and joints. Sudden muscle contraction causes these cramps. When the muscles contract, it can lead to a sudden onset of pain. Specialists from King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have concluded that cardamom can be used as a control measure for muscle cramps. Recent experimental data indicate that this plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Dental care
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to solve dental problems for many centuries. It has antimicrobial properties that improve oral health. According to some studies in dentistry, cardamom may protect against oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans. Its pungent taste even stimulates the flow of saliva, which can help prevent dental caries. The plant may also work well in treating halitosis.
Anti-asthma property
Cardamom can be used as a cure for asthma and other breathing problems. One study showed that raw cardamom extracts were effective enough to open narrowed airways. They are also suitable for relaxing tracheal tissue. This preliminary study has yielded positive results, but requires further study.
Body detox
The metabolic processes in our body release toxins and free radicals, which must be removed and washed to stay healthy. Otherwise, these accumulated toxins can cause negative consequences, including cancer and premature aging. Cardamom is known to act as a detox. Essential oils and biochemical substances present in it provide detoxification properties. Studies have shown that cardamom is effective against cancer cells.
According to Ayurveda, some diseases or ailments of the body may be the result of the accumulation of excess "ama" or toxin. It is likened to a sticky substance that can block normal circulation and lower energy levels. Cleansing the body of toxins occurs through the consumption of products that reduce the "amu", which is cardamom. One of the recommended medications is spiced cardamom tea.
Improves blood circulation
In traditional therapies, such as aromatherapy, cardamom has been used to treat symptoms of asthma and bronchitis by improving blood circulation in the lungs. The essential oil extracted from cardamom was tested by groups of people in a stressful situation. Cardamom has been found to be effective in increasing blood circulation in the body. The plant contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. It improves blood circulation throughout the body. In addition, many layers of phytonutrients in spices actively enhance skin health.
Treats nausea, sore throat and vomiting
Cardamom has traditionally been used as a cure for nausea. It is an effective tonic and stimulant, and is also good for soothing the sensations of nausea and vomiting. It also acts as a good cure for sore throat. Cardamom and cinnamon can be boiled in water and gargled every day to relieve unpleasant symptoms.
There is another recipe with the beneficial properties of cardamom for sore throat. A mixture of this spice, cinnamon and black pepper can work wonders for coughing. While cardamom soothes sore throats and reduces irritation, cinnamon offers antibacterial protection. You can take 1 gram of cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix all the ingredients and consume the mixture three times a day.
Cardamom has been found to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. In one study, subjects given cardamom powder showed a lower incidence and duration of nausea and vomiting.
Aphrodisiac
Since cardamom emits a sweet aroma, it was traditionally believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Not only is cardamom considered an aphrodisiac, but it is also believed to be a cure for impotence and premature ejaculation. Regarding his claim as a stimulant, the ancient Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Egyptians evaluated the properties of the aphrodisiac cardamom. Spice was included in love potions and is mentioned in Arabian Nights. Some eastern cultures still consider cardamom a defense against impotence.
Hiccups
Hiccups can be very annoying, especially for children. There are several remedies described in folk medicine for hiccups. Take a few cardamom pods and boil them in water. After drinking this water, you can get rid of hiccups.
Improves complexion
One of the beneficial properties of cardamom is that it can provide the skin with freshness and beauty. Its essential oil helps in removing stains, which gives a lighter and more even complexion. You can simply mix cardamom powder with honey and apply it as a mask on your face. The plant can be used in skin care products for antiseptic and anti-inflammatory purposes to soothe it due to therapeutic effects.
Hair health
The antioxidant properties of cardamom, especially the black type, nourish the scalp and improve its health. The spice also nourishes the hair follicles and enhances the strength of the hair. You can wash your hair with cardamom water (mix the powder with water and use before shampoo) to achieve the desired results. The antibacterial properties of the spice even treat scalp infections, if any. Improving scalp health most often means stronger and more beautiful hair. Spice strengthens hair roots and gives them shine. These are the beneficial properties of cardamom for women.
Prevents abdominal fat deposits
The beneficial properties of cardamom for weight loss help prevent the accumulation of fat in the problem area - stomach and sides. In many people, fat tends to accumulate around the abdomen, creating metabolic problems and even cardiovascular disease. Studies now say that cardamom powder, taken as a supplement to any dish, can help prevent the deposition of fat in the abdominal cavity.
Prevents water retention and bloating
Water retention and bloating can also lead to weight gain. A natural diuretic in Ayurveda - cardamom can help the body displace excess fluid from the body. Chronic indigestion can also lead to bloating, and cardamom is a popular cure for gastrointestinal upsets in unani medicine. Cardamom extract can fight common germs like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Thanks to this activity against bad bacteria, cardamom helps balance the intestinal flora in order to return to normal life and ensure normal digestion.
How to introduce cardamom into your diet
There are many ways to obtain the beneficial properties of cardamom and use it in your daily food and drink. Many Middle Eastern and Indian recipes contain cardamom, and it can work equally well with coffee and tea. Just take out the cardamom seeds and mash them. Add a pinch of these seeds to tea or coffee with a little skim milk. This is a quick and easy way to benefit from cardamom. It is worth noting that the spice itself will not help to lose weight if there is no balanced and healthy diet.
In recipes with cardamom, the beneficial properties and contraindications are the same as in the spice itself. Indians use ground pods in curry. Arabs use it to flavor coffee (the beneficial properties of cardamom in coffee do not disappear). Cardamom is a good addition to pudding, pastries and creme brulee.
Tea
For the preparation of tea, both dried white cardamom flowers and seeds are used. Cardamom tea has an acute sweet taste and pleasant aroma. It helps treat indigestion, prevents stomach pain and relieves flatulence. It is also helpful to drink a glass of cardamom tea if you feel nauseous. This drink relieves cough. A cup of this tea is useful for women who experience mood swings during the menstrual cycle. The beneficial properties and contraindications of cardamom tea are the same as those of the spice itself.
Side effects
Cardamom has useful properties and contraindications. This spice has few side effects, but excessive consumption can lead to serious health consequences.
Do not use cardamom at the same time with these medicines:
- HIV drugs.
- Anticoagulants.
- Antidepressants.
- Aspirin.
- Antiplatelet drugs.
- Medications for irritable bowel syndrome.
On the Web you can find many reviews about the beneficial properties and contraindications of cardamom.
Allergy
If used for a long time and in large quantities, cardamom can lead to some unexplained allergic reactions. An allergy known as contact dermatitis is a popular type of skin rash with excessive cardamom intake. Again, some may be hypersensitive to this spice. The following symptoms may occur when there is a respiratory allergic reaction due to cardamom:
- Spasm of the chest or throat.
- Chest pain.
- Confused or labored breathing.
- Respiratory problems.
Gallstones
Excessive use of cardamom can lead to gallstones. It was found that the digestive system does not completely absorb cardamom. This leads to sedimentation of the same seeds in our bodies. This process ultimately leads to the growth of gallbladder stones. It is worthwhile to carefully study the beneficial properties and contraindications of cardamom before using it.
Avoiding Side Effects
Do not be afraid of the above side effects of cardamom seeds. This is one of the less harmful spices that you can use. Do not let the contraindications outweigh the beneficial properties of cardamom. But never consume too much of this spice. Always consult your doctor about whether cardamom can be used for any medical condition.