Cardamom which has often been referred to as the queen of spices is native to the Indian sub-continent and Indonesia. It is the most expensive spice by weight, and the third most expensive spice next to saffron and vanilla. There are two types of cardamom namely green cardamom and black cardamom. Green cardamom is known as true cardamom and it comes from the species Elettaria cardamomum and is distributed from India to Malaysia. Black cardamom or Nepal cardamom comes from Amomum subulatum is native to eastern Himalayas and mostly cultivated Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, and parts of Darjeeling district in West Bengal of India, and southern Bhutan. Cardamom is known for its aroma, aphrodisiac properties and is used to treat stomach pains in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda. It is also used as a flavouring agent in Tea, Coffee and sweets. In India it is commonly used as a mouth freshener to eliminate bad breath.
Nutritional Value of Cardamom
| Cardamom, Nutritional value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) |
||
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 311 Kcal | 15.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 68.47 g | 52.5% |
| Protein | 10.76 g | 19% |
| Total Fat | 6.7 g | 23% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 28 g | 70% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Niacin | 1.102 mg | 7% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.230 mg | 18% |
| Riboflavin | 0.182 mg | 14% |
| Thiamin | 0.198 mg | 16.5% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 21 mg | 35% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 18 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 1119 mg | 24% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 383 mg | 38% |
| Copper | 0.383 mg | 42.5% |
| Iron | 13.97 mg | 175% |
| Magnesium | 229 mg | 57% |
| Manganese | 28 mg | 1217% |
| Phosphorus | 178 mg | 25% |
| Zinc | 7.47 mg | 68% |
Benefits of Cardamom for Skin
Cardamom is used in a variety of organic skin care products such as lip balms, soaps, face washes, face masks and natural face cleanser. Cinole is a major active compound present in cardamom. It is a potent antiseptic. The terpenoids which are present in cardamom are powerful antioxidants. They are responsible for the many medicinal benefits of cardamom. Because of these properties cardamom has amazing benefits for skin.
1. Anti-Aging Agent
Cardamom has antioxidant properties which fight the free radicals which are known to damage the cells and cause ageing. The antioxidants in cardamom fight these free radicals and help reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Treats Acne
Cardamom contains cinole which is a powerful antiseptic. Cardamom also has proved anti-bacterial properties which fight against Propionibacterium acnes (P. Acnes), the bacteria responsible for the common skin condition acne. Cardamom also has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce the swelling and redness of the pimples. Given below is a simple do it yourself (DIY) recipe to treat acne using cardamom.
To Use
- 1 tbsp. cardamom powder
- 1 ½ tsp. honey
- 2 drops cardamom oil
Method
- Add 1 ½ tsp. of honey to 1 tbsp. of cardamom powder.
- Add 2 drops of cardamom oil to it.
- Mix well and apply on clean face and neck.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
3. Keeps the Skin Healthy
Cardamom (elaichi) is rich in vitamin C which is very important for healthy skin. It also contains terpenoids which are powerful antioxidants. These properties of cardamom help improve blood circulation throughout the body which is important to keep the skin healthy. Using cardamom regularly as a part of your diet and/or as a skin care product can help keep your skin healthy.
4. Treats Skin Allergies
Cardamom is known to have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. Due to these properties cardamom can be used to treat a number of skin allergies such as psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and skin rashes. It can also be used to treat nail infections.
5. Evens Skin Tone
Cardamom oil is known to have skin lightening effect. Because of this property cardamom can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots and blemishes and can help even out your skin tone. Given below is a simple do it yourself (DIY) recipe using cardamom to treat dark spots and uneven skin tone.
To Use
- 1 tbsp. of cardamom powder
- 2 tsp. of honey
- 2 tsp. of lemon juice
Method
- Take 1 tbsp. of cardamom powder in a mixing bowl.
- Add 2 tsp. of honey and 2 tsp. of lemon juice to the same bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Apply this mixture all over clean face and neck.
- Leave it for 10 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
Benefits of Cardamom for Hair
Cardamom not only has benefits for skin but is also very useful to keep the hair healthy. Given below are a few important benefits of cardamom for hair.
1. Treats Dandruff
Cardamom oil is a very effective anti-bacterial which can help reduce dandruff. It controls excess oil production (sebum) of the scalp. It also reduces itchiness of the scalp and removes dead skin.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
The terpenoids present in cardamom are known to be powerful antioxidants. Cardamom also helps in strengthening the hair follicles. This improves overall health of the hair and promotes hair growth.
3. Natural Hair Lightener
Nowadays a lot of people are turning towards natural means of dyeing their hair. Cardamom is known to have mild bleaching properties. Cardamom in combination with honey can be used to naturally dye the hair light.
4. Makes the Hair Shiny
Cardamom is rich in vitamin A, B and C and other essential minerals. It also has antioxidant properties. Using cardamom keeps your hair healthy and gives it a beautiful shine. Cardamom water can also be used as hair rinse. The benefits of cardamom water when used as hair rinse is that it strengthens the hair, makes the hair shiny and also leaves behind a delicious smell.
5. Nourishes the Scalp
Cardamom is known to have anti-bacterial properties which prevent the scalp from infections. It also nourishes the scalp and keeps the scalp healthy by increasing the blood flow to the scalp.
To Use
- 2 tsp. of cardamom oil
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil
Method
- Add 2 tsp. of cardamom oil to 1 tbsp. of olive oil.
- Mix them together and apply to the roots.
- Massage for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Later wrap a hot towel around the head and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes.
- Wash with a gentle shampoo.
- Let it air dry.
Benefits of Cardamom for Health
Cardamom is a very popular spice used in India. It is a common ingredient in various masalas such as garam masala and is widely used in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Cardamom is not only used as a flavouring agent but it has a lot of health benefits.
1. Helps Weight Loss
Several studies have shown the benefits of elaichi (cardamom) for weight loss. According to a study conducted on rats, cardamom powder supplementation showed a significant decrease in body weight gain. It was also noted that cardamom supplements can reduce cholesterol levels.
2. Can Prevent Cancer
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to fight the free radicals which are associated with cancer. A study conducted on rats showed that cardamom can help fight cancer by increasing the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide and dismutase. Findings in several studies provide evidence that cardamom may have anti-cancer benefits by modifying immuno competence.
3. Improves Breathing
Cardamom oil when used in aromatherapy can help improve breathing as it increases the body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise. It also helps breathing by relaxing the air passage in the throat.
4. Helps Reduce Diabetes
A clinical trial found that cardamom supplementation may have protective effect on HDL-C (High density lipoprotein). Another study found that cardamom supplementation favourably changed the atherogenic lipid profile such as LDL, TG etc. Further research needs to be done on this topic.
5. Improves Digestion
Cardamom has been used to treat stomach problems like gas, indigestion and stomach aches since ancient times. It is also believed to heal stomach ulcer.
6. Reduces Blood Pressure
A study found that using cardamom can reduce blood pressure levels in adults. Cardamom also has antioxidant properties which are known to lower blood pressure levels.
7. Maintains Oral Hygiene
Cardamom contains cinole which has antiseptic properties which is known kill the bacteria causing bad breath. A recent study found that cardamom extracts were effective against oral pathogenic bacteria like streptococcus mutans and canadia albicans. Cardamom was also found to stimulate the flow of saliva and the outer fibrous coat which helps in mechanical cleansing of the teeth.
Check here to know more about the remedies of bad breath.
8. Can Treat Infections
Cardamom is known to have anti-bacterial properties and can be effective in not only treating oral infections but also several others. A test tube study found that cardamom was effective against E. coli and Staphylococus bacteria. It was also found to effective against salmonella which cause food poisoning and campylobacter responsible for stomach inflammation. However, more research needs to be done on this subject.
9. Prevents Inflammation
Cardamom has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties of cardamom help protect cells from damage and prevent inflammation which can cause chronic disease.
10. Useful During Pregnancy
There are many benefits of cardamom during pregnancy. The aroma of cardamom can prevent nausea in pregnant women. Cardamom is considered to be safe to consume in little quantities as a part of the diet during the pregnancy.
Also read:
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