Cardamom seeds are a popular spice with a variety of culinary and health benefits. Here are some key advantages of using cardamom seeds in cooking:

Culinary Benefits

1. Aromatic Flavor: Cardamom has a unique, aromatic flavor that combines hints of citrus, mint, and spice. It enhances both sweet and savory dishes, adding depth and complexity.
2. Versatility: Cardamom can be used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts like cakes, cookies, and puddings to savory foods such as curries, stews, and rice dishes. It is also a common ingredient in spice blends like garam masala and chai tea.
3. Enhances Digestion: Cardamom is known for its digestive properties. It can help alleviate bloating and gas, making it a great addition to meals that might be heavy or difficult to digest.
4. Natural Sweetener: Cardamom has a naturally sweet flavor, which can reduce the need for added sugars in recipes.
5. Preservative Properties: Its antimicrobial properties help in preserving food, particularly in hot and humid climates.

Health Benefits

1. Antioxidant Properties: Cardamom is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom can help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Digestive Health: Cardamom stimulates the digestive system and can help alleviate indigestion, nausea, and heartburn. It also promotes regular bowel movements.
4. Oral Health: Chewing on cardamom seeds can help freshen breath and improve oral health due to their antibacterial properties.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation: Some studies suggest that cardamom may help lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect and high antioxidant content.
6. Respiratory Health: Cardamom has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
7. Mood Enhancement: The aroma of cardamom can have a soothing effect, potentially helping to reduce stress and improve mood.

How to Use Cardamom in Cooking

• Whole Pods: Add whole cardamom pods to stews, rice dishes, and soups. Remove the pods before serving.
• Ground Cardamom: Use ground cardamom in baking, spice blends, and desserts.
• Crushed Seeds: Crush the seeds and add them to coffee, tea, or marinades for a burst of flavor.
• Infusions: Steep cardamom pods in milk or cream to infuse the liquid with its flavor for use in custards and other desserts.

Incorporating cardamom seeds into your cooking not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also provides a range of health benefits.

A spice to consume in moderation to avoid side effects
With all the benefits it provides, one might think that cardamom would be worth consuming every day and in quantity. In reality, caution must be exercised, as excessive consumption is not without risk. First, in people with liver or heart problems or gallstones, cardamom can be consumed occasionally, but never in large quantities. In subjects not suffering from any particular pathology, it is also advisable to be careful with their consumption and to monitor certain possible side effects: nausea, headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, heavy sweating, etc.

So how can you enjoy the benefits of cardamom without these side effects? By simply making sure to respect certain dosages: follow the dosage for cardamom-based food supplements, do not exceed 3 grams of cardamom per day and be attentive to symptoms which may indicate an excess. Also remember to replace cardamom with other spices from time to time, to also benefit from their benefits: cinnamon, cloves, coriander, fennel, cumin, etc.
Final advice: if you use cardamom in the form of essential oil, be aware that it is a very powerful active ingredient, which should be avoided in women who are less than 3 months pregnant and in young children. It may also present a risk of allergy.