What happens when you have 1 green cardamom (elaichi) daily

Every food and spice has its own purpose in our daily meals. Whether it is turmeric, cardamom, garlic, or any leafy green, every food item plays a significant role in shaping the present and helps shape a healthier tomorrow. One common spice used in every household is green cardamom, which is often considered to make the food aromatic, but it plays a bigger role, and that is the reason experts also suggest adding at least 1 green cardamom to the daily diet. In her Instagram post, Dimple Jangda, an expert in gut health who has also written the book titled Heal Your Gut, Mind & Emotion, mentioned that daily consumption of 1 green cardamom can help regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammatory markers like hs-CRP and IL-6, support metabolic health, improve oral health by fighting bacteria, and also provide antioxidant protection. Let us explore 6 strong reasons to add 1 cardamom to the daily diet.

One green cardamom pod, which is around 0.2 g, offers 0.6 calories, 0.14 g carbs, 0.02 g protein, 0.01 g fat, 0.06 g fiber, 1 mg calcium, 0.4 mg magnesium, 2 mg potassium, 0.02 mg iron, and 0.02 mg vitamin C.

In her post, Dimple has mentioned that consuming 3 gms of cardamom daily can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support weight management. And mentioning precautions associated with consumption of cardamom, she said, generally it is safe for most people, but moderate consumption is key, and potential side effects of cardamom include heartburn, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal upset. Also, she captioned an important note that pregnant women and individuals with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before adding cardamom to their daily diet.

As per a study by MDPI Journals, titled Deciphering the Potentials of Cardamom in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: From Kitchen to Clinic, cardamom has been demonstrated to offer numerous benefits, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other metabolic (anti-diabetic) properties, and its potential to reduce cancer risk. Researchers have also extracted and tested multiple phytochemicals from cardamom to assess their potential effectiveness against various types of human malignancy. These studies have indicated that cardamom can help overcome drug resistance to standard chemotherapy and protect against chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its scavenging properties. Let us take a look at 6 benefits of consuming 1 green cardamom daily.

Cardamom is said to activate digestive enzymes, which help break down food more efficiently and improve nutrient absorption. Also, the carminative properties of cardamom seeds help prevent bloating, gas formation, and easy stomach discomfort. Also, cardamom has an alkalizing effect that neutralizes excess stomach acid, preventing acidity and heartburn. Cardamom’s anti-inflammatory properties help relax intestinal muscles, easing symptoms like cramps and irregular bowel movements.

Cardamom is high in potassium, a mineral that helps balance sodium levels, relax blood vessels, and lower blood pressure naturally. It also contains magnesium that helps regulate blood circulation, prevent artery stiffness, and support a healthy heartbeat. Cardamom also works as a natural diuretic, which helps remove excess salt and water from the body, reducing pressure on blood vessels and lowering hypertension. Its antioxidants help widen blood vessels, improving circulation and lowering the risk of hypertension-related complications.

Green cardamom acts as a natural diuretic, promoting urine production and helping the kidneys flush out waste, excess salt, and toxins. Also, the antioxidants in cardamom help protect the liver from toxins, reduce oxidative stress, and improve liver function. It is also said that green cardamoms are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing cell damage and aging. And the lymphatic system plays a key role in detoxification, and cardamom aids in removing metabolic waste from the body.

Cardamom contains compounds that help lower cortisol levels (stress hormone), promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. The warm aroma of cardamom has a soothing effect on the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep. Also, green cardamom's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help open airways, making breathing easier and improving sleep quality, especially for those with snoring or sleep apnea. It is also said that cardamom’s ability to lower blood pressure and improve circulation helps relax the body, leading to better sleep.

It is said that the strong aroma and essential oils in cardamom help neutralize bad breath (halitosis) and keep your mouth fresh for hours. Also, the antimicrobial properties of cardamom help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of cavities, plaque, and gum infections. These seeds contain minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help strengthen teeth and gums, preventing decay. Also, chewing cardamom stimulates saliva production, preventing dry mouth and discomfort.

As per Dimple, one can powder it along with the pod and add it in spices while making curries. It can also be added on top of dessert as a garnish. She also suggests adding the cardamom seeds to a bottle of water and sipping that water throughout the day. One can also add cardamom to rice while cooking it to enhance the taste and aroma. And it can also be added to tea in the form of powder to gain maximum benefits.

(All Images Courtesy: istock)