Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Cardamom

India is famous for the spices it produces. Used in all regional and nationally popularly cuisines, spices are said to have amazing health benefits that keep the human body healthy.

Cardamom is one such popular spice that is a part of every Indian household. Of course, it adds a bomb of flavor to everything you cook, but is that the only reason you use it so often?

Read below to find out!

Nutritional Value of Cardamom

• Protein: 11 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Carbs: 68 g

• Total Fat: 7 g

• Calorific Value: 311 kcal

Health Benefits of Cardamom

Following are the various ways cardamom lights up your health and vitality:

1. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Cardamom is known to reduce and regulate high blood pressure with daily intake due to its diuretic effect.

Rich in antioxidants, it helps detoxify the blood and expel water collected around vital organs by promoting frequent urination.

2. Corrects Digestive Ailments

Indians use cardamom in almost every dish because it aids proper digestion. The medicinal properties of elaichi helps clear stomach ulcers, acid reflux and other gastro-intestinal problems.

3. Fights Bad Bacteria

Since cardamom is rich in antioxidants and other bacteria fighting properties, your oral health will be perfect is you consume it regularly.

Cardamom kills the unhealthy bacteria present on the palate and tongue, hence fighting bad breath if it is a chronic issue for you.

4. Relaxes You

Cardamom has a relaxing effect on people due to antioxidants. It also fights the build-up of cortisol in your body, thereby reducing stress and promoting easy breathing.

Sniffing cardamom essential oil or chewing on a piece of it especially helps to beat stress as it is refreshing.

5. Post-Surgery Recovery

The hours after surgery are confused and filled with dizziness and disorientation once you come out of anaesthesia.

Cardamom and its essential oils combined with lemon, ginger and lavender help to clear your head, beat nausea and feel relaxed while staying awake.

6. Boosts Oxygen Intake

Cardamom improves your ocygen intake by helping your lungs to relax in order to breathe long and deep.

7. Soothes and Reduces Inflammation

It also clears the sinuses for easier breathing. If you have a case of nasal or respiratory inflammation, cardamom helps to clear any infection, bacteria or swelling with its antioxidants.

8. Relieves Respiratory Ailments

Asthama and wheezing can be reduced by using cardamom as an additional help with regular medicine.

It helps to clear the nasal passage and chest of phlegm to promote easier breathing.

Cardamom Benefits on The Skin And Hair

1. Clear Skin

Acne prone skin will find cardamom of use since it controls the flow of sebum and clears out clogged pores.

2. Softer Lips

Chapped lips are no more a concern due to the antioxidants in cardamom.

3. Soothes Skin Allergies

Skin allergies benefit from the use of cardamom or its pressed oil due to the soothing properties to reduce itchiness and redness.

4. Antiseptic

Cardamom has antiseptic properties and helps to heal cuts and scratches on the skin.

5. Improves Complexion

Cardamom improves blood circulation in the skin and thus helps you get a constant glow, no matter what your colour is.

It also removes blemishes to improve skin texture.

6. Healthier Hair

Get shinier and stronger hair by infusing cardamom in your regular diet.

7. Healthy Scalp

Cardamom and its essential oils help regulate the sebum in your scalp, making blood circulation perfect for the growth of new hair.

It reduces the chances of dry and itchy scalp so that the hair follicles stay unclogged and can breathe.

Type of Cardamom

Cardamom or elaichi comes in three variants:

• Green Cardamom: 

Green cardamom or true cardamom is the most commonly used type among the three.

Used as a staple spice in Indian cuisines, it is also popularly used in Nordic as well as Middle-Eastern dishes as well. True cardamom is also used in desserts.

• White Cardamom: 

Native to tropical regions of India, countries like Malaysia and Costa Rica, white cardamom is a mild version of green cardamom.

It is bleached to reduce the intensity of flavour.

• Black Cardamom: 

Black cardamom also known as badi elaichi in Hindi grows in black-brown pods.

It is native to the Eastern Himalayan regions and has a smoky, tangy flavour. These are bigger in size than the other two types of cardamom.

Uses of Cardamom

Cardamom is integrated daily in the meals of Indian households as a spice. It is also used in teas and desserts to provide extra flavour.

You can also use cardamom essential oils to reap the benefits it provides.

Side-Effects of Cardamom

In a few cases, some side-effects were also noticed.

If you experience the following due to cardamom use, stop until you are cleared by a health practitioner. These may look like:

Side-Effects On Pregnant Or Breast Feeding Women: 

Herbs and spices are asked to be avoided when women are pregnant or lactating. This is because it causes the body heat to increase and may cause problems to the foetus.

Loose motions, reflux and acidity cases for the mother is a common side effect.

Also lactating women pass on their nutrients through breast milk to the infant. Spices may cause health issues to the baby.

Side-Effects on Gallstone Problems: 

Cardamom may worsen gallstone colic and hence it is advised to consult a doctor before you start consuming it.

Skin Allergies:

 Over a long duration, cardamom may cause rashes and patchy skin for a few people.

Respiratory Problems/ Allergies:

• Breathing difficulty
• Shortness of breath
• Chest Pain
• Overall Discomfort while breathing
• Tightness and suffocation

Conclusion

Used in food, teas and desserts, it is integrated in such a way that the family reaps all the long-term health benefits of cardamom.

Cardamom or elaichi may seem like a humble spice but it is a powerful medicine that can be used to live a disease free life.