Cardamom: what it is, benefits and contraindications
The cardamom It is a tropical species that can also provide many benefits for our body. It must be said that it is a fairly unknown food since it is only usually found in some regions of Southeast Asia such as India or the Philippines.
For this reason, from NatureVia we are going to tell you in great detail some of its most important advantages when it comes to consuming it. But let's go in parts.
What is cardamom?
Cardamom is a wonderful aromatic spice, known scientifically with the name ofElettaria cardamomumand belonging to the genresAmomum, AframomumYElettaria of the family of the Zingiberaceae, named after the popular name of green cardamom or true cardamom, which extends from Malaysia to India.
We can also differentiate it from the varietyAmomum subulatum, known as "black cardamom" or "cardamom from Nepal", and which is distributed mostly in Asia and Australia.
It is a species especially native to the rainforests found in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Sumatra and Southern India. Although today it is possible to find cardamom crops in countries as diverse as Guatemala (noted for being the largest producer worldwide), Nepal, Thailand and Central America.
For its consumption only seeds are used, which are used especially in the cuisine of India for the elaboration of the wonderful curry. In addition, it is also common in the preparation of breads and buns, cookies, rice, desserts and even drinks such as tea.
The most important benefits of cardamom
It helps us lose weight
Surely many readers of NatureVia visit our page in search of food that will help them lose those extra kilos now that summer is beginning to show. If you are in this situation, from here we say that cardamom is undoubtedly one of the most powerful spices that exist when it comes to getting rid of a little overweight.
This is due in part to trypsin, an active ingredient present in this spice that helps regulate our metabolism and also facilitates digestion after a copious meal. On the other hand, it also has a satiating effect thanks to that it is composed in more than 28% by purely natural fibers.
With all this, cardamom promotes the production of digestive juices that will ultimately help us lose those extra pounds while enjoying improved intestinal health. What are all advantages ?.
Prevents bad breath and inflammation of the respiratory tract
But the benefits offered by cardamom do not end exclusively here. This spice typical of South India is also the most beneficial to treat bad breath, a condition that can occur especially when we eat very spicy foods or with too strong flavors in general.
The good thing is that it is only necessary to chew some of its seeds as if it were a simple candy or chewing gum.
Even its cooling effect will also prevent our airways from swelling. Hence, it is recommended to take cardamom when we suffer from tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis or asthmatic processes. You will see that with this spice you enjoy a much healthier and clearer airways.
This is something to keep in mind now that we are in the spring and allergies are the order of the day.
With stimulant and antidepressant effects
Cardamom is also one of the most potent natural plants that exist when it comes to stimulating our entire brain. By acting as a powerful stimulant, it also helps considerably to treat any nervous or anxiety symptoms that we suffer every day during our day to day.
If from Monday to Friday you do not give yourself any rest, it is very normal that on some occasion your body asks you for more energy to carry out all your work and personal commitments.
For this, we are going to give you the following idea. You can grind this species until it becomes a kind of white powder. Then, you just have to take warm water and mix it well with the cardamom as if it were a simple infusion. You will see how you get an extra energy that is sometimes so necessary.
What are the contraindications of cardamom?
However, like any food, cardamom also has the following contraindications if taken in too large a quantity. And for that reason, we believe that it is also important that you know them:
- People with ulcers The consumption of cardamom is strongly discouraged to all those who suffer some type of ulcer. The reason? Well because by stimulating the digestive glands, this spice can worsen the condition of some of the ulcers.
- People with intestinal diseases. Cardamom can increase the symptoms that appear in any intestinal condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crhon's disease.
- Pregnant women. Nor should this species take those women who are in an advanced stage of pregnancy because it is a plant that promotes menstruation.
