Cardamom

Health Benefits:

Aids in digestion
Anti inflammatory
Helps control LDL cholesterol levels
Lowers blood pressure
May reduce cholesterol
May reduce risk of urinary tract infections
May regulate heart rate
Promotes healthy gums and teeth
Relieves the symptoms of urinary tract infections

Nutrition:

Serving size: 1 tbsp ground; Calories: 18; Fat: .4g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 1mg; Carbs: 4g; Fiber:2g; Sugars: 0g; Protein: .6g; Potassium: 1%DV; Vitamin A: 0%DV; Vitamin C: 2%DV; Calcium: 2%DV; Iron: 4%DV

Did You Know?

• When cardamom oils are added to a bath, it can be a good form of aromatherapy to fight depression and reduce stress. Grinding the seeds and adding them to tea has the same effect!
• Cardamom, combined with banana leaf and alma juice, can act as a diuretic, soothing a variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems - it can help relieve the discomfort of passing gall and kidney stones.
• Cardamom contains many antioxidants.

Ways to Eat:

• In Indian cuisine
• With fruits, in sweet or savory recipes
• Paired with orange to make a glaze
• In rice dishes

Farming Trivia:

• Cardamom is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• The world's biggest producer of cardamom is Guatamala, followed by India.
• Cardamom is grown in tropic regions - it can grow up to 10 feet!