22. CARDOMOM

                                                     CARDOMOM

Cardamon (raw)
Nutrition in 100 gm
Energy: 311 kcal
Carbohydrates	68.47 gm
Dietary fibre	28 gm
Fat	6.7 gm
Ash	5.78 gm
Proteins	10.76 gm
Water	8.28 gm
Vitamin A	16.895 gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.198 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.182 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	1.102 mg
Vit B6	0.23 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	2 µ gm
Vitamin C (Absorbic acid)	21 mg
Vitamin E	1.03 µ gm
Calcium	383 mg
Iron	13.97 mg
Magnesium	229 mg
Phosphorus	178 mg
Potassium	1119 mg
Zinc	7.47 mg
Sodium	18 mg
Copper	0.383 mg
Manganese	28 mg

Cardamom is the seed from the fruit of an herbal plant called Elettaria Cardamomum. It is an expensive spice second only to saffron. The fruits are collected before they ripen and dried. The seeds have a very strong flavour and hence they are used in deserts, sweets, coffee, curry, etc. The seeds must not be removed from the pod unless you intend to use them immediately for they lose flavour quickly. The oil extracted from cardamom is rich in nutrients.

Benefits:

1. Fear: If you are feeling disturbed or fearful about something, put a few pieces of Cardomon in your mouth.

2. Gas problem: Cardamom helps improve digestion and cure gas problem.

3. Teeth: cardamom is used in the cure for teeth and gum infections.

4. Cardomom is used in curing throat problems, pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and digestive disorders.

5. Cardomom is also used as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites.

6. Cold: Cardomom has decongestant property. Cardomom has a phytochemical called cineole, helps remove congestion of lungs. It is also good for cold.

7. Nervous system: Cineole found in cardomon also strengthens the nervous system.

8. Bath oil: Essential oil extracted from the seed is used as refreshing bath oil. It is a mild stimulant.

9. Indigestion: Mix cardamom powder with ginger, clove and coriander. Consume to cure indigestion.

Danger: Pregnant and lactating women should not consume cardamom