ANTIOXIDANTS AUGMENT CARDAMOM BENEFITS

The tiny green pod of cardamom is a common spice added to sweets and savouries to enhance the aroma. This apart, it is used as a natural mouth freshener. It is also used in creams, soaps and perfumes. Not just these, cardamom has a lot more to offer for your health.

AIDS DIGESTION: After a sumptuous meal, saunf is offered to improve the process of digestion. Saunf gets that property due to addition of elaichi which drains out gas from the digestive tract and expedites digestion, minimizes inflammation of the stomach lining, fights heart burn and nausea. It also relieves one of symptoms of acidity, an upset stomach, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, liver and gall bladder complaints.

It is also helpful in treating common cold, cough, bronchitis, urinary problems, headache, epilepsy and even high blood pressure. The high-level of antioxidants in cardamom lead to a rise of antioxidants in the body by 90 per cent and this helps in reducing the blood pressure. This effect can also be linked with its diuretic effect which means it would promote urination and removes water in the body. It contains chemicals that might treat intestinal spasms, kill some bacteria and help the immune system.

MAY HAVE CANCER-FIGHTING COMPOUNDS:

The compounds in cardamom may help fight cancer cells. A study showed a certain compound in the spice stopped multiplying of oral cancer cells. Studies on mice also showed that cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help fight cancer. Cardamom was found to mprove the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors. It is yet to be confirmed if the same results apply in case of human beings too.

CONTAINS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES:

 Inflammation occurs when the body is exposed to foreign substances. Acute inflammation is beneficial to the body but long-term inflammation can lead to the risk of chronic diseases. Antioxidants can protect cells from damage and stop inflammation. As cardamom has antioxidants abundantly, it can help in reducing inflammation.

MAY HELP WITH DIGESTIVE ISSUES:

Cardamom helps relieve discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Extensive research is being done on elaichi’s ability to heal ulcers. In a study done in mice, it was found that those administered cardamom powder develop fewer ulcers than the other group not given cardamom powder. Research also shows that cardamom may also protect against Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to many stomach ulcers.

MAY PREVENT ORAL CAVITIES:

Since ages, cardamom was being used for oral health. The tiny pod’s ability to fight common mouth bacteria leads to freshness in breath. A study reveals that elaichi was effective in fighting five types of bacteria that can cause dental cavities. Some compounds in cardamom can help increase airflow to the lungs and improve breathing.

In aromatherapy, cardamom can provide an invigorating odour that can improve the body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise.

Some studies on rats also showed that the high antioxidant in the spice may prevent both liver enlargement, anxiety and even promote weight loss. However, the reasons behind these effects are still unclear.