Cardamom, also known as Elaichi. It is one of the world's most valuable spices, alongside saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Aside from its delicious flavour, cardamom has numerous health benefits you cannot overlook.
Cardamom is widely used in Ayurvedic and ancient medicinal practices to promote health. Cardamom is renowned as the "Queen of Spices" because of its rich flavour and distinctive scent.
Cardamom is known for its aromatic flavour and comes in two main varieties: green and black. Cardamom can cost around $30-$50 per pound, making it a luxurious spice. It is the 3rd most expensive spice.
Most of the people must have heard about the cardamom/elaichi flavour of Gulab Jamun, Kheer, Barfis, Halwa, and Biryani. It's lovely smell makes it the most significant element in Indian Masala Chai.
Also, numerous studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) state the different benefits of spice, including reducing blood pressure and more.
5 Cardamom Health Benefits You Should Know About
1. Helps Control Asthma
Cardamom may help breathing by increasing oxygen intake and relaxing the airway to the lungs. Cardamom is commonly used in folk medicine to treat asthma. One study found that cardamom had a bronchodilator effect, which gives a compelling argument for its medical usage in asthma. NIH also confirms that stable evidence has been found for the same.
2. Good Heart And Liver Health
Cardamom has been shown in studies to have heart and liver-protecting properties. USDA studies suggest that cardamom may help maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, hence preventing atherosclerosis. Cardamom extract also reduces high liver enzyme levels, avoids liver enlargement, and may control liver weight by lowering the risk of fatty liver.
3. Natural Aphrodisiac
Unlike pharmaceuticals, which can have a variety of unpleasant side effects, cardamom or elaichi is a safe and natural therapy that can help with sexual dysfunction. The National Institutes of Health suggests cardamom can help males who suffer from impotence and premature ejaculation. Cardamom promotes men's health. Additionally, the spice boosts energy, strengthens the body, and excites the senses.
4. Cancer Repellent Properties
According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, cardamom contains a chemical capable of killing cancer cells. According to a recent study, bisabolene is one of the key components in cardamom that exhibits antiproliferative activity against human oral cancer. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis demonstrates that y-bisabolene induces p53-mediated apoptosis (programmed cell death of cancer cells).
5. Natural Mouth Freshener
Do you know cardamon acts as a natural mouth freshener? Simply chewing on the seeds or drinking warm Elaichi water can help eliminate the bad odour of the mouth (Clinically known as Halitosis). Cardamom fights against the bacteria in the mouth, causing dental cavities and bad breath. It refreshes your breath. The antimicrobial activity of Amomumsublatum and Elettariacardamomum fights against dental caries-causing microorganisms.
Remember that you can use cardamom without waiting for a health issue to arise. The strong therapeutic qualities of this spice can be quite advantageous for general health and well-being.