By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau Outreach Director
Cardamom may prove to have a variety of health benefits beyond being a delightfully tasty spice used in baking and cooking. (Image by Ludmila Albor from Pixabay)
Cardamom is an intense, slightly sweet spice that instantly brings sweetness to any recipe and can be found in just about everyone’s spice cabinet. A favorite in the cuisines of the Middle East, North Africa and Scandinavia, this spice’s strong flavor can’t be beaten. You’ll find it used in an Indian curry or a Scandinavian pastry and much more. And now, research is revealing some interesting benefits of this diverse spice.
A study in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Review suggests that daily intake of cardamom supplements may improve glucose metabolism. Taking three grams of cardamom supplements was found to have significant improvements in A1C and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, but had no effect on weight, body mass index, insulin, fasting blood glucose and waist circumference.
Fun facts about cardamom follow.
- According to Chinese tradition, the consumption of cardamom tea is the secret to long life.
- Cardamom belongs to the same botanical family as ginger and turmeric.
- Cardamom is mostly used in Middle Eastern, North African and Scandinavian cooking.
- Cardamom is the “Doctor of Spices” due to its amazing medicinal properties.
- Cardamom is one of the world’s most exotic spices, along with Saffron and Vanilla.
- Cardamom is also one of the world’s oldest spices, cultivated for more than 4,000 years. It was popular in the ancient civilizations of Rome, Egypt and Greece.
- Ancient people believed cardamom had supernatural powers.
Arizona Farm Bureau’s Fill Your Plate features a variety of recipes using cardamom as one of the ingredients. Also, check out several of our articles featuring the health benefits of certain spices.