The queen of spices cardamom holds great significance in our culture with its rich aroma and complex flavour. An inseparable part of Indian cuisine, this tropical spice is also considered a key ingredient in Ayurveda because of its amazing health benefits from an impressive nutritional profile. Cardamom is rich in various vitamins and micronutrients like vitamin A and C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, riboflavin to name a few.
Let us look into the health benefits offered by cardamom.
Regularises heart rate
Minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium in cardamom are rich in essential electrolytes which are good for the heart. Potassium is one of the main components in blood, body fluids and cells and its abundant supply through cardamom helps regularise heart rate and keeps blood pressure in check.
Remedy – Add a teaspoonful of cardamom powder to a little honey and have it once or twice a day for the above said benefits.
Digestive health
Cardamom improves appetite and is a best solution for indigestion, belching, acidity and stomach cramps.
Remedy – To use cardamom for digestive problems, you can consume the seeds plain, sprinkle ground cardamom on your food or go for a healthy cup of cardamom tea.
Asthma
Cardamom is highly beneficial for asthma and is also considered as a natural remedy for whooping cough and bronchitis.
Remedy – Inhaling steam infused with essential oil of cardamom will provide relief from a blocked sinus.
Cold and Flu
Cardamom can help prevent cold and flu symptoms.
Remedy – Cardamom tea twice a day when you have symptoms of cold is considered ideal.
Detoxifies the body
The rich mineral content in cardamom acts as a blood purifier to remove toxins and excess urea and calcium from the kidney. The detoxifying properties of the spice also help cleanse the body and protect from cancer.
Remedy – Adding some crushed cardamom seeds to your morning tea can help detoxify your body.
Oral health
Cardamom cures bad breath and is also used to treat mouth infections and mouth ulcers.
Remedy – Chewing a cardamom pod after every meal will ward off bad breath.
Fights Anaemia
Cardamom has powerful antioxidants that help replenish vitamins lost during an anaemic condition. It also has copper, iron, manganese and essential vitamins like riboflavin, vitamin C and niacin, which are good for fighting symptoms of anaemia like fatigue and weakness.
Remedy – Add a pinch of cardamom powder and one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it every night to help relieve weakness and other symptoms of the condition.