6 Well Known Health Benefits Of Cardamom

Cardamoms are an exotic spice native to the Indian subcontinent. After saffron and vanilla, cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world. Belonging to the same family of plants as ginger, it has a warm and a uniquely pleasant fragrance. It is widely used in Indian cuisine and is often found in many Indian sweets. It has numerous uses in ayurveda because of its medicinal properties.

# Antioxidants

Many of the phytonutrients, vitamins and essential oils which are present in cardamom act as antioxidants. These properties help in fighting the free radicals and offer resistance against cellular aging. One specific study published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that because of its antioxidative properties, cardamom has the potential to become a pivotal chemopreventive agent to prevent papillomagenesis on the skin.

# Asthma

Cardamom is considered to be highly beneficial for asthma patients. It is widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of asthma. It also acts as a natural remedy for whooping cough and bronchitis. Study results indicate that cardamom exhibits bronchodilatory effect. The study also noted that the medicinal use of cardamom was effective in treating disorders of airways hyperactivity due to its relaxing quality.

# Infections

Many practitioners of ayurveda recommend that people having infections should consume cardamom, which has curative properties known to prevent infections. The various essential oils in cardamom suppress the growth of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. In many studies, cardamom has proven to be effective in slowing the growth of various bacteria. In one such study, cardamom even impaired herpes viruses.

# Immunity

Cardamom is known for its immunity boosting properties and people suffering from infections can consume cardamom, which is known to prevent infections. Many studies have shown that cardamom is effective in slowing the growth of various bacteria. The essential oils in cardamom inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. Its pungent odor helps in preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms. Cardamom tea is an ancient remedy to treat common headaches and cold.

# Detoxification

Cardamoms are excellent in detoxifying the body. They are rich in minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, niacin, and riboflavin. It is an effective blood purifier and removes excess urea, calcium and other toxins from the kidney. Cardamom is used to control various digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and flatulence making it particularly beneficial when detoxing, as it can help minimize many of the side effects. It is used commonly in liver cleansing. Cardamom improves the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder and prevents viruses from multiplying. In some cultures, it is used as a home remedy post delivery.

# Depression

Some studies show that cardamom has anti-depressant properties that can be useful in treating the psychological disorder. The study led researchers to determine that carbohydrates present in cardamom oil may be responsible for their mood elevating potential.