Health benefits of Cardamom
Cardamom, also known as the “Queen of Spices,” is the world’s most expensive spice after vanilla and saffron . It is a perennial plant of the family of Zingiberaceae, which also includes ginger and turmeric .
The plant produces pods or capsules that contain 15 to 20 seeds each. These seeds are often ground to a fine powder before use in cooking or medicine .
Good For Digestion
Due to its strong aroma, it helps in activating our taste and sensory elements and thus, aids digestion. This enables the secretion of enzymes effective for digestion especially if consumed after heavy meals. Cardamom is good for curing stomach problems like indigestion, gas and constipation. Cardamom contains chemicals that are known to increase the movement of food through the intestine. According to Ayurveda, cardamom tea has been shown to aid in proper digestion after meals. Stomach acidity is common and occurs from having spicy foods and junk foods that can bother the intestines. It can create gas and acidity, so to reduce the gas and acidity, consume cardamom tea after meals.
Dental Treatment
Cardamom has a natural antibacterial quality that can help neutralize dental bacteria. Right after you finish your meals, consume a cup of cardamom tea for dealing with bad breath and other oral health issues. Cardamom is good for your teeth, as it helps to whiten them and the powerful and fragrant fragrance lingers in your mouth for many hours.
Prevents bad breath
The floral and sweet aroma of cardamom makes it a natural breath freshener. A major component of cardamom oil called cineole is known for its antimicrobial properties that promote oral hygiene and it also fights bacteria that cause bad breath.
Congestion
If you are suffering with cold and flu, drink a cup of cardamom tea to ease your sore throat, coughing and congestion. It will help in clearing out the congestion within the throat and respiratory system. Cardamom tea can also clear out the phlegm or mucus in your respiratory pathway.
Antibacterial
It is a little known fact that cardamom tea holds numerous antibacterial qualities too. This makes it a great astringent whenever utilized externally on the skin to heal wounds, cuts and scrapes. Drinking cardamom tea can help to cure minor wounds too.
Destroys Free Radicals
Numerous antioxidants present in cardamom tea have the ability to destroy the free radicals in your body that trigger damage to the cells. Cardamom tea also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can cure arthritis, headaches or to recover from an injury.
Improves Blood Circulation
Cardamom is known to increase the blood circulation in your body and especially to your lungs and so, is often used as a natural remedy for respiratory disorders. It maintains vitality and keeps your energy levels up. Having 1-2 cups of cardamom tea will improve the blood flow in your body and this gives your skin a glowing look. It also works well for maintaining your other organs and restores their function. The iron content in cardamom will increase your red blood cells number, thus boosting your overall health.
Heart Health
Cardamom tea is excellent for people suffering from hypertension. The high levels of potassium found in cardamom is also very effective for high blood pressure patients. Potassium is a vasodilator that can reduce the strain on your arteries and blood vessels, thus lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Detoxification
Detoxification is required to boost up your immune system. Many people drink cardamom tea because it acts as a detoxifying agent that can stimulate liver function and promote the release of toxins from the body.
Weight Loss
Cardamom contains numerous vitamins, which help to stimulate the metabolism and allow the body to work more efficiently. This helps in burning the fat faster and provides more energy to the body. Cardamom tea is beneficial for weight loss.
Relieves Headache
Having a painful headache? Sip a cup of cardamom tea, as it will help in relaxing the muscles as well as de-stress the body. After drinking the tea, you will realise that your headache has vanished in no time.
Promotes longevity
According to Chinese tradition, drinking cardamom tea is known to be the secret to longevity. Cardamom tea helps in flushing out toxins and keeps your internal systems clean. Ayurveda Expert Dr. Ashutosh Gautam suggests that cardamom is one such spice that must be consumed on a daily basis in order to stay healthy and increase your life span.
Good for sleep
Inhaling the sweet and soothing aroma of cardamom may help in treating sleep issues such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.