Cardamom: A Treasure Of Aroma, Flavour And Health

Cardamom is a natural mouth freshener and in our Indian culture, we offer cardamom, fennel seeds and clove as a gesture of hospitality to our guests post lunch or dinner. The reason for offering cardamom post-dinner or heavy food is that it aids in digestion and provides relief from acidity and other stomach ailments. let's find out more about the sweet-smelling Elachi or cardamom.

Cardamom, popularly known as Elaichi in India, goes with almost every Indian dish, be it savory or sweet. People use it for a beautiful flavour in halwa, kheer, tea, biryani, etc. Whenever we talk about cardamom the image that instantly comes to our mind is of a green little aromatic bud-like spice. But did you know that there are two types of cardamom? Small and green cardamom that is commonly used to enhance the taste of tea and sweets and another large, brown colored one, which has more medical importance. These two forms of cardamom differ in size, color, and taste. Being one of the important spices, both types of cardamom contain certain nutrients, fiber, and oil, which are considered very effective in curing many diseases. They are used to enhance the aroma, taste, and properties of the food.

Cardamom Nutrients

Apart from their colours being different, both small green cardamom and big brown cardamom have considerably different uses and properties. Green cardamom is used as an ingredient in sweets, to enhance the aroma of various dishes and even to get rid of bad breath. Whereas, brown cardamom is used solely as a spice.

1. Nutrients in green cardamom
   Anti-oxidants, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin C, and potassium are found in abundance in it
2. Nutrients in brown cardamom
   Anti-oxidants, vitamin C, and potassium are found in plenty of it
   

Benefits of Cardamom:

Small Green Cardamom

• Green cardamom contains nutrients that keep the digestive system healthy and reduce stomach irritation, providing relief from problems like acidity, indigestion.
• Consumption of green cardamom is beneficial in relieving cough and sore throat.
• Apart from reducing blood pressure, it is also very useful for asthma patients.
• Since the green cardamom helps in maintaining gut health, it enhances the body's metabolism and increases appetite.
• Cardamom is most commonly used as a mouth freshener.
• Cardamom can also provide relief from problems of nausea and vomiting.
• Drinking cardamom tea not only prevents problems related to stomach and breath but also helps in relieving stress and uplifting the mood.

Big Brown Cardamom

• Heart rate can be controlled with the use of brown cardamom, as a result of which blood pressure too can be regulated. Apart from this, it prevents the formation of blood clots.
• It provides relief from mouth infections and toothache. Brown cardamom is also used to cure mouth sores or wounds.
• Brown cardamom has diuretic properties due to which it provides relief in urinary diseases such as irritation in urine, urinary tract infection (UTI), etc. Due to its properties, it is also very beneficial for the kidney.
• It helps in preventing respiratory diseases like asthma and lung contractions and is also beneficial in cold and cough.
• It helps in removing toxins from the body
• Massage with brown cardamom oil provides relief from headaches

Therefore, this little kitchen spice which we usually ignore is very beneficial for our health and can be incorporated into our everyday meals as well. You can add ground green cardamom to many sweet dishes and brown ones in savory dishes along with other spices.