Cardamom is a spice that is valued by foodies all over the world. It has a sweet and spicy aroma, a slightly sharp taste. The spice is added to various dishes – from aromatic soups to cold appetizers. In India, this culinary component has been valued since ancient times. It is also common in Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In some Asian countries adding cardamom to dishes is considered a good culinary rule.
In our country cardamom is not a strange spice, but the attitude towards it is more than indifferent. Some love it, others don't and some just don't know that the benefits of cardamom are quite huge and if there are no contraindications, you should try this spice.
What does cardamom contain
The seeds of the cardamom plant contain:
- vitamins of group B, A, C, E;
- essential oils;
- vegetable fats;
- calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron.
The pronounced burning citrus aroma is inherent in this spice due to the high content of essential oils - limonene, terpineol, cineole, armidone. These essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Some of them prevent the growth of pathological cells and are considered effective in preventing the appearance of cancerous tumors. Also, these esters can have an analgesic, hypotensive effect.
Cardamom seeds are considered a very high-calorie (310 kcal per 100 grams) product. They provide energy to the body.
Health benefits of cardamom
It is believed that by including this spice in your diet, you can reduce the risks of the following problems:
- flatulence, intestinal colic;
- nausea, vomiting;
- hemorrhoids;
- constipation, diarrhea;
- headache;
- viral, bacterial infections.
Cardamom is a reliable companion during weight loss. This spice helps to gently cleanse the body of toxins and impurities. It's a good spice in the complex therapy of anorexia. The aroma of cardamom stimulates the appetite and blocks the feeling of nausea.
Unlike many spices, this one does not irritate the stomach lining. In Eastern medicine cardamom is called a healer of the gastrointestinal tract. However, do not rely on rumors and superficial information. Having chronic diseases, you should consult a specialist before choosing a folk remedy to treat your problems.
Benefits of cardamom for women's health
Separately, it is worth noting the benefits of cardamom for the female body. Cardamom is useful during menstruation. It has a mild antispasmodic and analgesic effect. The spice is also good for restoring the cycle when it is broken. It relieves the symptoms during menopause, having an anti-stress and tonic effect.
The oriental spice promotes natural collagen production. If they want to maintain the beauty of the skin, hair, nails, women can include this spice in their diet.
Cardamom Benefits for Men
Cardamom also has significant benefits for the male body. Cardamom is a powerful aphrodisiac that greatly increases sexual activity. There are folk recipes based on cardamom that are used to restore potency.
As already mentioned, by using this spice, it is easier to resist stress. Men with their daily physical and emotional stress will definitely appreciate this spice as a powerful prophylactic that will help preserve the nervous system and strengthen the body as a whole.
Cardamom spice is useful and effective in many ways for the human body. If there are no contraindications and the taste and aroma of this spice are perceived positively, do not neglect the inclusion of spices in your own diet.
Contraindications for the use of cardamom
As with any herbal product, cardamom has a list of restrictions where the spice cannot be eaten. They include:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach, intestine, duodenum;
- hypertension, hypotension in the acute phase (consultation with a doctor is necessary);
- children's age up to 7 years;
- individual intolerance to the product.
Also, any chronic diseases that require a special diet may impose a permanent or temporary ban on the use of this spice.
See more delicious cardamom flavored specialties as well as cardamom tea benefits and uses.
