How Healthy Are Curry Leaves?

Curry leaves are the leaves of the Murraya koenigii curry tree. The leaves of this tree, native to India, are utilized for both medicinal and culinary purposes. They are highly fragrant and have a unique citrus flavor. Curry leaves, the typical fragrant element in Indian households, have numerous nutritional and medicinal benefits. As this tree is native to India, Sri Lanka, and many Southeast Asian countries, it is known by numerous vernacular names, including Kadi Patta or Meetha Neem in Hindi, Kariveppilai in Tamil, and Karivempu in Malayalam. Curry leaves contain around 108 calories per 100 grams. Carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals are abundant in it. Vitamins A, B, C, E, and others are also found in them.

Curry leaves are not the same as curry powder, despite the fact that this traditional spice mixture is frequently added and commonly used in cooking to give flavor to meals such as curries, rice dishes, and dals. Apart from being a varied culinary herb, they provide a variety of health benefits due to the strong plant chemicals they produce.

13 Health Benefits of Consuming Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are widely utilized in holistic health, in addition to being popular in cooking. This plant has a lot of health benefits that you should be aware of. Some of them include:

They’re Powerful Plant Compounds

Curry leaves are high in defensive plant chemicals like alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, which provide this fragrant herb with powerful health advantages. Linalool, alpha-terpinene, myrcene, mahanimbine, caryophyllene, murrayanol, and alpha-pinene are among the substances found in curry leaves.  In your body, many of these compounds act as antioxidants which are important for keeping your body healthy and disease-free. They scavenge potentially hazardous chemicals called free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to the development of chronic diseases.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Curry leaves have characteristics that aid to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood. These shrubs, which are high in antioxidants, help to reduce cholesterol oxidation, which causes LDL cholesterol to form (bad cholesterol). This increases healthy cholesterol (HDL) levels and protects against atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Great for the Liver

The tannins and carbazole alkaloids found in curry leaves were found to have high hepatoprotective qualities, according to recent studies. When paired with vitamins A and C, its potent anti-oxidant properties not only protect but also energize the organ, allowing it to work more effectively.

Aids Weight Loss

Curry leaves, as odd as it may seem, can help you lose weight. Carbazole alkaloids assist the body to regulate cholesterol levels and prevents weight gain. To increase your intake, eat dry curry leaves or add fresh or dried curry leaves to your meals. You can also incorporate it into your salad. You may also mix it in with your salad. For faster weight loss, use curry leaves with a nutritious diet and frequent exercise.

Helps Fight off Bacteria

Infections or oxidative damage in the body cause the majority of illnesses. Curry leaves can be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics to treat such infections. Carbazole alkaloids, which are antibacterial, cancer-fighting, and anti-inflammatory compounds, are abundant in curry leaves. Linolol is a chemical found in curry leaves, that gives it its distinct smell. This substance has antibacterial effects that aids in the removal of dangerous free radicals from the body.

Relieves Stomach Upset

Curry leaves can be used to soothe a stomach problem. Dried curry leaves can be ground and mixed with buttermilk. To treat disorders including diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery, drink it on an empty stomach. Curry leaves are said to aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and promoting bowel movement.

Heals Wounds, Burns and Skin Eruption

Curry leaves can be ground to form a paste and applied directly to skin burns, bruises, and skin eruptions such as boils. The paste can be kept on for several hours or overnight for best results. A bandage or medical gauze can be used to cover the wound. Curry leaves contain a carbazole alkaloid component that aids in the healing of minor wounds. They also aid in the closure of the gap and the restoration of hair growth in the damaged area. On irritated skin, boils, and first-degree burns, curry leaves have a significant effect.

Beneficial to Diabetic Patients

Curry leaves have been shown to effectively lower blood glucose levels. They protect the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells and protect them from free radical damage. Curry leaves possibly fulfill this function due to minerals like copper, iron, zinc, and iron. As a result, curry leaves may be beneficial to diabetic patients.

Relieves Morning Sickness and Nausea

Curry leaves can alleviate morning sickness and nausea in women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Curry leaves aid digestion by boosting secretions and alleviating nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting.

Improves Eye Health

Curry leaves are high in Vitamin A and carotenoids, which reduces the risk of cornea damage. Vitamin A insufficiency can lead to eye problems such as night blindness, visual loss, and cloud formation. As a result, the leaves protect the retina and prevent visual loss.

Hastens Hair Growth

Curry leaves help to repair damaged hair, provide bounce to limp hair, strengthen the shaft of weak hair, and prevent hair loss. Aside from that, the leaf extract has antifungal action against Malassezia furfur, a fungus that causes dandruff. So, yeah, it’s effective at treating dandruff.

Keeps Anemia at Bay

Curry leaves are a good source of iron, thus they can benefit those who are anemic. Folic acid aids in the absorption of iron by the body. Iron is expelled from the body without being absorbed effectively if there isn’t enough folic acid in the body. Curry leaves aid in this by giving the body the necessary amounts of iron and folic acid.

Protects Bones and Teeth

Curry leaves, which are high in calcium and phosphorus, aid in bone health by strengthening bones and preventing disorders like osteoporosis. Curry leaves’ antibacterial and antimicrobial properties aid in the maintenance of healthy oral health. Curry leaves contain essential oils that strengthen gums and teeth while also protecting them from infections.

Easy to Add to Diet

Curry leaves have been utilized in traditional Indian cooking since ancient times. Their distinct flavor has been described as having mild citrus overtones with a hint of nuttiness. The leaves are widely used in meat dishes, curries, and other traditional Indian recipes to lend a powerful, rich flavor. They’re available fresh in some specialized shops, but are more often found in supermarket stores in dried form in the spice area. Curry leaves soften when cooked and are frequently sautéed in oil or butter before being added to meals with both the fat and the cooked leaves.

Curry leaves can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, including:

• For a fresh flavor, infuse broths with curry leaves.
• To make a tasty seasoning blend, combine fresh or dried curry leaves with other spices like red chile, turmeric, and cumin seeds.
• Diced or crumbled dried curry leaves add a spark of flavor to any savory recipe.
• Use the infused oil as a dip or topping for crusty bread after cooking the curry leaves in hot oil.
• Curry leaves can be used in chutneys and sauces.
• Chopped curry leaves can be tossed into savory baked goods like bread and crackers.

Now that you Know…

Curry leaves are not only delicious, but they’re also rich with healthy plant chemicals that can help you in a variety of ways. Consuming them increases antioxidant defenses in the body. As a result, you fight cancer cells, reduce heart disease risk, and ensure neurological health. The best part is that curry leaves can be used in a variety of recipes to enhance both the flavor and the nutritional value of your food.