Benefits of cardamom water in cold weather
According to Ms. Kanikka Malhotra, a nutritionist and diabetes educator (India), drinking cardamom water in winter brings many health benefits. Cardamom is known for its digestive support effects, stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes and reducing symptoms of bloating and flatulence that are common in winter, especially when we tend to eat a lot in cold weather.
The expectorant properties of cardamom also help clear mucus, relieving respiratory problems like cold and cough, which is very helpful during cold days.
Cardamom also promotes blood circulation, helps warm the body and combats cold hands and feet, which is essential during winter. Additionally, the diuretic properties of cardamom aid in detoxification and improve overall health during this season.
Cardamom water not only helps relieve stress but also helps improve sleep, especially when you feel cold and have trouble sleeping in winter.
Potential side effects
However, Ms. Malhotra also notes that some people may experience allergic reactions to cardamom, ranging from mild symptoms like itchy skin to severe reactions like anaphylactic shock, although this is rare.
Consuming too much cardamom can also cause digestive problems like heartburn, diarrhea or nausea.
While cardamom may help lower blood pressure in some people, Ms. Malhotra warns that it can have adverse effects on those with low blood pressure.
Additionally, cardamom can interact with medications such as anticoagulants and diabetes medications, so you should consult your doctor before using it regularly.
How to maximize the benefits of cardamom
To maximize the health benefits of cardamom water, Ms. Malhotra recommends soaking the cardamom overnight.
How to do it: Crush 1-2 green cardamom pods to release the essential oils and flavor. Then, put the crushed pods in a cup of water (about 250 ml) and soak overnight at room temperature. The next morning, filter out the pods and drink about 30 minutes after meals for easier digestion and better absorption.
This method helps to extract the maximum amount of beneficial compounds from cardamom, including antioxidants and essential oils, which aid digestion, boost metabolism and detoxify the body. In addition, drinking warm cardamom water also helps improve digestion and blood circulation, which is very beneficial during the cold months.
Although cardamom has many benefits, you should not drink too much. Drinking about 1-2 cups of cardamom water per day is enough. Drinking too much can cause heat in the body or stomach irritation.
