Cardamom

Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savory recipes. The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries ( Here are 10 health benefits of cardamom, backed by science. Share on Pinterest Cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure. In one study, researchers gave three grams of cardamom powder a day to 20 adults who were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks, blood pressure levels had significantly decreased to the normal range ( The promising results of this study may be related to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom. In fact, the participants’ antioxidant status had increased by 90% by the end of the study. Antioxidants have been linked to lower blood pressure ( Researchers also suspect that the spice may lower blood pressure due to its Cardamom extract has been shown to increase urination and decrease blood pressure in rats ( Summary Cardamom may help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties. The compounds in cardamom may help fight cancer cells. Studies in mice have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help The spice may also enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors ( In one study, researchers expo...

Cooking with different spices is a fantastic way to experience global flavors, especially in 2020 when leaving home is harder than ever). But with so many in your pantry, it can be difficult to keep track of what they are and what they taste like. One to spotlight? Cardamom! It's been used for centuries to jazz up coffee, rice dishes, and pastries all over the world—but want to know what it actually is? We spoke with Ethan Frisch, co-founder of Credit: Amazon What is cardamom? Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of the What does cardamom taste like? Frisch says that Where does cardamom grow? Cardamom is native to South India and is produced widely there, but most of the cardamom we buy in the United States actually comes from Guatemala. That's because German settlers brought it there in the early 1900s to grow alongside their coffee crops, explains Frisch. As it turns out, the Cardamom thrives at altitude and is also grown in higher altitude areas in China, Laos, and Vietnam, according to the Are there different types of cardamom? Yes! There are two main varieties of cardamom (black and green) with two sub-varieties (yellow and white). Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is the variety most commonly sold in your local spice market, and it's the type most commonly exported from Guatemala. It's also the variety most commonly used in Indian cooking. It works well in both sweet and savory dishes, and can be used whole or ground. White cardamom is the bleached version...

× This article is based on scientific evidence, written by Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Cardamom Helps Prevent Bad Breath, Cavities & Cancer By Annie Price, CHHC May 5, 2019 • • • • • • • Have you ever tasted cardamom? Maybe you enjoyed it in a dish like Wondering: Where can I use cardamom? The seeds have a warm, highly aromatic flavor that add a unique, sweet, floral flavor to any food or drink. This spice is also widely used as a digestive aid and natural breath freshener. In fact, men and women in India commonly chew the pods to improve breath. What are the health benefits of cardamom? For starters, it’s rich in powerful That’s not all. There are many cardamom uses you can start trying today to take advantage of this What Is Cardamom? Cardamom refers to herbs within the Elettaria (green) and Amomum (black) genera of the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family. It is native to the moist forests of southern India. The fruit can be collected from wild plants, but most is cultivated in India, Sri Lanka and Guatemala. Ad By the early 21st century, Guatem...

al Zuhair, H., el Sayeh, B., Ameen, H. A., and al Shoora, H. Pharmacological studies of cardamom oil in animals. Pharmacol.Res 1996;34(1-2):79-82. View abstract. de Pradier E. A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2006;16(1):15-20. El Tahir KE, Shoeb H, and et al. Exploration of some pharmacological activities of cardamom seed(Elettaria cardamomum) volatile oil. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal (Saudi Arabia) 1997;5:96-102. Elgayyar, M., Draughon, F. A., Golden, D. A., and Mount, J. R. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from plants against selected pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms. J Food Prot. 2001;64(7):1019-1024. View abstract. Gilani, A. H., Jabeen, Q., Khan, A. U., and Shah, A. J. Gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering, diuretic and sedative activities of cardamom. J Ethnopharmacol. 2-12-2008;115(3):463-472. View abstract. Lawrence, H. A. and Palombo, E. A. Activity of essential oils against Bacillus subtilis spores. J Microbiol.Biotechnol. 2009;19(12):1590-1595. View abstract. Mahady, G. B., Pendland, S. L., Stoia, A., Hamill, F. A., Fabricant, D., Dietz, B. M., and Chadwick, L. R. In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Phytother.Res 2005;19(11):988-991. View abstract. Majdalawieh, A. F. and Carr, R. I. In vitro investigation of the potential immunomodulatory a...

Whether used in an Indian curry or a Scandinavian pastry, cardamom is an intense, slightly sweet spice that instantly brings warmth and sweetness to any recipe. A favorite in the cuisines of Middle East, North Africa and Scandinavia, this spice is one of the most expensive in the world, but its strong flavor can’t be beat. What kind of cardamom should I use? Cardamom comes in a few varieties, but the black and green pods are the most popular. • Green cardamom’s herbal, citrusy, slightly sweet flavor is equally used in sweet and savory dishes. • Black cardamom’s stronger, menthol-like flavor is used mostly in savory dishes. • White cardamom is actually green pods that have been bleached and tends to have a milder flavor. How do I cook with cardamom? You can purchase cardamom as pods, seeds or powder. For the boldest flavor, always start with whole pods since ground cardamom is more mild. If your recipe calls for whole pods, lightly toast them in a pan over medium heat until they’re aromatic, and remember to take them out before serving. Other recipes will call for the seeds—break open the pods and grind them up yourself for the best flavor. You can do so with Cardamom pairs well with poultry, red meat, lentils, oranges, rice and other warm spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s ideal in curries, Does cardamom have any health benefits? Yes! Cardamom is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and potassium. Cardamom is in the same family as ginger and turmeric, which are...

What Is Cardamom? Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. Cardamom pods are spindle-shaped and have a triangular cross-section. The pods contain a number of seeds, but the entire cardamom pod can be used whole or ground. The seeds are small and black, while the pods differ in color and size by species. Varieties of Cardamom There are two main types of cardamom: black cardamom and green cardamom, and there is also white cardamom which is a bleached version of green cardamom. Green cardamom is the kind found most often in Nordic and Middle Eastern cuisine, while recipes in India and Asia will often specify whether green or black cardamom is used. Green cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomom) is known as true cardamom. This is the most common variety you will see sold in the spice aisle of the supermarket. It is the top choice for sweet dishes but also works well in savory dishes. The bleached version, white cardamom, has less flavor. It is grown in tropical areas including India, Malaysia, and Costa Rica. Substitutions It will be hard to find a true substitute for the unique flavor of cardamom, but in a pinch, you can blend other warm spices to help replace it. Cinnamon will be the key, and the best blend would be equal parts of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. If you don't have nutmeg, use ground ginger or ground cloves along with the cinnamon.

Cardamom is a familiar name in the spice world, but if asked to describe its flavor, you may be at a loss for words. This is because this spice has an extremely complex flavor profile, lending itself to both sweet and savory dishes. As the third most expensive spice in the world (only behind saffron and vanilla), cardamom has made quite a name for itself, even earning the nickname "The Queen of Spices." From Indian curries to Scandinavian breads, learn how to cook with this prized spice. Getty Images Types of Cardamom Green Cardamom This is the more common variety of cardamom. It is often used in sweeter dishes, although it will work in savory as well. Green cardamom's flavor is more of what you would imagine when you think of cardamom: warm, herbal, citrusy, spicy, and even a bit minty all at the same time — impressive, right? The pods contain hard, black seeds that are usually dried and ground to make a powder. These seeds contain the essential oils that give the spice its distinct flavor. Once the seeds are ground, they begin to lose their flavor quickly. For best results, use ground cardamom close to its purchase date, or better yet, start with whole pods. You can easily grind the seeds down using a How to Cook With Cardamom When cooking with cardamom, consider starting with whole pods and grinding your own powder from the seeds. To do so, first toast the pods in a skillet. This helps bring out the flavor and makes it easier to open. From here you can remove the seeds ...

Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab.com, or NSF International. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and ask about potential interactions with other supplements or medications. • Active ingredient(s): Phenols, starch, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, sterols, anthocyanins, alkaloids • Alternate name(s): Elettaria cardamomum, green cardamom, true cardamom • Suggested dose: No dosage guidelines available • Safety considerations: Cardamom is considered safe in amounts used in foods. Side effects may be possible when using larger doses for medicinal purposes. Potential Benefits of Cardamom Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Similar to the previous study, participants were randomly chosen to take either a placebo or 3 grams of cardamom in supplement form per day. At the end of the three-month study, cardamom supplementation was associated wi...