The first use of cardamom is 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 for embalming. Both the Romans and Greeks used this spice for its pungent flavor. The Vikings discovered cardamom during their travels and brought it to Scandinavia. This spice has aphrodisiac properties and is also used as a cure for impotence, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. These are especially beneficial properties of cardamom 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. It takes the 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 off a pleasant aroma. Therefore, they are used as flavorings in Indian cuisine.
Its use is not limited to hot and spicy dishes. The seeds are also added to desserts and drinks to complement the sweet flavor. Cardamom tea has he alth benefits. It is a very famous drink, along with ginger tea in India.
In India, cardamom has traditionally been considered an herb and has been an ingredient in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian science of medicine and lifestyle) and traditional Chinese medicine. It was believed that this remedy for the treatment of infections of the teeth and gums, throat problems, congestion and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of the eyelids, gastrointestinal disorders, gallbladder stones also helps fight various poisons. There are many positive reviews about the benefits 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 contain cholesterol. It is rich in various vitamins and minerals. These include niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamins A and C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
This is the perfect spice with many he alth benefits. The most popular cardamom he alth benefits are listed below.
Prevents cancer
Cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Rising cost of traditional therapy for this disease and subsequent side effectseffects prompted researchers to look for an alternative. Studies conducted at one of the Chittaranjan state institutes in Kolkata have shown that dietary cardamom has a positive effect in combating colorectal cancer. At the moment, its efficiency is 48%.
Protects heart he alth
Studies conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the College of Pharmacology, King Saud University in Saudi Arabia have shown that the use of cardamom in cardiovascular disease leads to a decrease in heart rate and control of hypertension. The micronutrients found in it may counteract the lipid surge in the body.
Antidepressant
It is believed that cardamom has antidepressant properties. Its essential oil is one of the essential oils used in aromatherapy. It can be used not only for depression, but also for the treatment of various other diseases, from stomach diseases to pulmonary ailments.
Prevents gastrointestinal pathologies
Cardamom extract is an ingredient that helps control gastrointestinal disorders 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 disorders.
Antimicrobial properties
For many millenniacardamom was thought to have properties to fight infection. For modern science, this means that the plant contains antimicrobial components. Cardamom oils have been noted to be able to inhibit the growth and spread of some very dangerous microbes that regularly cause food poisoning. In Ayurveda, cardamom has been used as a remedy for urinary tract diseases and infections such as cystitis, nephritis and gonorrhea.
Anti-spasmodic properties
According to Ayurveda, cardamom is good for muscle and joint pain. The sudden contraction of the muscles causes these spasms. When muscles contract, it can lead to sudden onset of pain. Experts from the King Saud University in Saudi Arabia concluded that cardamom can be used as a control measure for muscle spasms. Recent experimental evidence suggests that this plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Dental care
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for dental problems for centuries. It has antimicrobial properties that improve oral he alth. According to some research in dentistry, cardamom may protect against oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans. Its pungent taste even stimulates saliva flow, which can help prevent tooth decay. The plant may also work well in treating bad breath.
Antiasthmatic property
Cardamom canused as a remedy for asthma and other breathing problems. One study found that raw extracts from cardamom were effective enough to open constricted airways. They are also suitable for relaxing the tissues of the trachea. This preliminary study has shown positive results but requires further study.
Detox the body
The metabolic processes in our bodies release toxins and free radicals that need to be revoked and flushed out to stay he althy. Otherwise, these accumulated toxins can cause negative consequences, including cancer and premature aging. Cardamom is known to act as a detox. The essential oils and biochemicals present in it provide detoxifying properties. Studies have shown that cardamom is effective against cancer cells.
According to Ayurveda, certain diseases or ailments of the body can 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 "ama", which is cardamom. One of the recommended medicines is spicy cardamom tea.
Improves blood circulation
In traditional therapies such as aromatherapy, cardamom has been used to treat the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis by improving circulation to the lungs. Essential oil,extracted from cardamom has been tested by groups of people under stress. Cardamom has been found to be effective in boosting blood circulation in the body. The plant contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. It improves blood circulation throughout the body. In addition, the many layers of phytonutrients in the spice actively boost skin he alth.
Treats nausea, sore throat and vomiting
Traditionally, cardamom has been used as a remedy for nausea. It is an effective tonic and stimulant and is also good for soothing feelings of nausea and vomiting. It also works as a good remedy for sore throats. Cardamom and cinnamon can be boiled in water and rinsed in the mouth every day to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.
There is another recipe with the beneficial properties of cardamom for a sore throat. A mixture of this spice, cinnamon, and black pepper can work wonders for treating coughs. 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 less frequency and duration of nausea and vomiting.
Aphrodisiac
Because cardamom gives off a sweet aroma, it has traditionally been thought to have aphrodisiac properties. Not only is cardamom considered an aphrodisiac, but alsoit is believed to be a cure for impotence and premature ejaculation. As for its claim as a stimulant, the ancient Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Egyptians appreciated the aphrodisiac properties of cardamom. The spice has been included in love potions and is mentioned in the Arabian Nights. Some Eastern cultures still consider cardamom to be a cure for impotence.
Hiccup
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. By drinking this water, you can get rid of hiccups.
Improves complexion
One of the benefits of cardamom is that it can provide freshness and beauty to the skin. Its essential oil helps in the elimination of blemishes, which gives a brighter and more even complexion. You can simply mix cardamom powder with honey and apply it as a face mask. The plant can be used in skin care products for antiseptic and anti-inflammatory purposes to soothe the skin with therapeutic effects.
Hair he alth
The antioxidant properties of cardamom, especially the black type, nourish the scalp and improve scalp he alth. 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 shampooing) to achieve the desired results. The spice's antibacterial properties even treat scalp infections, if any. Improvementscalp he alth most often means stronger and more beautiful hair. The spice strengthens the hair roots and gives them shine. These are the he alth benefits of cardamom for women.
Prevents abdominal fat
The beneficial properties of cardamom for weight loss help prevent the accumulation of fat in the problem area - the stomach and sides. For many people, fat tends to accumulate around the belly, creating metabolic problems and even cardiovascular disease. Research now says that cardamom powder, taken as an addition to any meal, can help prevent abdominal fat.
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 expel excess fluid from the body. Chronic indigestion can also lead to bloating, and cardamom is a popular remedy for gastrointestinal disorders in Unani medicine. Cardamom extract can fight common microbes such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through this activity against bad bacteria, cardamom helps to balance the intestinal flora to return to normal and ensure proper digestion.
How to introduce cardamom into your diet
There are many ways to get the benefits of cardamom and incorporate it into your daily food and drink. Many Middle Eastern and Indian recipes contain cardamom, which can alsoWorks equally well with coffee and tea. Just take out the cardamom seeds and crush them. Add a pinch of these seeds to tea or coffee with a little skim milk. This is a quick and easy way to get the benefits of cardamom. It is worth noting that the spice alone will not help you lose weight unless you eat a balanced and he althy diet.
Recipes with cardamom have the same beneficial properties and contraindications as the spice itself. Indians use ground pods in curries. Arabs use it to flavor coffee (the beneficial properties of cardamom in coffee do not disappear). Cardamom is a good addition to pudding, cakes and creme brulee.
Tea
To make tea, both dried white cardamom flowers and seeds are used. Cardamom tea has a spicy-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 beneficial for women who experience mood swings during their menstrual cycle. Useful 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 he alth effects.
Do not use cardamom at the same time as these medications:
- HIV drugs.
- Anticoagulants.
- Antidepressants.
- Aspirin.
- Antiplatelet drugs.
- Drugs for irritable bowel syndrome.
On the Web you can find a lot of 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. Allergies, known as contact dermatitis, are a popular type of skin rash when cardamom is taken in excess. Again, some may be hypersensitive to this spice. The following symptoms may be observed when there are respiratory allergic reactions due to cardamom:
- Spasm of the chest or throat.
- Chest pain.
- Irregular or labored breathing.
- Respiratory problems.
Gallstones
Excessive consumption of cardamom can lead to gallstones. It was found that the digestive system does not completely absorb cardamom. This results in the sedimentation of the same seeds in our bodies. This process eventually leads to the growth of gallstones. It is worth carefully studying the beneficial properties and contraindications of cardamom before using it.
How to avoid side effects
Don't be afraid of the above side effects of cardamom seeds. This is one of the less harmful spices that can be used. Do not let contraindications outweigh useful propertiescardamom. But never consume too much of this spice. Always check with your doctor about whether you can use cardamom for any medical condition.
