Cardamom is a popular spice that is used in various cuisines across the world. It has a sweet and spicy taste and has several health benefits as well. India is the topmost producer of cardamom in the world. There are many ways to include cardamom in your diet in order to enjoy its numerous Benefits of Cardamom Tea.
You can use cardamom in your cooking or even drink it as an herbal tea. Red pandanus, black pandanus, and green pandanus are all varieties of cardamom plants, but only red pandanus is commonly used for culinary purposes. Green pods can be used for grinding to make spice paste or dry masala, while black pods have limited usage. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and side effects of drinking cardamom tea on a regular basis.
What is Cardamom Tea?
Cardamom is a flowering plant in the ginger family that is native to South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala. It is cultivated for its small black seeds that are used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The black seeds are called cardamom and are used in various sweet dishes, especially in baked desserts like cakes and cookies.
Cardamom is also used in curries, Kheer and Biryani (a kind of rice). The essential oil derived from the seeds is also used in natural remedies as well as in cosmetics. The tea made from cardamom seeds is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It has a distinct flavor and aroma that is somewhat similar to that of black pepper or ginger. The best time to drink cardamom tea is in the mornings.
Benefits of Cardamom Tea for Your Overall Body
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can help fight free radicals in the body, which are toxic by products of metabolism. Cardamom pods are rich in antioxidants that help keep the body healthy by preventing aging and degenerative diseases.
Cardamom protects cells from damage and stops inflammation from occurring. Cardamom contains more than 17 different antioxidants like carotenoids and polyphenols, which make it a potent health-promoting herb. The antioxidants in cardamom tea can help improve the immune system, lower the risk of heart disease, and prevent cancer.
2. Helps Fight Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom can help reduce swelling and redness in the body. It can also be used to treat joint pain and other inflammatory conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune disorders. Cardamom is one of the best herbs to use for digestive disorders. It can also be an excellent choice for people who are suffering from urinary tract infections.
3. Good for Digestion
Cardamom has been traditionally used for treating digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite because of its anti-spasmodic properties. It can also be used for treating acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and other stomach disorders.
Cardamom tea can enhance digestion and keep digestive disorders at bay. Cardamom contains menthol that can be really helpful for treating digestive problems like occasional gas and bloating.
4. Helps Fight Viral Infections
In a recent study, scientists found that cardamom can be used to treat viral infections like the common cold, flu, and hepatitis. Cardamom tea can be used to treat the common cold, flu, and other viral infections. The antiviral properties of cardamom can help boost the immune system, prevent viral infection from spreading, and reduce the severity and duration of the cold.
5. Cardamom Tea to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Many people believe that drinking cardamom tea can help relieve stress and anxiety. This is because cardamom is a natural anti-anxiety agent. Studies have shown that it can effectively manage anxiety by altering the levels of certain hormones.
Drinking cardamom tea is a healthier and cheaper alternative to many anti-anxiety medications. It can help you get a good night’s sleep and boost your energy levels during the day. Cardamom tea also promotes heart health by decreasing LDL cholesterol levels.
6. Cardamom Tea for Weight Loss
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cardamom make it a powerful herb for weight loss. Cardamom tea is a great beverage to include in your diet if you are looking to lose weight. It can help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism, which are two important factors for weight loss. Drinking cardamom tea every day can help in weight loss.
Different Ways to Use Cardamom
While you can crush the pods and make a decoction, teas are more commonly used. Let’s take a look at different ways to make cardamom tea.
1. Dry leaves: You can buy pods or dry leaves and add them to your tea. You can also add them to coffee or hot chocolate. Extracting the flavor from the leaves is a bit difficult, and they’re usually added as a garnish to other beverages.
2. Powder: You can buy ground cardamom, which is a common way of buying spice in India. However, it’s not as potent as whole pods. You can add cardamom powder to your tea, and it will add a strong flavor.
3. Whole pods: You can add whole pods to your tea. When you first add the pods to the water, it will produce a strong flavor. However, it will reduce with time, and you’ll get a mild flavor from the tea.
Side Effects and Risks of Cardamom Tea
There are no serious side effects or risks associated with drinking cardamom tea. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor if you are taking any medications to avoid any complications. There are some people who should avoid or limit the intake of cardamom due to certain contraindications.
Pregnant women should not consume cardamom because it may induce labor. People with diabetes and those taking blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications should consume cardamom in moderation. It is also recommended to consult your doctor before consuming cardamom seeds if you are allergic to any other plants from the ginger family.
FAQ related to Cardamom Tea
Which country produces maximum cardamom?
India is the topmost producer, consumer and exporter in the world. And after India, Guatemala is the second largest producer of cardamom in the world.
Is it safe to consume cardamom tea every day?
Yes. It’s safe to drink cardamom tea every day as it has no serious side effects on the health. If you are suffering from any health issues, then you should consult a doctor first.
Does cardamom fight viral infection?
Yes. In studies, scientists found that cardamom helps to fight viral infections. Consumption of cardamom tea boosts the immune system. It contains antiviral properties which help to fight infections like the common cold, flu and hepatitis.
Is cardamom effective in periods?
Cardamom works magically in relieving period pain because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties.
Conclusion: Benefits of Cardamom Tea
Cardamom is a widely used spice that is not just used for culinary purposes. It has many health benefits as well and can be easily added to your diet by drinking cardamom tea. Cardamom tea has many health benefits. The rich antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties make cardamom tea a powerful drink that can be consumed to promote health and prevent diseases.
Drinking cardamom tea relieves stress and anxiety. It also helps in period pain. It can also help you lose weight and become healthier. If you are looking for a daily beverage that can boost your health and prevent diseases, then make cardamom tea a part of your diet. It is an easy and delicious way to get all the benefits of this herb.
