All about Elaichi: Types, Nutritional Facts, and Its Health Benefits

Introduction:

Many people will say it is not just tea but an emotion. Elaichi enhances the flavor of tea to another level. Elaichi is an aromatic seed pod used in many Indian preparations, such as a creamy kheeror a rich biryani.

The queen of spices-“Elaichi” or “Cardamom” is known forits aroma and flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Along with this culinary use, elaichi has various medicinal benefits as well.  

Elaichi or cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of two different species in the family Zingiberaceae. Native to the mountainous forests of southwest India, this spice became a staple ingredient in cuisine, with its use dating back at least 4,000 years. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were fond of this spice.

Researchers have found that Elaichi may aid in obesity and high cholesterol levels. Elaichi is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help cope with high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, which eventually may decrease obesity and high cholesterol levels.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Types of Elaichi

There are two major types of elaichi – green and black elaichi. 

• Green elaichi – It is a common type of elaichi that we used daily in our kitchen. It is small in size with a sweet flavor and distributed from India to Malaysia.
• Black elaichi – It is brown, large, and slightly elongated. It is native to the Eastern Himalayas and cultivated in Sikkim, Eastern Nepal, and parts of West Bengal in India. 

Nutritional Facts about Elaichi

 Elaichi contains:

• Vitamins – riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C 
• Minerals – iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium
• Essential oils – pinene, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, etc. 
• Dietary fibers
• Antioxidants 

Also Read: Elaichi (Cardamom): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage

From high blood pressure to cancer, high sugar levels to stomach acidity, Elaichi is believed to be your trusted ally on the path to wellness. Furthermore, researchers have found that Elaichi may effectively soothe your swollen eyelids. Elaichi is known for its anti-inflammatory nature that may aid in the inflammation of the eyelids and relieve the pain.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Health Benefits of Elaichi

1. Improve Digestive Health

Elaichi is not only rich in flavors but also beneficial for your gut health. The spice also stimulates metabolism, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a cooling effect despite being a spice that helps reduce burning in the chest caused due to acidity. It also helps reduce the number and size of stomach ulcers. Elaichi stimulates the bile acid secretion in the stomach, further aiding in digestion and proper fat metabolism.

2. Improve Oral Health

In some cultures, elaichi used to freshen your breath after a meal. It has anti-bacterial properties that keep your oral cavity healthy. Elaichi help in getting rid of bad breath as it helps in neutralizing dental bacteria.
An essential component of cardamom oil called cineole is known for its antimicrobial properties that promote oral hygiene, and it also fights bacteria that cause bad breath. The strong taste of cardamom even stimulates the salivary flow – and this can help prevent dental caries.

3. Enhance Appetite

Elaichi is a great appetite stimulator. Cardamom oil is beneficial to treat anorexia (loss of appetite). It is essential when you suffered from loss of appetite after fever or any other disease. You can chew few seeds of elaichi 2-3 times per day.   

4. Used to Treat Nausea and Vomiting

Elaichi has anti-emetic properties that means it reduces nausea and vomiting. It must be a reason that whenever we have nausea- our grandmothers always advise us to consume elaichi. It is more beneficial when vomit comes out with a sour taste and burning sensation. So if you tend to have motion sickness while traveling, you can try to eat elaichi.

Let me introduce you to the potential of Elaichi in snakebite management. While Elaichi has a special place in culinary delights, its potential healing properties extend beyond the kitchen. Studies suggest that Elaichi may aid in managing snake bites due to its anti-convulsant property.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

5. Help in Nicotine Withdrawal

It is a natural therapy who want to quit nicotine. Chewing cardamom pods 4 to 6 times a day reduces the craving for nicotine, restlessness, irritability, impatience, and anxiety. It also improves sleep quality and prevents depression.

6. Lower the Blood Pressure

Consumption of elaichi has some promising results in lowering high blood pressure. It is also rich in antioxidants and fibers that promote heart health. Dietary fibers in elaichi can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
According to a study, black cardamom seems to work much better than its green cousin when it comes to heart health. 

7. Control Blood Sugar Level

Elaichi powder is beneficial to reduce blood sugar levels. It is rich in manganese – a mineral that can lower the risk of diabetes. A study on rats suggests that cardamom may help decrease high blood sugar levels, but more high-quality human studies are needed.

8. May Treat Cold and Cough

Elaichi has antitussive and mucolytic properties. It helps in reducing mucus production and eliminates cough and cold. It increases blood circulation in the lungs and helps improve respiratory function.

9. Help in Cancer Prevention

Elaichi has specific compounds that help to prevent cancer. The spice may also enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors.
According to an animal study, consumption of elaichi powder can reduce the occurrence of tumors, especially in colorectal cancer.

10. Acts as Detoxifier

Elaichi is a potential detoxifier for the body. It reduces toxins in the blood and eliminates toxins by inducing mild diuresis. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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