Curry leaves are aromatic herbs widely used in Indian cooking, especially in South Indian cooking. These leaves are even called ‘Sweet Neem leaves’, and grow on curry trees (Murraya koenigii) which are part of the Citrus family. These leaves are a host of healthy ingredients which benefit us when consumed and are used in both medicinal and culinary applications.
Natural Properties:
Curry leaves are pungent and slightly bitter in taste. It's warm nature adds a distinct smell to the recipe.
They are warm in nature which when consumed can increase body heat, which eventually can raise acidity in humans.
Curry leaves are not the same as curry powder, though they’re often added to this popular spice mixture and popularly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as curries, rice dishes, and dals.
Nutritional Value:
These leaves are highly rich in important nutrients like copper, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, and iron.
Per 0.5g of curry leaves contains;
Calories - 0.1
Potassium - 1.5 Mg
Vitamin A - 0.50 %
Calcium - 0.001
Vitamin C - 0.10 %
Vitamin B-6 - 0.10 %
Benefits:
Curry leaf is also a standard remedy in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India.
While it is known to manage health conditions like heart diseases, infections and inflammation, it is said to manage diabetes too.
Stops Diarrhea: The carbazole alkaloids contained in curry leaves have anti-diarrheal qualities. A number of curry leaves could be ground up and also the paste could be eaten or even the juice of the leaves could be consumed.
Gastrointestinal Protection: curry leaves are usually recommended as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues in Ayurvedic methodology as it has moderate laxative qualities. Juice made from a lot of curry leaves with addition of lime juice can be consumed for indigestion. Otherwise, paste made out of the leaves with buttermilk and taken every day before eating anything.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels: 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 are well known to lessen bad LDL cholesterol levels.
Eye Disorder: Curry leaves are rich in carotenoid-containing vitamin A, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the cornea. The fresh juice of curry leaves is also utilized as an eye treatment for particular eye problems, particularly in arresting the development of cataract. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause eye disorders, including night blindness, vision loss, and cloud formation. Thus, the leaves keep the retina safe and protect against loss of vision.
Promotes weight loss: Curry leaf is a fruitful spice with regards to losing weight. It is perhaps the best solution for disposing of gathered fat in your body. Studies show that curry leaves can help decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels that help in handling obesity.
Hair growth: Curry leaves help to speed up hair growth by restoring the health of your scalp. Curry leaves, when used in appropriate doses, can open up obstructed hair follicles on the scalp. Paste 1-2 teaspoon curry powder with coconut oil helps in hair growth.
Anti-Bacterial: Curry leaves are weighed down with carbazole alkaloids, exacerbates that contain cancer prevention agent, antibacterial and mitigating properties. The compound linalool, answerable for the elegant aroma of these bushes, is likewise fit for eliminating microscopic organisms and cell-harming free radicals. A test-tube study found that curry leaf extract inhibited the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, including Corynebacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Side Effects:
Curry leaves have no side effects and are safe to consume. But excessive consumption can lead to hyper-acidity, which can give a burning sensation, stomach problems, and nausea.
Dosage:
Raw Curry Leaves:
6-7 raw curry leaves in the morning on an empty stomach can improve digestive metabolism.
Curry leaves can be used in Indian cooking recipes as per need.
Curry Powder:
It is used as a food supplement that manages diarrhea, and heart conditions, and also helps in weight reduction.
Paste 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder with coconut oil helps in hair growth.
¼ -½ teaspoon curry leaves powder can be taken with water before lunch or dinner to improve metabolism.
Curry Leaves Capsule:
1-2 capsules twice a day.
Precautions:
Even though Curry leaves are safe to eat, excess consumption can lead to some digestive problems like burning sensation and acidity can too increase with nausea and vomiting sensation.
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