Cardamom β Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
π₯ 311 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 69 g | 25.09% |
Fiber | 28 g | 100% |
Sugars | 0 g | - |
Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
Protein | 11 g | 22% |
Sodium | 18 mg | 0.78% |
Total Fat | 7 | 8.97% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
28 g
✅ High Fiber Content
11 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Supports digestive health by reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion, and stimulating the appetite.
- Contains antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections and improve oral health.
- May help lower blood pressure due to its diuretic properties and ability to relax blood vessels.
- Enhances metabolic health by supporting detoxification and improving circulation.
Health risks
- Potential allergic reactions in some individuals, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps when consumed in large quantities, especially if not accustomed to spicy foods.
- Possible interaction with medications particularly blood pressure medications or anticoagulants, as cardamom may affect blood pressure and blood clotting.
- Risk of contamination with mold or other toxins if cardamom is not properly stored, which can pose health risks.
How to choose cardamom
Good quality cardamom pods are plump and have a vibrant green color, suggesting they are fresh. The seeds inside should be oily and aromatic when crushed, releasing their distinct spicy-sweet flavor.
Do not purchase cardamom that has bleached or overly dry pods, as these have likely lost much of their essential oils. Ensure that the pods are tightly sealed in their packaging to preserve flavor and potency.
How to store cardamom
Cardamom should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A spice cabinet away from heat and light is ideal to preserve its flavor. Properly stored, cardamom can last up to a year.
Light and moisture can degrade the quality of cardamom, so these should be avoided. Storing it near the stove or other heat sources can cause it to lose its potency. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to keep out moisture and maintain its aromatic properties.
β Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Cardamom can last for 2-3 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Ground cardamom should be used within 6 months to 1 year for the best flavor. Whole pods retain their flavor longer than ground spice.
What to do with leftovers?
π¨ββοΈοΈ Medical disclaimer
How cardamom supports specific health conditions
Cardamom contains powerful antioxidants that support heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. It also promotes digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, reducing bloating, and improving nutrient absorption. Additionally, cardamom may support respiratory health by easing symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, and its antimicrobial properties can improve oral health by preventing bad breath and gum disease.
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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