The Ayurvedic Spice To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth + Benefits

By their name alone, it's implied that spices are, well, spicy. Sprinkling too much capsaicin-containing spices (think paprika and cayenne) onto a dish will most likely make your eyes water. However, not everything on the spice rack adds a savory or spicy flair. 

"Cardamom has floral luxurious notes that make everything it touches taste like dessert (without the added sugar)," Koya tells mbg. 

The Ayurvedic spice is made from the seeds of the cardamom plant, which is in the same family as ginger and turmeric. Just like its relatives, cardamom contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants and lowers oxidative stress1. 

Ground cardamom has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by lowering overall blood pressure2 in people with high blood pressure.

While cardamom can be added to savory dishes, it's one of the best spices (next to cinnamon and ginger) to add to baked goods or other sweet treats. Along with being floral, cardamom has subtle citrus and mint flavor tones.

Start your day with a nourishing red berry chia pudding, and end your day with this cardamom ghee sleep tonic.

Whether you're craving a sweet breakfast, bedtime snack, or dessert, adding cardamom to your dish can help satisfy those desires without the need for excess sugar. Plus, the anti-inflammatory, oral-enhancing, and heart-health benefits are an added bonus.