Cardamom, also called Elaichi is a small green pod with black seeds inside. It is an ancient spice which originated in the western ghats of southern India. Its modern-day production is spread from Indo China and Tanzania to Guatemala and Sri Lanka. The ancient uses of cardamom vary from being a tooth cleanser for the Egyptians to being used as a perfume for the Greeks and Romans.
Cardamom is the third most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla. The market today offers various inferior substitutes of cardamom which come from plants that are similar to cardamoms such as the Nepal cardamom, Siam cardamom, Bastard cardamom, and Winged Java cardamom. However, Elettaria cardamom is the only true form of cardamom. In India there are two main varieties of cardamom namely the Malabar cardamom and Mysore cardamom.
Guatemala is the largest producer and exporter of cardamoms in the world, followed by India and Sri Lanka. The largest producer of cardamoms in India is Kerala, accounting for 70% of the total country’s production. This is followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Cardamom has a pleasantly sweet aroma that is linked to a lot of traditional Indian recipes. Cardamom mainly features in curries and rice dishes and it is one of the most common flavour in most Indian desserts. In fact, cardamom is considered as a ‘festive’ spice. Cardamom is also a defining flvour in some Indian sweet drinks.
In Indian meals, cardamom seeds are generally without the pods. The Pods are neutral in flavour and they leave an unpleasant aftertaste to the dish.
Some basic facts about Cardamom:
- Scientific Name: Elettaria cardamomum Maton
- Family: Zingiberaceae
- Common Name: Elaichi
- Native region and geographical distribution: Cardamom is mostly cultivated in the evergreen forest situated in Western Ghats of Southern India. Apart from India, cardamom is commercially grown in Guatemala, Tanzania, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia etc. The major cultivars of cardamom also include eastern Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and southern Bhutan.
Cardamom nutrition facts
Cardamom is believed to have innumerable health benefits because it is highly rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also packed with various vitamins that help in the smooth functioning of the body.
As per the USDA Nutritional Database, 100 g of cardamom contains the following nutrients:
Nutrients | Value per 100 g |
Water | 8.28 g |
Energy | 311 kcal |
Protein | 10.76 g |
Fat | 6.70 g |
Carbohydrate | 68.47 g |
Fiber | 28.0 g |
Minerals | Value per 100 g |
Calcium | 383 mg |
Iron | 13.97 mg |
Magnesium | 229 mg |
Phosphorus | 178 mg |
Potassium | 1119 mg |
Sodium | 18 mg |
Zinc | 7.47 mg |
Vitamins | Value per 100 g |
Vitamin B1 | 0.198 mg |
Vitamin B2 | 0.182 mg |
Vitamin B3 | 1.102 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.230 mg |
Vitamin C | 21.0 mg |
Fats/Fatty acids | Value per 100g |
Saturated | 0.680 g |
Monounsaturated | 0.870 g |
Polyunsaturated | 0.430 g |
Cardamom health benefits
Cardamom for digestion
According to Ayurveda, cardamom has important medicinal values that can help treat indigestion. In Greece, cardamom was known as a medicinal herb because of its ability to cure digestive disorders. A study done on animal models showed that cardamoms have protective effects against gastric ulcers. Although much more research is still needed to confirm the benefits of cardamom for the stomach, the ayurvedic and folk claims can't be denied.
(Read more: Foods that improve digestion)
Cardamom for respiratory problems
Essential oils have been in use in Aromatherapy for healing various ailments. Although there are different applications of aromatherapy, the most common application is inhalation of essential oil such as cardamom oil through a diffuser. The use of essential oil in aromatherapy is known to have numerous benefits to the health and one among that is its property to cure respiratory problems.
Cardamoms have been used in Ayurveda since the 4th century BC to treat various respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and asthma. A study done on animal models showed that cardamoms are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and other compounds that are very effective in increasing airflow to the lungs.
Cardamom for teeth
Cardamom has been used in Ayurveda to prevent various tooth and gum diseases including toothache, bleeding gums etc. A study showed that the acetonic extract from cardamoms exhibited antimicrobial properties which could be used to treat dental caries. Another study suggests that cardamom oil contains important compounds that can act as an antiseptic which can kill bacteria that is responsible for bad breath and oral diseases. So, grab yourself a cardamom pod and get rid of oral bacteria and bad breath.
Cardamom as an antimicrobial
Cardamom has antimicrobial properties that could be used to treat various infections.
Candida is one of the important causes of fungal infections. A study done on the 202 Candida species showed inhibitory effects on exposure to certain extracts of cardamom. Another study done on various extracts from black cardamom showed that they were effective against a wide range of microorganisms.
Cardamom anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a sign that the body is trying to heal itself when it is exposed to harmful foreign bodies. But when the inflammation lasts for long, that is when it leads to diseases such as cancer. A preclinical study suggests that cardamom can be used to prevent inflammation. Another study showed that cardamom can help reduce gastrointestinal inflammation. Cineole, also known as eucalyptol present in cardamom has been claimed to be effective in preventing inflammation in animal models.
(Read more: Inflammatory disease causes)
Cardamom for high blood pressure
Cardamom is helpful in controlling high blood pressure. In a study conducted among 20 hypertensive adults, consumption of cardamom for a period of 12 weeks lead to a significant fall in the blood pressure levels. The promising results in lowering blood pressure is attributed to the high levels of antioxidants present in cardamoms.
Presence of excess salt in the body has been linked to an increase in blood pressure. Researchers believe that cardamom is effective in lowering blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, which means it can remove the excess water and salts from the body in the form of urine.
Cardamom for anxiety
Due to the fast-paced lifestyle in the modern century, anxiety has become a growing problem in the recent years. Several studies have been going on to understand the underlying causes of anxiety and find ways to reduce and control it. A pre-clinical study showed that cardamom extract is helpful in preventing symptoms of anxiety after stress. However, the study did not mention the exact method by which the results were deduced.
Cardamom for liver
Liver diseases could be caused by a number of factors including viral infections and over-consumption of alcohol. Several studies show the efficacy of cardamom extract in preventing liver diseases. A done on animal models showed the ability of cardamom extract as a hepatoprotective (protects liver). This was inferred from an increase in the albumin levels and the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in these animals. Albumin belongs to a group of proteins and a low level of albumin could lead to liver diseases.
Another study done on animal models with hepatic steatosis (abnormal buildup of fat in the liver) showed that cardamom was effective in the prevention of liver diseases such as hepatomegaly (abnormal liver enlargement).
Cardamom for cancer
Cancer is a disease marked by an abnormal growth of body cells. A study done on animal models showed that cardamom was effective in preventing stage 2 skin cancer.
Another study revealed that an important component present in cardamom, γ-Bisabolene could act as an effective anti-cancer agent and may have the potential to be used in developing cancer drugs.
It has also been noted that cardamom extracts are effective in stimulating the activity of the natural killer cells (a type of white blood cells), thereby having the potential to be used in cancer drugs.
Cardamom side effects
- Cardamom is usually considered safe to be consumed and there have not been many reported cases of cardamom allergy. However, in a case study, a confectioner was found to be allergic to cardamoms. He suffered from chronic hand dermatitis, an infection that causes swelling, blistering and redness in the hand. This was due to a compound called terpenes present in the seeds of cardamom.
- Cardamom is known to reduce blood pressure. So if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure) or are a hypertensive (high blood pressure) patient on medicines, it is best to refer to your doctor before consuming cardamom.
Takeaway
Cardamom is commonly used in cooking and baking. It is a spice that is added to most Indian curries and dishes. It is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Cardamom is beneficial to the body in numerous ways. It helps lower blood pressure, fight cancer and can help prevent respiratory issues. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although cardamoms do not have many side effects, some people may be allergic to them. So it is advisable to seek medical help if you have any allergic symptoms after consuming cardamoms.
Medicines / Products that contain Cardamom
- Myupchar Ayurveda Kumariasava 450ml - ₹379
- Myupchar Ayurveda Chandraprabha Vati - ₹359
- Myupchar Ayurveda Brihat Manjisthadi Churna Tablet - ₹719
- Myupchar Ayurveda Kanchnar Guggulu - ₹312
- Baidyanath Sitopaladi Churna 60gm - ₹132
- Dhootapapeshwar Sitopaladi Choorna 60gm - ₹140
- Baidyanath Sitopaladi Churna 30gm - ₹82
- Baidyanath Kafkartari Ras - ₹120
- Baidyanath Karpuradi Bati - ₹101
- Baidyanath Chyawanprash Special 1kg - ₹361
- Baidyanath Dantodbhedgadantak Ras (40) - ₹75
- Planet Ayurveda Sitopladi Churna 100gm - ₹380
- Baidyanath Chyawanprash Special 500gm - ₹210
- Baidyanath Eladi Vati - ₹99
- Baidyanath Irimedadi Tel - ₹113
- Baidyanath Badam Pak 50gm - ₹175
- Baidyanath Lavan Bhaskar Churna 60gm - ₹55
- Dabur Maha Narayan Tail 100ml - ₹170
- Baidyanath Sitopaladi Churna 120gm - ₹230
- Baidyanath Pipalyasava - ₹199
- Baidyanath Badam Pak 100gm - ₹311
- Unjha Kanth Sudharak Vati - ₹99
- Baidyanath Pradrantak Tablet - ₹182
- Acidsolve Capsule - ₹999
- Lama Avipattikar Churn 500gm - ₹685
- Lama Zyme Syrup 100ml - ₹55
- Kerala Ayurveda Dhanwantharam Gulika - ₹135
- Zandu Chandraprabha Vati Tablet (40) - ₹77
- Baidyanath Lavan Bhaskar Churna 120gm - ₹71
- Sri Sri Tattva Sitopaladi Churna - ₹100
- Kairali Mulberine Capsule - ₹240
- Planet Ayurveda Brahmi Chyawanprash - ₹660
- Dabur Chitrak Haritaki Churna 250gm - ₹277
- Kerala Ayurveda Aswagandhadi Lehyam - ₹300
- Kerala Ayurveda Avipathi Choornam - ₹85
- Kerala Ayurveda Balarishtam - ₹190
- Patanjali Amrit Rasayan 1kg - ₹266
- Dhootapapeshwar Shatavari Kalpa Granules 350gm - ₹295
- Baidyanath Shringarabhra Ras - ₹83
- Baidyanath Sariwadi Bati (80) - ₹320
- Dhootapapeshwar Bhaskar Lavana Choorna 60gm - ₹82
- Planet Ayurveda Dadimashtak Churna - ₹430
- Kerala Ayurveda Sahacharadi Thailam 450ml - ₹465
- Kerala Ayurveda Sahacharadi Thailam 200ml - ₹225
- Planet Ayurveda Vatsakadi Churna - ₹380
- Kerala Ayurveda Vasarishtam - ₹200
- Kairali Eladi Kera Thailam - ₹223
- Baidyanath Chyawan Fit Sugarfree - ₹404
- Dhootapapeshwar Shatavari Kalpa Granules 600gm - ₹449
- Kerala Ayurveda Tussnil - ₹125
References
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- Qiblawi S et al. Chemopreventive effects of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.) on chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. J Med Food. 2012 Jun;15(6):576-80. PMID: 22404574
- Jou YJ et al. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals γ-bisabolene inducing p53-mediated apoptosis of human oral squamous cell carcinoma via HDAC2 inhibition and ERK1/2 activation. Proteomics. 2015 Oct;15(19):3296-309. PMID: 26194454
- Majdalawieh AF, Carr RI. In vitro investigation of the potential immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). J Med Food. 2010 Apr;13(2):371-81. PMID: 20210607
- Coussens LM, Werb Z. Inflammation and cancer. Nature. 2002 Dec 19-26;420(6917):860-7. PMID: 12490959
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- Tina Kaczor. The Anti-Inflammatory and Chemopreventative Effects of Chai Tea. Natural Medicine Journal, June 2010 Vol. 2 Issue 6
- Neha Vutakuri, Sita Somara. Natural and herbal medicine for breast cancer using Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton . International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2018; 6(2): 91-96
- Mutmainah. Gastroprotective effects of combination of hot water extracts of turmeric (Curcuma domestica L.), cardamom pods (Ammomum compactum S.) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera DC.) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014 May;4(Suppl 1):S500-4. PMID: 25183139
- Ratika Sharma. Cardamom comfort . Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012 Mar-Apr; 9(2): 237. PMID: 22623945
- Vijayalakshmi P et al. The Evaluation of the virulence factors of clinical Candida isolates and the anti-biofilm activity of Elettaria cardamomum against multi-drug resistant Candida albicans. Curr Med Mycol. 2016 Jun;2(2):8-15. PMID: 28681014
- Agnihotri S, Wakode S. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and various extracts of fruits of greater cardamom. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Sep;72(5):657-9. PMID: 21695005
- Nitasha Bhat et al. Comparison of the efficacy of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) with pioglitazone on dexamethasone-induced hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia in albino rats G. M. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2015 Jul-Sep; 6(3): 136–140. PMID: 26317079
- J. K. Trivedi, Pawan Kumar Gupta. An overview of Indian research in anxiety disorders . Indian J Psychiatry. 2010 Jan; 52(Suppl1): S210–S218. PMID: 21836680
- Masoumi-Ardakani Y et al. The effect of Elettaria cardamomum extract on anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Mar;87:489-495. PMID: 28073098
- Mobacken H, Fregert S. Allergic contact dermatitis from cardamom. Contact Dermatitis. 1975 Jun;1(3):175-6. PMID: 138507