Cardamom coffee: health benefits

One of the most sought after drinks on the planet is coffee. Millions of people live around the world who cannot imagine their morning without a cup of this aromatic invigorating drink. Many connoisseurs seek to diversify the delicate taste with various additives. And one of the brightest companions of coffee is cardamom, a traditional oriental spice.

Composition and calorie content

In general, a seasoned drink is low in calories. At the same time, it contains a whole bunch of nutrients. For 100 g of cardamom, 311 kcal. It is rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, PP, B6), C, as well as macro- and microelements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc.

100 g of coffee accounts for only 2 kcal, and without the addition of sugar or milk, this drink fits perfectly into a low-calorie diet. Coffee contains residual amounts of proteins and carbohydrates (0.2 and 0.3 g, respectively).

Useful properties of cardamom coffee

General benefit

A similar drink cannot be enjoyed by people who are prone to high blood pressure, since it is contraindicated to them. However, cardamom in the coffee has a neutralizing effect, so the caffeine in the drink with spiciness is less than in pure.

Cardamom is rich in essential oils, and also contains a large amount of nutrients that nourish the body. Spice grains, like ground powder, release active radicals upon contact with hot coffee, because such a combination can strengthen the immune system.

In addition, cardamom coffee exhibits medicinal properties:

• lowers blood pressure;
• tones the body and normalizes nervous excitability;
• dilutes the accumulation of sputum in colds and promotes its rapid elimination;
• relieves intestinal cramps;
• binds toxins and removes them from the body;
• prevents stone formation in the kidneys;
• strengthens the immune system;
• disinfects the mucous membranes of the digestive system.

For women

The stabilizing effect of coffee with cardamom on the nervous system allows women to remain calm in stressful situations. In addition, this drink helps to reduce the onset of symptoms accompanying the onset of menopause.

For men

Strong representatives of humanity appreciate the drink for its delicate taste and aroma. But the benefits of drinking coffee with cardamom are. It consists in a tonic effect on the man’s body, as well as assistance in strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

During pregnancy

There is no definite recommendation or contraindication for women in the situation. Many doctors note a decrease in the manifestations of toxicosis and the removal of nervous conditions after drinking coffee with cardamom. Spice helps strengthen immunity. However, a pregnant woman should rely on the individual tolerance of the product, and also take into account the ability of seasoning to cause allergic reactions.

Cardamom during pregnancy can be used separately to eliminate nausea and vomiting, which are frequent companions of the first trimester:

1. You can chew a kernel extracted from cardamom grain.
2. Effectively use a mixture of ginger, cardamom, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon and lavender oils. This combination of aromas helps to combat attacks of morning sickness.
3. Milk with a pinch of cardamom, drunk before bedtime, relieves nervousness and normalizes digestion.

However, many doctors are concerned about the possibility of an allergy to spice in a child.Therefore, if in the family of a pregnant woman there is a tendency to allergies, it is better to limit the consumption of spices.

When breastfeeding

Despite the fact that coffee with cardamom normalizes the production of digestive enzymes, which is extremely important for a woman’s body after childbirth, in the first 3 months after the baby is born, it is better for a nursing mother to refrain from drinking. Spice, like coffee, can cause an allergic reaction in a newborn. The tonic effect of the drink may also appear, which is extremely undesirable for a child with a fragile nervous system.

For children

Coffee is not recommended for children under 14 years of age. And regarding cardamom, the opinions of experts differ. Some experts prohibit spice in children, while others advise using cardamom to neutralize harmful bacteria in milk bought from hand, as well as an aid in diarrhea.

When losing weight

Nutritionists do not prohibit drinking diet cardamom coffee. On the contrary, this combination can neutralize the possible harm of caffeine to the body. Many experts recommend adding a pinch of cinnamon to the drink, which enhances the positive effect of cardamom, manifested in accelerating metabolism.

The combination of coffee with cardamom and cinnamon reduces glucose, which is key in weight loss.

The most effective mixture of spices for weight loss is considered cardamom in combination with red pepper and cinnamon. Coffee with the addition of these spices will be a fragrant assistant in the fight against overweight.

Harm and contraindications

Oriental spice carries many useful properties, but the negative impact of its use can also occur. Due to the presence of essential oils in cardamom after drinking a cup of seasoned coffee, irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines is possible, which can positively affect the state of a healthy person. And for people with gastrointestinal problems, the consequences can be unpleasant, so they are not recommended to drink such a drink.

A strict contraindication to the use of coffee with cardamom is peptic ulcer and gastritis at any stage of manifestation.

Cardamom has a choleretic effect, therefore, with gallstone disease, drinking coffee with spice is not worth it.

You should refrain from drinking the drink to people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, since cardamom has a pronounced tonic effect on the vessels.

Thus, the following conditions can be attributed to strict contraindications to the use of coffee with cardamom:

• pancreatitis, gallbladder disease;
• increased acidity and gastritis;
• conditions accompanied by jumps in heart rate;
• hypertension;
• an intestinal or stomach ulcer;
• hypersensitivity to spices or allergies.

Cardamom is known as a strong allergen. It causes sharp reactions in many. Therefore, when drinking coffee with spice for the first time, you should carefully monitor the reaction of your body.

Children tend to react sharply to cardamom in food and drink. Therefore, abuse of spice in the diet of the child should not be.

How to choose and store coffee

Coffee is made from the fruits of Robusta and Arabica - two varieties of coffee tree. The choice of a particular type of grain comes from individual preferences.

Arabica is characterized by a rich sweet and sour taste with notes of bitterness. The plant is very moody in breeding, and the grains of this variety can be distinguished by an elongated shape.

Robusta trees are less whimsical to growing conditions; they withstand temperature extremes and weather vagaries.This type of coffee can be distinguished by round grains, they contain more caffeine, their taste is bitter.

The most elitist is considered 100% arabica, however, the same variety grown on different continents, under different weather conditions, can differ significantly in taste.

When choosing coffee in the store it is important to pay attention to the packaging. Access of oxygen and light inside the pack mercilessly destroys the taste of the future drink. Coffee connoisseurs under no circumstances buy grain by weight. Quality packaging is made of foil in three layers and is equipped with a valve that is designed to exit carbon dioxide from the pack.

An important criterion when choosing coffee is the degree of roasting. This indicator is affected by the amount of essential oils contained in the grains. The indicator can be found on the packaging - it is indicated by numbers (from 1 to 5) in order of increasing degree of roasting. When choosing, it should be noted that after processing the grains retain their aroma for 30 days, so you should pay attention to the date.

Whole grains best store the taste and aroma of the future drink, while ground coffee loses most of its organoleptic qualities almost immediately after grinding. Thin espresso is considered ideal for preparing a drink from ground raw materials, and coarse coffee, which is ground for 10 seconds, is considered the coarsest and cheapest raw material.

Often you can find diluted coffee. The ground product can be checked at home for impurities. To do this, place 0.5 tsp. bought coffee in a glass of cold water. A fake product will give the liquid a brown tint, and real coffee will not give off pigment before heat treatment.

When choosing a spice for making a coffee drink, you should also pay attention to the quality of the product. Whole grains without damage, with a persistent spicy aroma can be used for cooking. If in the smell there are notes of mold, and the shell of the grain is interspersed or punctured, it is better to bypass this product. Ground consumer cardamom, packaged in separate packages, makes consumer choice easier. It can immediately be used to make aromatic coffee.

Coffee storage
Coffee beans - a delicate product that requires individual storage conditions. Even a small portion of air can spoil the taste of the drink.

If storage conditions are not respected, coffee beans absorb moisture from the environment and after a short period of time become unsuitable for preparation. In addition, coffee can lose its aroma and taste due to the evaporation of essential oils, absorb foreign odors. Such a product will unpleasantly surprise aftertaste with an admixture of third-party aromas.

Foil or vacuum packaging is most suitable for storing coffee beans. In an airtight container, the product can be stored for about a year, and after opening the packaging it must be consumed within 3 weeks. This is a time limit for rooms with an average temperature of 22 ° C and normal air humidity. Glass jars with a tightly screwed lid are also suitable for storing coffee.

Coffee beans can be frozen. Vacuum packaging is suitable for this. Freezing should be done in small portions, folding the containers in the freezer. After thawing and grinding, such coffee is not suitable for storage, it should be consumed immediately.

Cardamom Coffee Recipes

Making coffee is a special mystery. Connoisseurs of this noble drink thoroughly approach the choice of spices that will help to reveal the rich taste of grains. Various methods are used to make cardamom coffee.This can be the brewing of coffee beans and spices, ground by hand. Basically, the taste of the drink directly depends on the method of brewing it.

Coffee Tips

1. You should brew a new serving of the drink in a clean bowl, as residues from previous servings can ruin the taste.
2. Bottled or filtered water is the most suitable for making coffee.
3. The drink should be made from the grains of the freshest grinding.
4. The method of making coffee should be selected based on the degree of grinding.

Brewing in a turk

It is important to prepare a drink on low heat. Too intense heating contributes to the rapid loss of valuable notes of aroma.

For cooking you will need:

• freshly ground coffee (1 tbsp);
• water (150 ml);
• cardamom (2-3 grains);
• sugar (0.5 tsp).

If spice is needed to give a light aroma to the drink, it is better to put less cardamom.

Mix the ingredients of the drink in a Turk, add water and put on a slow fire. After a few minutes of gentle heating, foam will appear. At this moment, remove the Turk from the fire. When the foam subsides a little, put the container back on fire and wait for the foam to reappear. Repeat the procedure 3 times.

It is important to prevent boiling, as this will ruin the deep taste of the future drink. The whole process of making coffee with cardamom in a Turk takes about 15 minutes.

There are several ways to introduce cardamom into a coffee drink. According to the classic recipe, the spice should be mixed with coffee after grinding, and then pour water into the two ingredients. Oriental drink connoisseurs claim that spice grains must be placed in a pod so that the liquid takes its flavor when poured. Another brewing tradition involves languishing grains in a Turk before raising the foam and removing them immediately after its formation.

Cinnamon Flavor

Cardamom with spicy cinnamon perfectly complements and reveals the taste of coffee. Such a drink invigorates, cheers up and enhances immunity. Oriental connoisseurs are well acquainted with the miraculous properties of the drink with a combination of these spices. When preparing such coffee, it is necessary to adhere to conditional proportions, since cardamom is able to drown the taste of cinnamon in coffee.

To prepare you will need:

• ground coffee (1 tbsp);
• water (120 ml);
• cardamom (2-3 grains);
• ground cinnamon (0.5 tsp).

The secret to making perfect coffee from this recipe is the sequence of adding the ingredients. First you need to pour coffee into the Turk, then add cardamom and pour water. The mixture is simmered over low heat. When the coffee warms a little, you can add cinnamon and sugar (optional). At the time of the appearance of the foam, remove the Turk from the fire, avoiding boiling. Strain coffee and serve immediately.

Brewed coffee

This method of preparing a drink is considered the fastest. The cooking process is omitted, but infusion is used instead.

Ground coffee with cardamom should be placed in a container and pour the ingredients with boiled water. Cover the container and let the drink brew for at least 5 minutes. After this, strain the coffee and pour in portions.

Coffee with cardamom in a coffee machine

Ground or grain coffee is poured into the apparatus for preparation. Cardamom can be added to dry ingredients, the resulting drink will delight lovers of spicy notes in coffee.

Interesting facts about coffee

1. Ludwig Van Beethoven, an outstanding composer, was an avid coffee lover. He used the author's recipe for its preparation. The secret of taste was 64 selected beans, which were used to brew 1 cup of coffee.
2. The famous writer Honore de Balzac drank at least 20 cups of the drink per day. He considered him a source of inspiration.
3. It is undesirable to boil coffee, because at temperatures above 98 ° C acids begin to stand out, which spoil the taste.An ideal temperature for brewing a coffee drink is 95–98 ° C.
4. The so-called coffee bath is able to relieve fatigue accumulated throughout the day in just a few minutes. The discoverers and connoisseurs of this method of relaxation are the Japanese. They add coffee beans heated to 60 ° C to the water and take a bath for 20 minutes. In Japan, Coffee Saunas, which use the same technique to relax, are very popular.
5. Kaffa in Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee. Local shepherds of antiquity drew attention to the excited behavior of their goats after eating berries from an unknown plant.
6. The roasting process of coffee beans was invented by chance. In the ashes of the bonfire left after burning coffee tree branches, people found grains. Some daredevils decided to taste them, and it turned out that they have an invigorating effect.
7. Professional long-distance runners were the first to consume coffee to speed up metabolism and intensify the burning of excess fat mass.
8. The main substance of coffee beans - caffeine - promotes the regeneration of organs and tissues in the human body. It is this property of the substance that determined its popularity in medicine. To date, a huge number of certified medicines have caffeine in their composition.
9. In the Arab countries, coffee spread rapidly. This drink replaced the Muslim wine, which religion forbids them to drink.
10. About 25 million people from all over the world work in the coffee industry.
11. More than 2 billion cups of coffee are drunk every day in the world. This product ranks second in popularity and marketability after oil.
12. The fruits from which grains are extracted for roasting and making your favorite drink are a variety of cherries, so the name "coffee cherry" is often found.
13. Some manufacturers grind coffee berries into flour, which is used to make muffins, cookies, sauces, chocolate, and even bread.
14. Fermented coffee beans that cost a lot of money come out of the intestines of Asian palm civet, a cute cat-like animal. Today, this type of product is competed by grains extracted from the digested waste of Thai elephants.
15. The antioxidants that coffee is rich in prevent premature aging and relieve inflammation.
16. The abuse of coffee during pregnancy can cause the birth of a child with a low weight and even provoke a miscarriage. The norm of caffeine for a woman in a position, according to British scientists, is 200 ml. This is equivalent to one cup of freshly brewed coffee or two servings of an instant drink.
17. The first public coffee houses began to open in the Middle East. These establishments quickly gained popularity. In them, coffee lovers met for a conversation or a game of chess.
18. Countries that grow coffee are included in the so-called Grain Belt. In total, it includes about 50 states.
19. The leaders in coffee consumption are the Scandinavian countries. So, in Finland there are up to 12 kg of coffee per year per capita. The second place is taken by drink lovers in Norway.
20. The largest coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia.
21. At the beginning of the history of the cultivation of coffee trees, their trunks reached 8–10 meters in height. Today, plants are treated in such a way that their height remains at the level of 3 meters. This makes harvesting easier.
22. Surprisingly, the espresso coffee contains a minimal amount of caffeine. This is due to the method of preparation - a stream of water is passed through coffee beans under high pressure, so that the drink is saturated with taste as much as possible, and a small amount of caffeine gets into it.
23. Coffee can be stored unroasted for about a year. After heat treatment, the grains change their taste within 2-3 days.
24. A type of drink called "Americano" was invented by the US military in the 40s of the 20th century.They could not drink bitter and too strong European coffee because of bitterness and asked to dilute it with water.
25. To this day, the collection of coffee berries is carried out manually. One collector on average removes about 700 kg of product per day.

Photo of coffee with cardamom