Seeds of the perennial rhizome herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, green cardamom is a must-have spice in Indian cuisine, advised by nutritionists in the kitchen and for their health benefits.
Cardamom has many virtues over health. It is diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. It is a valuable help for digestion by reducing bloating and relieving stomach turbidity.
Let’s discover together all the virtues of cardamom seeds in the body, and how to consume them to get the most out of them.
What is the composition of cardamom seeds?
When we talk about cardamom, we think of the green seed, but the spice is actually the black seed contained in the green oval pod.
The two main active ingredients in the seed are alpha-terphenyl acetate and terpene oxide. The first is part of the monoterpene ester family, it will give the green spice its antispasmodic, tonic, and psychic rebalancing properties. The second gives it its benefits on the respiratory system and inflammation.
Here is the nutritional content of 100g of ground cardamom seeds:
Calories: 321 calories (1340 KJ)
Protein: 10.8 g
Carbohydrates: 40.5 g
Dietary fiber: 28 g
Fat: 6.7 g
Water: 8.28 g
Still for 100g cardamom, here is the content of the main vitamins and minerals:
Calcium: 383 mg
Magnesium: 229 mg
Iron: 14 mg
Zinc: 7.47 mg
Vitamin B2: 0.18 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.23 mg
The calcium content of cardamom is considerable. It acts on many functions of the body, such as blood clotting, regulation of the nervous system and heart rate, good bone and dental health, etc.
The seed is also rich in magnesium, also acting on many functions of the body, such as muscle, nervous and digestive functioning, as well as the transport of oxygen and the maintenance of good enzymatic activity.
Zinc is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the pancreas, and for the correct renewal of the cells of the body.
What are the health benefits of cardamom?
Action on digestion
Cardamom is a spice with important digestive properties. It acts in a beneficial way for the whole of the digestive sphere, making it possible to stimulate the bile, reduce bloating, flatulence, relieve heartburn, colic, diarrhea, gastritis, gastralgia, constipation, etc..
It helps to regulate intestinal flora thanks to its antimicrobial and antimycotic actions.
Cardamom has excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, helping to fight muscle spasms and their pain. It is also very effective in the fight against heartburn and calm acid reflux which can appear especially after meals.
Cardamom would protect against food poisoning and its symptoms of weakness, nausea, etc. This is because the antimicrobial properties of cardamom are believed to stop the growth and spread of harmful microbes in the stomach.
Oral health action
Cardamom is used as an antiseptic in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, to treat infections of the teeth and gums. Indeed, the seed is rich in vitamin B2, which gives it an analgesic effect.
It is an ideal flavoring for fresh and healthy breath. For example, cardamom can neutralize strong odors, such as garlic, for example, only by crunching a few grains at the end of a meal and therefore avoid bad breath.
Action on the cardiovascular system
Cardamom is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium, calcium or magnesium. These essential minerals are linked to the regulation of the heart system, the control of blood pressure, and the proper transport of oxygen by red blood cells.
Experiments carried out in the Pharmacology and Toxicology Division in India have shown that the hepatic and cardiac antioxidant enzymes of cardamom have an influence on the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Antioxidant action
With its content of antioxidants, as well as minerals such as iron or manganese, cardamom helps fight the action of free radicals in the body, and therefore prevent all the ailments they cause.
It, therefore, helps prevent premature aging of cells caused by poor nutrition, stress, pollution, etc.
This action makes cardamom a potentially beneficial food in the fight against cancer, especially colorectal cancer, with some studies showing up to 48% reduction in the occurrence of this cancer by adding cardamom to the diet.
Slimming action
Studies in rats have shown that animals that consumed cardamom had better tolerance to glucose and reduced levels of lipids in the blood after receiving a diet high in fat and carbohydrate, storing much less fat at the same time. Abdominal belt level than the test group.
In addition, the spice is a good source of fiber which gives a feeling of lasting satiety, leading to a decrease in appetite and therefore cravings. We have written an article dedicated to this subject to know the properties of cardamom weight loss, as well as how to use it to lose weight, it's up to you to consult it.
Action on the urinary system
In India, in Ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is prescribed as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections and therefore to cure diseases such as cystitis and gonorrhea.
Other benefits
In Ayurvedic medicine, the spice is prescribed against respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, congestion of the lungs, tuberculosis, etc.
Also used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is prescribed as a natural remedy for throat problems, but also as an antidote for poisons and venoms, to relieve anorexia, anemia, kidney stones, and against l 'asthenia.
Cardamom is a spice for taking care of body tissue as well as bone health, thanks to its manganese and iron content.
Cardamom is a spice that stimulates brain functions. It is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.
In aromatherapy, cardamom essential oil has an effective antidepressant effect in relieving mild depression and sluggishness.
How to use it?
Its best-known use is as a spice in dishes of Indian and Asian cuisine (garam masala, rice-based dishes, etc.), in desserts (gingerbread, pastries, compotes, fruit salad, etc. ), and drinks (the famous Chai tea). The green is more fragrant than the black; As for the black, it will be used more in the curry.
Cardamom is found in whole pods or powdered. Crush the pods with the flat of a knife or with a mortar. Did you know that you can also use it in the form of essential oil mixed with another oil for massages?
Dangers if we consume too much?
Consumed in large quantities, it is not recommended for people with heart problems because it increases the blood concentration of CPK (creatine phosphokinase).
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