The ‘queen of spices’ blesses the human body with myriad health benefits that are worth exploring
Cardamom is a fundamental ingredient in Indian cooking. Its unique aroma and flavour are integral to many traditional dishes, both savoury and sweet. Why is its use so prevalent in Indian cuisine? Cardamom enhances aroma, sweetens dishes, adds a complex layer of tastes to otherwise dull flavours, and complements spices. Cardamom is prized for its ability to bring out and balance other flavours, making it indispensable in Indian cuisine. Indispensable to diet, the use of cardamom is common but not restricted to—
Chai (Tea): Cardamom is a key ingredient in masala chai, adding a fragrant and spicy note.
Curries: Many Indian curries, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, incorporate cardamom for depth and warmth.
Desserts: Sweets like kheer (rice pudding), gulab jamun, and ladoos often feature cardamom for a rich, sweet-spicy taste.
Bread: Cardamom is used in traditional Indian bread like naan and parathas for a subtle, aromatic hint.
Cardamom stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, which works towards better digestion and relief from discomfort. For ages, cardamom has been used for its remedial properties in combating nausea and vomiting, particularly in cases of motion or morning sickness. The volatile oils that cardamom seeds are blessed with have been medicinally used since antiquity as a digestive aid. Chewing a few seeds could free you from the ritualistic intake of pills.
Cardamom is replete with compounds like cineole which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. If you are suffering from muscle and joint troubles, try cardamom as its anti-inflammatory properties are known for alleviating joint and muscle pain.
Chewing cardamom seeds can freshen your breath and combat bad breath due to the strong aromatic properties. What's more, the seeds prevent cavities and infections. The antimicrobial properties present in cardamom prevent oral infections by killing harmful bacteria.
Cardamom acts as a diuretic, promoting detoxification and improving functionalities of the vital organs, such as the liver. Since cardamom is rich in antioxidants, its consumption helps in the neutralizing of free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Regular consumption can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall well-being.
The antioxidants in cardamom, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, play a vital role in keeping you safe from heart ailments as its tissues are protected from oxidative damage. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, cardamom helps prevent conditions that can lead to heart disease, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction. Further, the seeds improve circular that diverts any risk of blockages that could lead to heart conditions. No wonder cardamom is a vital aspect of any modern diet.
You need not get all cooked up to use cardamom on a routine basis. There are ample easy ways to integrate cardamon in diet:
Tea: Add a few crushed cardamom pods to your tea for a warming, aromatic drink.
Smoothies: Blend cardamom powder into your smoothies for a unique twist.
Yoghurt: Mix ground cardamom into yoghurt with a touch of honey for a fragrant snack.
Baking: Use cardamom in baking recipes like cookies, cakes, or bread for a hint of exotic taste.
Rice Dishes: Add a few cardamom pods to the cooking water of rice or quinoa for an aromatic side dish.
It is no secret that cardamon has been traditionally used in various cultures as an antidote; a way of maintaining gut and organ health. In a nutshell, the goodness of cardamom can be extracted in the simplest ways, whether in tea, food, or as a supplement, it can contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy and functional life.
