A Closer Look Into The Benefits Of Cardamom

Appropriately named the “Queen of Spices”, cardamom has been a staple spice that is used to add a unique flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. This versatile spice whose origins can be traced back to India is derived from the seeds of plants in the ginger family. It is not only celebrated for its culinary uses but also for its impressive range of health benefits. 

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cardamom, including its remarkable effects on your health, benefits on your skin, and why it's an excellent addition to your tea. We will also offer you a list of the best teas from Nepal Tea Collective that contains cardamom.

But first! Let’s start from the basics. 

What is Cardamom?

Cardamom, sometimes called cardamon or cardamum, is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the genera Elettaria and Amomum in the family Zingiberoside. Not many people might know this, but cardamom comes in two main varieties: green cardamom and black. 

Among the two varieties, green cardamom is the more famous and more commonly used type and is known for its sweet and aromatic flavor, making it a staple in Indian cooking and Middle Eastern cuisine. The spice is typically sold in whole pods or ground into powder. Its rich flavor profile includes hints of citrus and mint, which can elevate the taste of various dishes and beverages.

What are the Health Benefits of Cardamom?

Apart from its use in the culinary arts, this spice has shown to be a versatile remedy for a number of health benefits including: 

Digestive Aid: As reported in an article on blume, cardamom has shown to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and helping alleviate issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion. This is one of the main reasons why many people through the globe enjoy cardamom tea after heavy meals to soothe their stomachs.

Rich in Antioxidants: This incredible spice is packed with antioxidants that can help combat oxidative stress in the body as mentioned by an article on the National Library of Medicine. What this means is that cardamom may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.

Heart Health: Cardamom has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health by enhancing blood circulation and lowering cholesterol levels. The fiber content in cardamom can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels - giving your heart health a boost.

Mood Booster: The unmistakable aroma that cardamom gives off has been linked to improved mental clarity and promote stress relief, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their mood naturally after a long day.

Oral Health: According to MedicalnewsToday, cardamom's antibacterial properties also make it effective in promoting oral hygiene by combating bad breath and preventing issued like plaque and gum disease.

Benefits of Cardamom for Skin

Besides the amazing benefits discussed above, cardamom also offers significant advantages for skin health. It’s antioxidant properties help protect skin cells from free radical damage and promote skin elasticity and help maintain a youthful appearance.

Furthermore, cardamom has shown to enhance blood circulation. This helps better deliver essential nutrients that can contribute to a healthier complexion.

Another amazing benefit of cardamom is that ground cardamom can serves as a natural exfoliant in homemade face scrubs, effectively removing dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin. Its vitamin C content also supports collagen production, which helps in maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Why you should Choose Tea With Cardamom

Now that we have understood how amazing cardamom is, let’s explore some of the top reasons why you should choose teas with cardamom. We will also explore some of the top benefits that you can attain by opting for tea with cardamom. 

• Flavor Enhancement: Cardamom adds a unique taste that help elevate traditional tea blends, making your beverage more flavorful and enjoyable.
• Digestive Support: Drinking tea with cardamom after meals can aid digestion and prevent discomfort from overeating.
• Relaxation Aid: The soothing aroma of cardamom can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it an ideal choice for winding down at the end of the day.

With that cleared out, here are our picks for some of the best teas from nepal Tea Collective that contain cardamom: 

• Nepali Breakfast: One of our best selling teas of 2024, Nepali Breakfast is a robust blend that combines black tea with the rich flavors of cardamom, perfect for starting your day on a flavorful note. This vibrant blend also offers a hint of black pepper, which makes it a favorite among masala chai enthusiasts.
  
  While it doesn’t contain certain traditional Indian ingredients like green cardamom, cloves, and star anise, it still offers a fresh take on chai with its simpler yet beautifully crafted flavor profile. All the herbs and spices used in this blend are grown on our family farm, Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Center (KTERC), where they are hand-cultivated and carefully processed to bring out all the amazing flavors and aroma.

• Kathmandu Cosmos: Another amazing option is the delicious Kathmandu Cosmos. This unique crowd-pleasing blend features a medium-boiled herbal tea blend made with golden tips tea, blending sweet citrus notes with aromatic ginger and cardamom for a perfectly balanced tea-drinking experience.
  
  This tea is the perfect choice for those who have strong opinions about masala chai. While it retains the essence of traditional chai, its unique floral and citrus notes set it apart from any other chai. 

• Kathmandu Cosmos (Decaf): Last but not least on our list is the decaffeinated version of Kathmandu Cosmos, the Kathmandu Cosmos (Naturally Decaf).  Enjoy the benefits of cardamom without the caffeine; this decaffeinated option allows you to indulge at any hour without disrupting your sleep. It’s caffeine free nature also means that you won’t experience any of the jitters and crash that is often associated with caffeinated tea or coffee. 

This herbal tea is a medium-bodied, naturally decaffeinated blend with sweet citrus notes and aromatic spices like ginger and cardamom, offering a heritage-rich, caffeine-free experience.

Conclusion

The benefits of cardamom extend far beyond its delightful flavor; this spice offers numerous health advantages that can enhance your well-being. From aiding digestion to promoting glowing skin and providing a soothing cup of tea, cardamom is a powerhouse ingredient worth incorporating into your diet. Whether you enjoy it in cooking or as part of a comforting cup of tea from Nepal Tea Collective, embracing this spice can lead to a healthier lifestyle enriched with flavor and wellness.