2023-10-11
With origins tied in India, cardamom is one of the most highly prized spices the world over. Hailed as the Queen of Spices, and rightfully so, cardamom has been recorded to be in use since the Egyptian civilisation, and possibly before it. Used as a cooking ingredient in the vast majority of traditional and exotic cuisines in the world, cardamom possesses immense popularity in its usage. However, its fame doesn’t stem solely from the variety of uses it has; cardamom has several health benefits that make it stand out, regardless of its popularity. Given below is a list detailing some of the most significant health benefits of green cardamom, or elettaria cardamom.
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants, which bring a wide variety of benefits. Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals, a highly chemically reactive molecular species. These free radicals, in excess, can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can fight them off, besides helping against many diseases. Lastly, antioxidants have also been linked to lower blood pressure, which may mean cardamom can help regulate their levels.
Cardamom contains compounds that help fight inflammation. Inflammatin is the body’s response to harmful pathogens. However, an excessive inflammatory response may lead to redness, pain, swelling, and even bruising. The consumption of cardamom can aid in reducing the pain caused by inflammatory symptoms.
Historically, cardamom has been used to help relieve indigestion, nausea, and discomfort, albeit in combination with other medicinal herbs and spices. It contains phytochemicals, which come from plants, to aid in digestion and prevent nausea, wooziness, etc.
Thousands of years ago, Egyptians used cardamom to treat bad breath and maintain oral hygiene. It has been used to keep one’s mouth clean for millenia. It may have very well been the first mouth freshener in history! Cardamom also has great anti-infectant and anti-bacterial properties.
Cardamom also possesses the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Its compounds may help in the suppression of enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which leads to anti-diabetic effects. Thus, cardamom may help with glucose metabolism and insulin regulation.
One of the best things about cardamom is its high accessibility to the general populace. It is easy to procure, safe to consume, and healthy to use. This list, while not exhaustive, should be of aid to those reluctant or unfamiliar with the usage of cardamom in daily life.
Garni Green Cardamom is a raw, natural whole spice sourced from the first place cardamom was ever found: South India. Bringing consumers the profound taste of original true cardamom, Garni Green Cardamom has an intense flavour resulting in an amplification of cooking quality when used in making either sweet or savoury dishes.
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