Have you ever heard of cardamom? It is a plant from which only its fruits are consumed, some brown seeds that receive the same name and that provide great benefits to the body. These small fruits are found inside larger seeds of a very characteristic leafy green color.
If you want to benefit from everything that this incredible plant can bring you, don’t miss the following article, as we will discover everything you need to know about cardamom seeds: properties, what they are for and how to use them.
Properties of cardamom seeds
We find ourselves with a food that contains a large number of properties, since the nutritional composition of cardamom is very rich. These are seeds that contain protein, fiber, fat, iron, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins from groups B1, B2, B3, C and B12, among other great nutrients. Next, to show you the great benefits that you can obtain from the consumption of cardamom, we will tell you about the medicinal properties of these seeds:
- Antioxidant properties: cardamom has great antioxidant properties, which is why it is a perfect food to combat certain free radicals. Thanks to these properties, many people make use of cardamom to prevent the signs of aging and even to stop the creation of cancer cells.
- Digestive and purifying properties : due to its cineole, cardamom is perfect for regulating and improving digestion. In fact, these seeds are perfect in infusion for those people who suffer from very slow digestion, since cardamom increases the activity of an enzyme called tipsina that collaborates in the digestion process.
- Antispasmodic properties: these characteristics are closely related to the previous one, since its antispasmodic properties make cardamom a food capable of controlling digestive spasms, stomach pains, colic and gas.
- Fungicidal and bactericidal properties: thanks to these properties, cardamom is perfect for treating ailments such as gastroenteritis or ulcers, although you can also use it in the form of an ointment to heal skin wounds.
- Anti- inflammatory properties: this is one of the best known benefits of cardamom, because due to these properties, the seeds of this plant are often used to treat problems such as hemorrhoids, pharyngitis or ovarian pain during menstruation.
What are cardamom seeds for – benefits
Now that you know the properties of cardamom, we present all the benefits that you can obtain from the consumption of this plant. If you want to see a remarkable improvement in your health, you should know that cardamom can help you with various ailments. We show you:
- Staying Active – Feeling off and having a hard time keeping your energy up throughout the day? The stimulating properties of cardamom make it a perfect food to keep you active throughout the day.
- Relieve pain: as we have said in the previous section, the anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom are the best known, so it is an ideal ingredient to treat stomach swelling, ovarian pain, hemorrhoids… a cup of cardamom will It will help you feel better in a matter of hours. In addition, if we add the antiseptic properties of cardamom to this, we find a perfect home remedy also to relieve discomfort derived from asthma, tonsillitis or bronchitis.
- Fluid retention: Cardamom is a highly recommended diuretic ingredient for those who suffer from fluid retention. A cup a day will keep your urinary system in optimal condition and make you feel better in no time.
- It stimulates the appetite : if you have lost your appetite and feel that it is difficult for you to eat, cardamom seeds can also become your best ally. This is because said food contains orexigen, a natural appetite stimulant that will increase your desire to eat.
- Relieves heartburn and flatulence : as we have already mentioned, the digestive properties of cardamom are extremely beneficial, so when faced with problems such as heartburn or flatulence, do not hesitate to have a cup of this food.
- Helps to lose weight : in addition to combating fluid retention, these seeds are perfect for accelerating metabolism, which is why many individuals use this plant to help them lose weight.
How to use cardamom seeds
The simplest and most common way to use cardamom seeds is by making a delicious infusion. In addition to being a very easy and fast process, it will make you notice the benefits of the seeds in a matter of hours.
- The first thing you should do is place 1/4 cup of crushed cardamom seeds in a pan.
- Then add a cup and a half of water.
- Put the mixture on the fire and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
- After these minutes, remove the infusion from the heat and let it rest for another 10 or 15 minutes.
- Finally, filter the seeds and enjoy this magnificent infusion.
The most recommended thing is that you ingest cardamom without supplements such as sugar or milk, since this way you can benefit to the maximum from its properties for your body. However, there are people who reject this infusion because of its bitter-sweet taste, so if you find it very unbearable, you can always add a little honey.
Contraindications of cardamom
As you may have already seen, cardamom seeds can be very beneficial for your body. However, there are a number of considerations that you should take into account. Here are some cardamom contraindications that you should keep in mind:
- If you take aspirin, antidepressants or HIV medications, refrain from eating this food, as there may be certain interferences and the seeds could nullify or reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
- If you suffer from digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or Dumping syndrome, do not take cardamom, as these diseases could be aggravated.
- Do not take cardamom during pregnancy, as professionals say that this ingredient could cause a miscarriage if not administered carefully.
- Although it is rare, it may be that you have an allergy to this food, so see your doctor quickly if symptoms such as swelling, nausea, reddening of the skin, difficulties in breathing, etc. occur.
- If you have gallstones, do not eat cardamom, as it could trigger biliary colic.
