Curry leaves satisfy the current trend for alternatives. Such as herbal medicines due to their various antioxidant properties. And ability to control diarrhea and are popular for many gastrointestinal problems. Barring that, they have been shown to have cancer fighting properties. Curry leaves benefits, also known as kari patta. Curry leaves an important herb that belongs to the Rutaceae genus. That is a native plant of India and the South-East Asian region. Despite having a delicious acidic and slightly pungent taste. Dried curry leaves are widely used in Asian cuisines to flavor foods.
But curry leaves have a lot more uses than just flavoring. It is loaded with health benefits from aiding in better functioning of our heart. And to keeping our skin and hair young. Nutrition of Curry Leaves These high-speed growing deciduous shrubs are an indispensable part of Indian cooking.
Where all dishes start and end with it for seasoning or garnishing. Curry leaves are very rich in essential nutrients like copper, minerals. Calcium, phosphorus, fibre, carbohydrates, magnesium and iron.
It also contains a variety of vitamins and amino acids. The leaves can be dried or fried depending on the intended use. And their fresh form is also very popular.
Related: Coconut water benefits
What is curry leaves
Curry leaves are fragrant and versatile tiny leaves. That can make a simple dish like upma or poha extremely delicious for food lovers. Curry/Kadhi leaves add a special effect to the food with their distinctive taste and appearance. Now days curry leaves are a major part of the Indian diet. Curry leaves are also used in making chutneys and churn. Curry leaves are also used in dishes like rice, dosa and idli.
Curry leaves nutrients
Curry leaves contain antioxidants that promote liver function by flushing out toxins from the body. And maintaining overall good liver health. Curry leaves benefits are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, which can help nourish the skin. And improve its texture, and provide protection against skin problems. These nutrients abundant in curry leaves which is listed below.
Nutritional value of curry leaves content per 100 g
- Calories 66 kcal
- Carbohydrates 14.1 g
- Fat 1.0 g
- Dietary fiber 6.4 g
- Calcium 830 mg
- Phosphorus 57 mg
- Vitamin 15 mg
- Magnesium 105 mg
- Vitamin C 240 mg
- Vitamin A 6186 IU
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Vitamin E 0.8 mg
- Vitamin K 300 μg
Curry leaves benefits
Curry leaves have many health enhancing properties. Which help in treating many health diseases. Nowadays, dried curry leaves are available in the market. They are mainly used as a spice used in the kitchen. According to Ayurveda, many such health-enhancing properties are found in curry leaves. Which can eradicate many health diseases from the root.
Supports Digestive Health
Curry leaves benefits have long been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues. They contain compounds that help stimulate digestive enzymes, which improve digestion and reduce symptoms like bloating and indigestion. The carminative properties of curry leaves help in relieving flatulence, and their mild laxative effect can aid in relieving constipation. Drinking curry leaf tea or chewing a few fresh leaves in the morning is a common remedy to support gut health.
Reach in antioxidants
Curry leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. This not only protects cells and tissues but also supports healthy aging and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer. Regular consumption of curry leaves may also help in reducing inflammation in the body.
Promotes hair health
Curry leaves are well-known for their positive effects on hair. They are rich in beta-carotene and proteins, which help strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. The antioxidants and amino acids in curry leaves nourish the scalp and can even help in preventing premature graying. When applied as a paste or infused in hair oil, they promote healthier, shinier hair. Additionally, curry leaves can improve skin texture and clarity due to their detoxifying and antibacterial properties.
Reduce stress
Curry leaves benefits have a pleasant aroma that can help relax your nerves. And calm you down by relieving stress. Therefore, you can consume curry leaves tea in the evening.
Beneficial in diabetes
According to NCBI, the hypoglycemic property of curry leaves plays an important role in lowering the body’s blood sugar levels. Consumption of curry leaves activates the production of insulin from pancreatic β-cells. This helps reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to lower blood sugar levels.
Reduce bad cholesterol
Studies on curry leaves have found that the habit of drinking curry leaf water can be specially helpful in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride. Both two major risk factors for heart disease. Research find out that consuming curry leaves can help maintain good heart health. Also animal studies have found that curry leaf extract is beneficial in preventing the risk of heart diseases by reducing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Beneficial in morning sickness
Many people have the problem of morning sickness. In such a situation they should definitely eat curry leaves. To deal with this problem, eat curry leaves benefits on an empty stomach every morning. Along with this, it is also helpful in reducing weight. For weight loss, you must include curry leaves in your diet daily. But we all know that excess of anything also harms you. Therefore, we should consume curry leaves in limited quantity.
Improves eye sight
Curry leaves contain vitamin A, which helps in improving eyesight. It also increases the ability to see far away. If eyesight is deteriorating, then eat 5-6 curry leaves. Its consumption with honey in the morning on an empty stomach is also beneficial. Apart from this, chewing it on an empty stomach in the morning can relieve morning sickness and problems like nausea can be eliminated.
Strenghthens the muscles
The protein present in curry leaves strengthens the muscles and also builds muscles. Apart from this, chewing curry leaves regularly on an empty stomach can relieve stress. The antioxidants found in it are helpful in this. Eating curry leaves with a glass of water every day reduces the stress level.
Prevents tooth decay
Curry leaves benefits work to improve oral health. Chewing these leaves removes bacteria from the teeth and also eliminates the problem of decay. Also they provide internal nutrition to the hair. Eating these leaves removes the problem of hair fall.
promotes healthy liver
Elements like tannin and carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves. It help in keeping the liver healthy. This reduces the risk of diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Apart from this, eating curry leaves on an empty stomach in the morning relieves digestive problems. Gas, acidity and stomach related problems.
Beneficial in obesity
Eating 6-7 curry leaves every morning on an empty stomach improves metabolism. It reduces weight. Elements like dichloromethane and ethyl acetate found in it detox the body along with reducing weight.
How to use curry leaves
Sweet neem leaves are mainly used in curry, dal, rice, curd and raita etc., with the help of which the aroma and taste of the dishes is enhanced. Consuming sweet neem leaves also provides many health benefits. We will know now how to consume or how to use curry leaves.
- Curry leaves can be consumed by adding them to curry, rice or other dishes.
- Soak 6-7 curry leaves in a glass of water overnight and consume the water in the morning.
- Boil some curry leaves in a glass of water, now consume it by adding one teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon.
Use in the kitchen
The most common use of curry leaves is as a seasoning. It is fried in oil with mustard, asafoetida and chilli and added to dishes like sambar, upma, poha, dal and kadhi. This gives a special aroma and taste to the food. Some people also grind it and use it as chutney or spice.
Medicinal use
Curry leaves are helpful in improving digestion. Its consumption removes problems like gas, constipation and indigestion. It is also considered beneficial for diabetes patients, as it helps in controlling the level of sugar in the blood. Curry leaves are rich in iron and folic acid, which helps in removing anemia.
For beauty and hair
Curry leaf oil helps in preventing hair loss and blackening white hair. It is boiled in coconut oil and applied. Curry leaves can also be used for skin beauty by making face packs or decoction.
Side effects of curry leaves
Curry leaves (Kari patta) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, which is used in Indian kitchens to enhance the taste and aroma. Although it provides many health benefits, its consumption can also cause side effects in some situations. Consuming excessive amounts of curry leaves can cause digestive problems, such as
- gas
- indigestion
- diarrhea.
- allergic
- itching
- redness
- swelling on the skin
- Diabetic patients should be caution, as curry leaves can lower blood sugar
- and can reduce blood sugar too much when combined with other medicines.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume it in large quantities without consulting a doctor. Also, people who have low blood pressure problems should consume it in limited quantities as it can further lower blood pressure.
Special properties in curry leaves
Curry leaves are also called sweet neem. It is a fragrant leaf which is used in Indian kitchen especially in seasoning. Curry leaves are not only used to enhance the taste, but it also has many medicinal properties. Iron, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamins A, B, C and E are found in abundance in curry leaves. It improves digestion and provides relief in problems like constipation, gas and indigestion. It is beneficial for diabetes patients, as it helps in controlling blood sugar.
Curry leaves are also very beneficial for hair. It prevents hair fall and helps in making them black and thick. Its use on the skin brings shine and reduces wrinkles. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which increase the immunity of the body. It is also helpful in detoxifying the liver. Therefore, curry leaves are very useful not only for taste but also for health.
Curry plant discription
Curry leaves plant, also known as an aromatic plant. Which is very popular in India and South Asia. Its scientific name is Murraya koenigii. This plant is small in size and its leaves are green, long and semicircular. Curry leaves are mainly used to enhance the taste and aroma in food, especially it has a special place in South Indian cuisine.
Its leaves are used in tempering, which increases the taste of food manifold. Curry leaves are not only tasty but are also beneficial from the Ayurvedic point of view. It aids in digestion, as well as helps in controlling diabetes and cholesterol. This plant can be easily grown in home pots or garden.
Curry leaves interaction with other
Interaction with medicinal drugs- Curry leaves help control diabetes. If a person is taking diabetes medication, curry leaves can lower his sugar level even more, so caution is necessary. It can also interact with blood pressure medications as it has the ability to slightly lower blood pressure.
With foods- Curry leaves usually mix well with other spices (such as mustard seeds, asafoetida, turmeric) and enhance the taste and aroma. It releases its properties more effectively when fried in oil, so it is used more in tempering.
With herbs- When used mixed with other medicinal herbs like basil, neem or giloy, curry leaves can further strengthen the immune system. If you want to know the interaction of curry leaves with any particular medicine or plant, please mention its name.
