What are the benefits of curry leaves?
The curry leaf tree is also known as black neem and Kari philia. Curry leaves are a sub-tropical tree native to India. The green midsized leaves are joined to the main stem and have a faint aroma which can be experienced while cooking. Apart from being widely used in medicines, it is widely used in many cuisines. These leaves are used extensively in Southeast Asian cooking, adding a very distinct flavor and aroma to an assortment of dishes.
In Indian households, curry leaves, the quintessential aromatic element, have countless nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Kadi Patta or Meetha Neem in Hindi, Kariveppilai in Tamil, or Karivempu in Malayalam are known by many vernacular names as this tree is indigenous to India, Srilanka, and many Southeast Asian countries.
Nutritional Value
These high-speed deciduous shrubs are a compulsory part of Indian cooking where all the dishes for seasoning or garnishing start and end with it. Curry leaves are very rich in copper, minerals, calcium, phosphorous, fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, and iron, which are important nutrients.
Besides, curry leaves often contain different kinds of vitamins and amino acids. Depending on the intended use, the leaves can be dried or fried, and the fresh form is very common as well.
Nutritional, Vitamins and Minerals Per 0.5 g
- Calories 0.1
- Potassium 1.5 Mg
- Vitamin A 0.50 %
- Calcium 0.001
- Vitamin C 0.10 %
- Vitamin B-6 0.10 %
Health benefits of curry leaves
1. Curry Leaves Boosts Digestion
One of the advantages of curry leaves since the days of yore is that it helps digestion. It is thought that kadi patta has mild laxative properties in Ayurveda that help the stomach get rid of unnecessary waste.
2.Reduce heart disease risk factors
Risk factors like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase your risk of developing heart disease. Adding curry leaves to your diet may help reduce some of these risk factors. Curry leaves may benefit heart health in several ways.
Animal studies have found that curry leaf extract may help reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
3. Controls side effects
Curry leaf intake decreases the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and also protects against chromosomal damage and bone marrow protection.
4. Rich in Phosphorus
Being one of the major nutrients in curry leaves, phosphorus helps in cleansing the kidneys. It maintains a normal heartbeat, reduces painful muscle spasms after exercise, and also strengthens the teeth and bones. At the cellular level, phosphorus is used for the growth and repair of cells and tissues.
5. High on Fiber
Curry leaves are an excellent source of fiber. It improves our digestive health and regular bowel movements. It is helpful in treating diarrhea and nausea and also controls the blood glucose levels in the body.
6. Fights diabetes
Not only does kadi Patta help lower the blood sugar levels, but also keeps in check for a few days after the administration of curry leaves. It help your blood sugar levels by affecting the insulin activity of the body and reduces one’s blood sugar levels. Also, the type and amount of fiber contained within the leaves play a significant role in lowering blood sugar levels. So, if you suffer from diabetes, kadi patta is the best natural method to keeping your blood sugar levels in check.
7. Prevents greying of hair
Kadi Patta has always been known to help in preventing greying of the hair. It is also very effective in treating damaged hair, adding bounce to limp hair, strengthening the shaft of thin hair, hair fall, and treats dandruff. The best part about this benefit is that you can either choose to eat the curry leaves to help with your hair woes or apply them to your scalp as a remedy.
8. May have anticancer effects
It contains compounds that have significant anticancer effects. Curry leaves contain compounds that have significant anticancer effects.
9. Weight Loss
Curry weight aid weight loss, Carbazole alkaloids work against weight gain and help to control the body’s levels of cholesterol. To help weight loss, curry leaves can thus be eaten. You can munch on dried curry leaves to increase their consumption, or add fresh or dried curry leaves to your meals.
10. Good For Hair Oil
The oil acts as a magic potion in giving one a beautiful mane. It rejuvenates hair follicles, stimulates the growth of hair, repairs damaged roots, strengthens the hair, prevents hair fall and premature greying.
Since the oil has a pungent smell, the addition of essential oil while applying it to your hair will not only nourishes the hair but also adds a beautiful fragrance to your hair.
How to add curry powder to your diet
Curry powder has a unique, warm flavor that can take on both sweet and savory notes depending on the exact blend of spices used by the manufacturer.
Remember that there is no one set curry powder recipe and that the spices used may vary. Some versions can be spicy from the use of hot peppers, while others are mild.
Once you find a curry powder that pleases your taste buds, try adding it to dishes like marinades, potato salads, roasts, stews, and soups. In fact, this versatile spice blend can be used to season anything from vegetables to eggs, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Keep in mind that because curry powder usually contains turmeric, it will give a golden hue to your recipes.
How to identify Curry Leaf
They are the fresh or dried leaves of a small tropical tree, similar in shape to bay leaves, but smaller and thinner. Shiny olive green when they are fresh.
The curry leaf plant belongs to the citrus family. It is a small tree, growing 12-18 ft (4-6 m) tall. The brown-reddish branches bear small clusters of fragrant white flowers and white purple berries. The plant is native to southern India, and it grows wild or as a garden tree in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
How to grow Curry leaf
The curry leaf tree grows only in tropical or subtropical regions. It is not cultivated for commercial purposes. It can be found as a common garden tree or growing wild in southern India and Malaysia.
How Many Curry Leaves to Eat Per Day
You’ll be able to eat curry leaves in numerous varieties. On a median, you may have round 8 to 10 leaves on an empty abdomen.
Also read: How Many Soaked Almonds To Eat A Day
Side effects
1. Curry leaves may cause allergic reactions in some people. It is not advisable to consume curry leaves if you are asthmatic or are allergic to plant parts such as pollen.
2. Topical application of curry leaves may be harmful to the hair in the long term. So, it is advisable to avoid using curry leaves along with hair oil very often.
3. It is advisable not to eat the small pods coming from the curry leaves. Though more research has to be done in this area.
Also read: Health Benefits Of Makhana Its Nutritional value And Side Effects