Cardamom is a spice, originated in Asia and carries an intense taste which is often compared to mint as well. It is widely available all over the world and is used in both sweet and savoury recipes. The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are believed to have miraculous medicinal properties and have been in use for various medicines for centuries.
Below are the 10 best health benefits of elaichi, which are backed by science too.
1. It Helps Lowering The Blood Pressure
Cardamom is famous to help people who face issues with blood pressure. It is not just a myth that it is effective, the results are promised and proved by a study. Elaichi contains high levels of antioxidants which plays its part to lower the blood pressure.
2. Also Contains Cancer-Fighting Properties
Along with all other benefits, it also contains cancer fighting properties. Cardamom powder increases enzyme activity that can fight cancer. The spice may also enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumours
3. Prevents Chronic Diseases
Cardamom is full of contents which are the best ones that fight inflammation. Inflammation is a result of our body exposed to foreign substances. Acute inflammation is necessary and beneficial, but long-term inflammation can lead to chronic diseases.
4. Improves Digestive Problems
For thousands of years, cardamom has also been used as an ingredient to help indigestion. Often mixed with other medicines, elaichi itself can easily soothe discomfort, nausea and vomiting. The most acknowledged property of cardamom is that along with indigestion, it can work on healing ulcers too.
5. Treat Bad Breath and Prevent Cavities
Nowadays, chewing gums and mints are widely used to prevent bad breath but according to an ancient remedy, elaichi is one of the best ingredients which can not only prevent bad breath but can also treat cavities. The reason why cardamom can lead to minty fresh breath is because of its ability to fight common mouth bacteria that cause bad odour.
6. Has Antibacterial Effects and Treat Infections
The undeniable anti bacterial properties of elaichi can not only improve bad breath and other mouth bacteria but it can also treat infections outside of our mouth too. According to some researches, cardamom extracts and essential oils have compounds that fight several common strains of bacteria.
7. Improve Breathing and Oxygen Flow
Some properties of cardamom are that it also helps increase the airflow to the lungs and improves breathing.
One study asked a group of participants to inhale cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill for 15-minute intervals. This group had a significantly higher oxygen uptake compared to the control group.
Elaichi relaxes our airways and is particularly helpful for treating asthma as well.
8. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
When taken in powder form, cardamom may lower blood sugar.
9. Other Potential Health Benefits of Cardamom
With all the health benefits mentioned above, cardamom may be good for your health in other ways as well.
- Liver protection:
Cardamom is believed to decrease elevated liver enzymes and cholesterol levels. It is very beneficial for people who suffer from issues such as liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease. - Anxiety:
According to another research, elaichi may prevent anxiety. It helps balance blood levels of antioxidants that are also a reason for the development of anxiety and other mood disorders.
10. Safe To Use And Widely Available
Cardamom is generally safe for most people as it does not cause many allergies. It can be used in a powdered form, as well as its original form too.
It is expected that in the near future, the use of elaichi, its extracts and essential oils is likely to become more common in light of the promising results of research on its medicinal uses.
For further medical advice by certified doctors, contact Marham by calling us at 03111222398. You can also get an online consultation booked by contacting the same number.
I and people around my age hate using elaichi in food, some even hate smelling it. We give a thousand expressions when asked to eat it or accidentally gets bitten under our teeth while eating the scrumptious biryani 😛
This article was specially comprised after my father insistingly asked me to read how beneficial elaichi is. I’m still convincing myself to try it, try convincing yourself as well 😀 I hope he’s reading it too!