Cardamom has many health benefits which include improves blood circulation, relief from gastrointestinal issues, prevents cancer.
It is useful in treating several diseases such as heartburn, digestion issues, constipation, gallbladder complains etc. It has aphrodisiac properties which make this useful in case of premature ejaculation, impotence, erectile dysfunction.
Cardamom is a well-known herb. A spice which can be found in every kitchen household. One of the spices that belong to the ginger family is Cardamom.
Cardamom is known for its aroma and strong flavor. Due to its flavor only, it is used in several dishes. Its flavor has hints of lemon, mint, and smoke. It is also used in tea due to its flavor.
Let’s read more about it in detail.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Cardamom
Cardamom is capable of preventing various diseases. It has certain medicinal benefits. It is possible to improve different aspects of your health with the help of Cardamom. You should incorporate cardamom into your daily diet to gain these benefits. Following are some highlights from the bucket of benefits that cardamom can provide –
1. Digestion
Cardamom enhances digestion apart from its flavor. It stimulates metabolism because it is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature. It stimulates the secretion of bile acid also. Bile acid in stomach aids digestion. Intake of cardamom will prevent acid reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea.
2. Heart Health
Cardamom is anti-oxidant in nature and contains fiber. These nutrients help in lowering the cholesterol level of the body. Low cholesterol levels enhance the heart health.
In case of heart health, prefer black cardamom over green. Ingestion of black cardamom prevents blood clots from growing and causing problems. Heart experts will always ask you to include black cardamom in your dinner.
Contents
- A teaspoon of coriander juice
- Pinch of cardamom
- Freshly squeezed peach juice
Remedy
- Make a concoction of the teaspoon of coriander and pinch of cardamom
- Drink this along with a cup of freshly squeezed peach juice daily
3. Cancer
Cardamom is a natural remedy having a potential of treating cancer. It is capable of preventing, delaying and even reversing cancer formation. Cardamom decreases inflammation which inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It encourages the death of these very cells. It can treat forestomach cancer. It is very effective against colorectal cancer too.
4. Hypertension And Epilepsy
Cardamom is beneficial for the cases of hypertension and epilepsy. It has diuretic properties. These properties also aid in detoxification of the body.
5. Depression
Depression is one of growing and prominent diseases these days. The young generation is very obsessed with their work. This has led to the fact that going into depression has become a normal thing.
Contents
- Cardamom seeds
- Water
Remedy
- Boil water and put few seeds in this boiling water
- Make tea by straining this water upon boiling
- Take this tea every day
- Regular intake will ensure better results
6. Asthma
Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Consumption of cardamom helps you in fighting against these symptoms. It also makes breathing easier. Furthermore, it enhances blood circulation within the lungs. It fights the related inflammation symptoms and soothes the mucus membranes.
7. Diabetes
Manganese can lower the risk of diabetes. Cardamom has a plenty of Manganese. So, regular intake of cardamom equals regulation of diabetes in the body.
8. Oral Health
Cardamom is antimicrobial in nature. These antimicrobial properties enhance oral health. Cardamom is capable of protecting against oral pathogens like Streptococci mutans. Streptococci mutans are responsible for tooth decay.
Cardamom has a pungent smell which helps in stimulating salivary flow. The activated salivary flow helps in preventing dental caries.
Cardamom works well in treating bad breath.
9. Appetite Enhancement
Cardamom can treat the lack of appetite. Cardamom oil is used for stimulating appetite. It is very much used in treating histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a condition in which one of the symptoms is the lack of appetite.
10. Blood Pressure
Include cardamom powder in your soups or stews and you will see excellent results. These results includes controlling the blood pressure level. Remember, cardamom is effective when you have High blood pressure levels. You can also sprinkle cardamom powder over your baked items to get the benefits.
11. Sexual Health
Cardamom is capable of releasing nerve stimulants and fuel your passions. It is a proven aphrodisiac. It is rich in the compound called cineole. All you have to do is add a pinch of cardamom powder to your food on a regular basis.
Researchers say that cardamom is also capable of treating impotence.
12. Hiccups
Cardamom relaxes the muscles. Thus, it helps in relieving hiccups.
Contents
- One teaspoon of cardamom powder
- Hot water
Remedy
- Mix cardamom powder in hot water
- Let it steep for 15 mins
- Strain and consume slowly
13. Sore Throat
Cardamom is also antibacterial in nature. Make a mixture of cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. You have to use this mixture to treat your sore throat. Black pepper improves the bioavailability of the two ingredients.
Contents
- 1 gram of cardamom powder
- 1 gram of cinnamon powder
- 125 grams of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Remedy
- Mix all the ingredients
- Lick this mixture thrice a day.
Cardamom is also capable of reducing nausea and preventing vomiting.
14. Blood Clots
Cardamom has several components in it that relieve blood clots. Regular intake of cardamom in food ensures the proper blood flow inside the body. More research in this area is still going on for more results.
15. Benefits For The Skin
Cardamom nourishes and enhances the skin because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It treats skin allergies. It also improves skin complexion. Furthermore, it can be used to cleanse the skin.
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Improved Complexion
Contents
- Cardamom powder
- Honey
Remedy
- Mix cardamom powder with honey to make face mask
- Apply this face mask to your face
- Let it on until it dries
- Remove with the help of water
- Apply cardamom oil-based cream after washing face
16. Blood Circulation
Cardamom is a powerful antioxidant due to the presence of Vitamin Cin it.
The blood starts circulating throughout the body with lesser interruptions with its help. There are many layers of phytonutrients in this spice. These layers improve blood circulation. Better blood circulation enhances skin health.
17. Skin Allergies
As cardamom is antibacterial in nature, it works against allergies. To achieve relief, apply the mask on your face. This mask contains honey and cardamom powder as explained above in the improved complexion section.
18. Fragrance Of Skin
You will find many products in the market containing cardamom. Cardamom provides fragrance to cosmetics. Cardamom oil is also used in soaps, perfumes, body wash and powders. It is an additional ingredient added to essential oils.
19. Therapeutic Benefits
Cardamom calms down and soothes the skin because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nature. It is therefore used in various skin care products. In summary, cardamom has different therapeutic effects. It stimulates the senses when added to perfumes.
Facial soaps also contain cardamom. This addition provides a warming sensation to the skin. Therapeutic products containing cardamom are known as aromatherapy products.
20. Masking Agent
Cardamom is added to varieties of masks. These masks can be used for masking face or other parts of the skin. Cardamom carries a strong scent. This scent can ward off unpleasant odors from the skin. Due to this smell, cardamom is added to a variety of cosmetic products like toners.
21. Lip Care
Lip balms often carry cardamom oil. The reason behind this addition is the sweet smell and taste of the oil. Instead of using these balms, you can use the oil directly. Simply apply the oil to your lips and skin before going to bed and wash off in the morning.
22. Clear Skin
Black cardamom flushes out the toxins from the body. These toxins if not flushed can cause various infections to the skin and can be harmful also. Intake of black cardamom leads to detoxification of your body. This further leads to a clearer and exfoliated skin.
Benefits For Hair
23. Scalp Nourishment
The scalp is getting nourishment with the help of anti-oxidant nature of cardamom. Cardamom nourishes the scalp and provides it with better health. It nourishes the follicles of hair. Again, it enhances hair strength. It can also treat scalp infections if there are any.
Contents
- Cardamom powder
- Water
Remedy
- Mix cardamom powder in water
- Wash your hair with this water
- Shampoo your hair with the mild shampoo
24. Improved Hair Health
It has been justified by now that cardamom improves the health of the hair. It is capable of turning the hair stronger and make them better-looking. It strengthens the roots of the hair. It provides shine and luster to the hair.
Does Cardamom Have Any Side Effects?
Every aspect of nature comes with its own positives and negatives. Cardamom has side effects too. Following is a list of side effects that are possible in certain situations-
1.Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Consuming cardamom as medicine can harm your body. It is safe to consume it as a spice. Consumption in large amounts can cause issues with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2.Gallstone Colic
Cardamom should not be consumed in case you have gallstones. Cardamom can trigger gallstone colic. Consuming cardamom is strictly restricted to the gallbladder stone patients.
3.Skin Allergies
Excess of anything is poisonous. Same goes with cardamom. Excess intake of cardamom may lead to some unexplained allergic reactions. It can cause skin allergy known as contact dermatitis. There is a development of rashes on the skin in case of over intake.
4.Respiratory Allergies
Some people are hypersensitive to cardamom. They experience breathing trouble upon intake of excess cardamom. You may feel your chest or throat tightening in such cases. There is an occurrence of respiratory trouble and you feel shortness of breath.
5.Drug Interactions
Cardamom should be consumed very consciously if you are on any medication. Cardamom interacts with drugs. It is capable of reversing their actions. Usually, no side effects occur. The changes are seen in case of high intake of cardamom. You should consult your doctor before incorporating cardamom into your diet.
You should avoid taking cardamom as a mouth freshener if you are on aspirin or HIV drugs.
Cardamom Vs. Coriander – Why The Comparison?
Cardamom and coriander generally carry similar benefits. This is why a comparison between the two is necessary to know the proper benefits of both the spices. Both are beneficial in treating high blood sugar and high blood pressure. They both help in digestive issues.
| Cardamom | Coriander |
| · It belongs to ginger family | · It belongs to cilantro plant |
| · It is a warming spice | · It is a cooling spice |
| · This spice is found in Asian countries | · This spice belongs to parts of Europe |
| · Guatemala is the largest producer | · India is the largest producer |
| · It is a remedy for bad breath and asthma | · It is a remedy for food poisoning. |
Generally, coriander is used in the ground form when used for cooking. But, cardamom is used in powder form, grounded form and solid form too. For specific usage, cardamom is used in a different style. While coriander is used in grounded and crushed form only. Crushed form only if needed be.
Also, cardamom is often used in baked goods whereas coriander cannot be preferred in these kinds of products.
How To Use Cardamom In Cooking?
Cardamom is one of the most sought-after spices. You can use it in the whole as well as ground form. Add it to a variety of dishes including curry powders, dals and also to various desserts and drinks.
The cardamom seeds should be bruised with the back of a knife or ground with other spices before frying.
- One of the main constituents of garam masala is cardamom. This masala is a combination of many different spices of which, cardamom is one. It is an important ingredient in most of the Asian cuisine dishes. Curry powder also contains cardamom powder. These dishes can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
- Cardamom, when added to tea or coffee, adds a refreshing aroma. It imparts a pleasant taste to the drink. You can ground the cardamom before adding it to the preparation of tea and coffee. Solid cardamom takes more time to give its results.
- Green cardamom pods are added to rice, curries, and hot dishes. This cardamom is whole and not grounded. This addition infuses the dish with its specific and refreshing aroma. Kebabs and biryanis are also provided aroma with the help of this seed.
- Indian desserts like kheer and firni are also flavored with the help of cardamom. Sweets like gulab jamun and gajar ka halwa are found incomplete without its addition. Scandinavian countries use this seed to flavor sweet pastry and bread dishes.
- Ground cardamom is added to flavor soups, pates, stews, purees and rice dishes. You can add seeds in rice pudding, ice cream, custard or sprinkle them over fresh fruit salad.
- You can marinate the chicken in a combination of honey, cardamom, and pepper. Then roast this chicken on the stove top and baked. You will get delicious cardamom honey chicken.
- Cardamom is also used to season citrus fruit salad. This salad includes grapefruit, oranges etc. Use lime juice to add taste.
- There is a famous Swedish coffee bread. It is a slightly sweet yeast bread. This bread is generally flavored with cardamom. It is braided and made into a wreath-shaped pastry.
- It is possible to preserve lemons in cardamom. This lemon can be then used in a variety of dishes.
Contents
- Solid lemons
- Kosher salt
- Tablespoon of salt
- Cardamom pods
- Bay leaves
Remedy
- Cut the solid lemon into quarters. Leave the stem attached.
- Rub the flesh with kosher salt
- Put one tablespoon of salt in the bottom of jar
- Place the lemon quarters in this jar alternating with salt, cardamom pods and bay leaves
- Pour some juice into this jar which will cover the lemons
- Cover tightly and allow this to stand for about 3 weeks.
- Shake the jar daily to mix the salt.
- You can refrigerate these preserved lemons up to 6 months if covered with lemon juice.
- Cardamom powder is also added to lassi to provide a distinct taste. Lassi is prepared by combining sugar with curd and full-fat milk. This mixture is blended and cardamom is added for flavor purposes.
- Indian Basmati rice can be flavored using cardamom seeds.
Contents
- Rice
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cardamom pods
- Cloves
- Cumin seeds
- Chopped onion
Remedy
- Put enough rice in a bowl and fill the bowl with water. The water should just cover the rice.
- Heat a little amount of oil in a saucepan
- Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves and cumin seeds to the oil
- After a minute, add chopped onion
- Sauté the onion until golden brown
- Drain the water from the rice
- Stir the pot for a few minutes to cook rice
- Add salt and water
- Simmer for 15 minutes at low heat until the water has been absorbed
- Allow the rice to stand for 5 minutes
- Fluff it with a fork before serving
How To Select And Store Cardamom?
Selection
- Choose whole cardamom pods overground ones. Prefer green one as it is more suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Remember you are looking for small football-shaped pods having a green tint. Greener cardamom pods are more preferable as they have the best aroma and flavors.
- Cardamom smells like a combination of pine and flowers.
- If you require ground cardamom, you should ground them on your own. You can buy whole pods and then grind in a grinder. Ground cardamom loses its flavor fast and should be ground when required. Also, other spices or powders are mixed to ground cardamom available in the market. The reason behind this mixing is that Cardamom is an expensive spice. To make it affordable and available at best price to every person, it is mixed with other prices.
Storage
Cardamom has to be stored in a proper manner. It can otherwise lose its aroma and other benefits too. Proper storage extends its shelf life as well. It contains some volatile oils due to which it has its own aroma and flavor. When the cardamom loses its volatile oils, it loses its aroma as well.
Store the cardamom pods in an airtight container in a cool dry place. It is advisable that you store whole pods and ground them when required. Cardamom capsules which are dry should be kept in moisture-proof containers. These containers should be kept away from the direct sunlight.
You can store pods in polythene lined gunny bags inside wooden boxes. This method is adopted when you are planning long-term storage. This preserves the green color of Cardamom pods. Place the pods inside the bag only when you are sure that they are dry. Moisture can cause rotting and spoilage. Detergents, smelling foods and paints should be kept away. They may spoil the delicate aroma.
What Recipes Can You Use Cardamom In?
1. Cardamom Tea
Contents
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves and black pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 ½ cups of low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of orange zest for garnish
Remedy
- Combine the ginger, cardamom, cloves and black pepper. Set this aside.
- Fill a saucepan with water and boil
- Place cinnamon stick and tea bags in the boiled water
- Stir the spice mixture
- Reduce to simmer
- Steep for about 5 minutes. This will provide an excellent flavor.
- Remove the tea bags and cinnamon stick
- Add milk
- Add honey
- Simmer again until tea is heated enough
- Stir gently to keep scum forming
- Pour the tea into mugs
- Sprinkle orange zest
2. Cardamom Honey Chicken
Contents
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of sherry
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground peppercorn
- 1 whole chicken cut into parts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 thinly sliced lemon
- Salt and pepper
Remedy
- Warm the honey slightly and stir in sherry, cardamom, and peppercorn. You are doing this in order to marinate chicken.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and put it in a large bowl.
- Now cover this bowl with a plastic wrap
- Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 390 degrees F.
- Take olive oil in a large frying pan and heat it
- Sear the chicken until it turns golden
- Place the lemon slices in roasting pan
- Lay chicken pieces on top of these lemon slices
- Brush the pieces with the marinade
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper
- Cover the pan with foil
- Place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes
- Remove the foil to continue baking for another 15 minutes
- Let it rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven
- You can serve this chicken with mashed potatoes or rice
Where To Buy Cardamom?
Cardamom is easily available in the nearest supermarkets and grocery stores. Nowadays, it is very easily available on online grocery websites too.
What Are the Different Types Of Cardamom?
There are generally five types of Cardamom. More prominently, cardamom is either green or black.
A. Green Cardamom
Green cardamom is the most commonly found cardamom. It is also known as the true cardamom. It is mainly found in South Asian countries like India and Malaysia.
Green cardamom is used to add flavor to sweets and desserts. You will find cardamom added to milk preparations and rich curry cuisines also. It adds an excellent fragrance to every dish it is added to.
People in South Asian countries consume cardamom flavored tea and coffee. This tea has various medicinal benefits too.
B. Black Cardamom
Black cardamom is not very easy to find. It is native to Eastern Himalayas. Regions of India like Sikkim and West Bengal cultivate this spice. This type of Cardamom is blackish-brown in color and a little elongated.
It is an important spice ingredient in dishes like curries and biryani. It is also used in a blend of important spices. This blend is known as garam masala. This is used to flavor almost all food items in kitchens to make spicy flavour.
The black seeds of black cardamom contain many medicinal benefits.
C. Cardamom Seeds
In this kind of cardamom, outer covering is removed so that only pure seeds remain. Pure seeds are directly consumed in dishes and tea also. They add pure flavour to the dishes. These seeds are being crushed prior its use.
These crushed seeds are used in the powdered form so that it adds to its flavour extensively. A pinch of this powder is being used for the flavour only.
This form of cardamom is also called as cardamom decort.
D. White Cardamom
It is native to the North America and Europe. Its different colour is preferred in various dishes and batters. Also, it is added in some baking dishes too. Its colour helps in keeping the dish’s colour light and properly flavoured.
Sometimes, the bleaching and cleaning process of cardamom also results in the formation of white cardamom. But this does not affect the flavor of the cardamom.
E. Ground Cardamom
It is also a form of cardamom required in various food preparations. But generally, it is used in the food items, which needs grounded cardamom. It is obvious that grinding the cardamom leads to a sudden decrease in its flavor content.
But, the cardamom then also, does not lose its flavored content.
What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Cardamom?
Cardamom belongs to the family of “Zingiberaceae”. It consists of two genera which are Elettaria and Amomum. Both the genera are thin yet tough and have papery outer cover.
Cardamom has 311 Kcal of energy and 68.47 g of carbohydrates. 10.76 g is the protein level, 28 g is dietary fiber and a total fat of 6.7 g. The spice carries no cholesterol at all.
This spice is also rich in vitamins like Niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin. Thiamine, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
High levels of sodium and potassium are also present.
Minerals like Calcium and Magnesium are present up to 383 mg and 229 mg respectively. Phosphorous is 178 mg present. Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Manganese are also present in some nominal quantities.
Final Talk
One of the most expensive spices, cardamom is rich in nutrients. It is called Queen of spices because it carries a lot of qualities and benefits with it. It is used in cooking and flavoring the most savored dishes. It is an excellent remedy to many problems. You should incorporate this into your food. Just take precautions as mentioned. You will definitely get results. Happy living!
