BENEFITS OF CARDAMON (ELAICHI / BUAH PELAGA)

Cardamom is known in India as Elaichi. It is added in traditional Indian desserts and other dishes for the lovely Aroma and strong flavor it imparts. It is not only the taste but health benefits of cardamom which makes it a favorite spice.

Types of Cardamom

Green Cardamom / Choti Elaichi – It is green in color and small in size. It imparts a pleasing aroma and enhances flavors. It is majorly used in desserts and drinks.

Black cardamom / Badi Elaichi – It is Black in color and bigger in size when compared to green cardamom. It is majorly used in spicy preparations with strong flavors, like rice, spicy stews, curries and Garam masala.

Benefits of Cardamom

1] Improves Digestion – Cardamom helps in stimulation and regular excretion of gastric juices in the stomach. It helps in balancing these acids in cases of acidity, thus providing relief during heart burns. A good benefit of cardamom is that chewing it after meals helps those suffering from flatulence and gas problems. Cardamom is also beneficial in stomach cramps. It also helps in relieving hiccups.

2] Anti spasmodic – Cardamom helps in relieving muscle spasms and tremors. It improves blood circulation to the lungs and can be helpful for those suffering from whooping cough, sore throat, asthma or bronchitis.

3] Detoxifying agent – Cardamom helps in cleansing of body. It is considered to be a refinement spice against caffeine. It also helps those who want to quit their addictions like smoking, alcohol, tobacco chewing, and even those who have a sweet tooth. It helps in removing the urges.

4] Treats urinary infection – One of the lesser known benefits of cardamom is that it is a diuretic and helps in increasing urination. It has thus been found to be helpful in urinary tract infections.

5] Helps in oral problems – It helps in curing tooth and gum infections. the most common benefits of cardamom is that it can be used as a mouth freshener. It is a boon to the vocalist as it help in improving voice.

6] Essential volatile oils – Cardamom oil is full of antiseptic, anti depressant, anti ageing and antioxidant properties.  To avail benefits of cardamom by applying this oil for treating headaches and Adding Cardamom oil to bathing water helps in relieving depression, stress and fight common sicknesses and bodily strife.

7] Tonic – It enhances appetite.  A well known benefit of cardamom includes decreasing nausea and vomiting. Cardamom helps in relieving mouth ulcers. It encourages the functioning of Nervous system and helps in relieving weakness.

Cardamom contains phytochemicals like Indole -3- carbinol (IC3) and di –indolylmethane (DIM). These helps in fighting hormone responding cancers like prostate cancer, ovarian and breast cancers.

8] Good source of Minerals – It contains potassium, calcium and magnesium. These minerals play a role in controlling heart rates, blood pressure and are important component of body fluids and cells.
It also contains copper, manganese and iron. These contribute to cardamom’s antioxidant and blood cell formation properties.

Benefits of cardamom has been known to mankind since ancient times. In Ayurveda, cardamom is referred to as “Tridoshic” and is used in balancing the three doshas of human body.

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