Cardamom leaves, or sometimes called cardamom, It is a spice with an intense flavor and a slightly sweet taste that some people compare to mint.
Cardamom leaf origins
Cardamom originated in India in the beginning but is available all over the world today and is used in both sweet and savory recipes.
Cardamom seeds, oils and extracts are believed to be her Medicinal properties It is impressive and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Types of cardamom
There are two main types of cardamom: Black cardamom and green cardamom, There is also white cardamom, which is a bleached version of green cardamom.
Green cardamom is the most common type in Northern and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Green cardamom
It is the real cardamom. This is the most common type you’ll see sold in the spice aisle of the supermarket.
and he The best option For sweet dishes but also works well in savory dishes.
The white version has a lesser flavor. It is grown in the tropics of India, Malaysia and Costa Rica.
Black cardamom
It contains larger antlers that are dark brown in color.
It contains a smoky component that makes it more suitable for delicious dishes, But it is also used in sweet dishes in South India.
Taste cardamom
Cardamom has a strong, sweet and pungent flavor and aroma. With hints of lemon and mint.
Cardamom storage
It is best to store cardamom as whole pods in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
Ground cardamom can be stored similarly, But it will lose its potency quickly and must be used as soon as possible.
Cardamom health benefits
Here are 10 health benefits of cardamom. It has been proven true by many scientific studies.
It contains antioxidant and diuretic properties
Cardamom may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
In one Studies , Researchers gave three grams of its powder per day to 20 newly diagnosed adults with high blood pressure.
After 12 weeks, Blood pressure levels have decreased significantly to the normal range.
Researchers also suspect that the spice might lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect. Which means it can promote urination to remove the water that builds up in your body especially around your heart.
Cancer resistance
Cardamom may contain cancer-fighting compounds.
I showed Studies Cardamom powder can increase the activity of some enzymes that help fight cancer.
The spice might also enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors.
Protects against chronic diseases
Cardamom is rich in compounds that may fight inflammation.
Inflammation is necessary and beneficial, But Long-term inflammation It can lead to chronic illnesses.
Antioxidants, Found in abundance in Hil, It protects cells from damage and stops inflammation.
Helps treat digestive problems
Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion.
It is often mixed with other medicinal spices to relieve discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
The most searched for cardamom properties, As it relates to relieving stomach problems, Is its ability to heal ulcers.
Actually, At doses of 12.5 mg per kg of body weight, The cardamom extract was more effective than any It is a popular drug Anti-ulcer.
It treats bad breath and prevents cavities
Cardamom is used to treat bad breath and improve oral health.
In some cultures, It is common to freshen your breath by consuming whole cardamom pods after a meal. Even chewing gum manufacturers use spices in one of their products.
The reason cardamom can trigger fresh breath may have to do with its ability to fight oral germs Common .
Additional research showed that cardamom extract can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva samples by 54%.
It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
Cardamom also has antibacterial effects outside the mouth and may treat infections.
Appear Research Cardamom extracts and essential oils contain compounds that fight many common strains of bacteria.
Improves breathing
The compounds in cardamom can help increase air flow to your lungs and improve breathing.
When used in aromatherapy, Cardamom can provide a refreshing scent that boosts your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise.
over there An other way Cardamom can improve breathing and oxygen use by relaxing the airway. This may be especially useful for treating asthma.
Reducing blood sugar levels
When cardamom is taken in powder form, May lower blood sugar.
I found one Studies A diet high in fats and carbohydrates (HFHC) caused their blood sugar levels to remain high for longer than if they were fed a normal diet.
Protect the liver
Cardamom extract might reduce elevated liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
It may also prevent an enlarged liver, This reduces the risk of infection Fatty liver disease .
Calories with cardamom
Cardamom is now used as a spice to add flavor to foods.
And each two tablespoon contains only 36 calories. But it does add rich flavor.
Furthermore it, Cardamom contains a number of essential minerals and fibers. And cancer-fighting compounds.
Cardamom dietary fiber
Two tablespoons of ground cardamom provide 3.2 grams of dietary fiber.
This contributes 8 percent to meeting the daily fiber needs of men and 13 percent for women.
Minerals with cardamom
Contains Two tablespoons Of cardamom contains 1.62 milligrams of iron and 3.25 milligrams of manganese.
These minerals aid in cellular metabolism. So your tissues can produce the fuel they need to function.
Manganese also plays a role in bone health. While iron helps supply your tissues with oxygen.
One serving of cardamom provides all of your daily manganese needs. It also provides 9 and 20 percent of the daily iron needs of women and men, respectively.
Cardamom tea
Many are used Eastern cultures Cardamom in tea making.
Cardamom has a very strong aroma that usually overwhelms other spices. This strong aroma comes from the oils in the spice seeds.
The health benefits of cardamom come from the oils inside it that include terpenine, borneol, Camphor and limonene.
Cardamom tea is usually made by crushing the seeds and boiling them in water to release the oils.
The difference between cardamom and other spices
coriander
Coriander comes from the seeds Coriander plant , But it has a completely different flavor. They can be bought as whole or offered seeds and are used in cooking only in ground form.
It has a citrusy aroma and is found in dishes from all over the world. Turmeric, saffron, and cardamom are not good alternatives to coriander.
Turmeric
Turmeric is very common in Indian dishes and is mostly used for its yellow color. Not its flavor, And it is very light. Interchangeable with saffron.
You can also use mustard powder in place of turmeric. It comes in powder form.
Saffron
Saffron is mainly used for its golden color, It is the most expensive spice in the world. It comes from the saffron flower, Which is referred to as strings of saffron.
Tradition saffron is abundant in powder form due to the difficulty of processing saffron and the high cost. Turmeric is a good alternative as a color. But not for flavor.
