Queen of Spices - Cardamom
After vanilla and saffron, Cardamom, a.k.a the "Queen of Spices," and every Indian's 'Elaichi' is the world’s most expensive spice. Cardamom contains a variety of potentially active ingredients, a class of compounds known for many familiar aromas and associated with antioxidant health benefits.
Cardamom is being used both for cooking and medicinal purposes dates back over 4000 years, and it is believed to be one of the oldest known spices in the world. Cardamom is a spice that is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 100gm of pure cardamom like the RUCHI Cardamom contains approximately 67gm of carbohydrates, 27gm of dietary fibre, and 10gm of protein! Moreover, it contains vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as an abundance of minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Iron and Copper are both used by our body to generate red blood cells, and deficiencies in either of these minerals can lead to lack of energy or even a form of anaemia. Interestingly, 100gm of pure cardamom like the RUCHI Cardamom contains about 175% of our daily required value of iron! But don’t jump to the conclusion and consume such large amount of Cardamom at once. The daily normal dose for dietary cardamom intake is 3g in powder form or 1 to 2 whole cardamoms every day.
Health Benefits
According to Ayurveda, cardamom is an important spice which is Tridoshic which means that helps in balancing all the three doshas - Vatta, Pitta and Kapha in our body. It has significant warming properties that are soothing for our body. It is also believed in Ayurveda that Cardamom helps in preventing the build-up of 'ama' – a sticky substance that blocks normal circulation and lowers energy levels, which leads to various diseases. Apart from being Tridoshic, it also:
- Boosts Antioxidant Activity
- Reduces Chronic Inflammation
- Improves digestion
- Great for respiratory issues
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Reduces Anxiety
- Improves Heart Health
- Prevents Cancer Growth
- Helps in Weight Loss
- Is Antibacterial and Antifungal
Warning: Do not take cardamom in amounts greater than those typically found in food if you have gallbladder stones. The cardamom seed can trigger gallstone colic (spasmodic pain).
