One of the most widely used leaf, for cooking is the curry leaf also called the sweet neem leaves. It is used because of its aroma, striking taste and for medicinal applications.
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 rice dishes, noodles etc.
According to Dr Prachi Garg, 100 grams of curry leaves provide around 108 calories of energy. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals. They also contain vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, etc which brings about the health benefits of curry leaves.
Curry Leaves Medicinal Uses
The following are health benefits of curry leaves;
Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidant help to remove free radicals in the body that leads to many kinds of health ailments. Curry leaves are loaded with antioxidants, which help in protecting the body cells from any kind of free radical damage. Antioxidant also protects us from oxidative damage, preventing diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys etc.
Weight Loss
Curry leaves aid weight Loss due to the presence of Carbazole alkaloids which are abundantly present in the leaves, fruits, roots and bark of this plant. Carbazole alkaloids work against weight gain and help in regulating cholesterol levels in the body.
Support Immune Health
Just as earlier mentioned, curry leaves are packed with powerful Antioxidant, which can help prevent you from getting sick, and which can help lessen the amount of time you stay sick. Research shows that curry leaves can help your body fight genetic mutation, which has been linked to chronic illnesses including cancer.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Curry leaves protect our hearts by reducing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body may increase your risk of developing heart disease, so by adding curry leaves to meals the risk is reduced.
Anticancer effects
Research suggests that curry leaves may help treat breast cancer by causing cancerous cells to die off. One initial study had a small sample size and has not yet been reproduced, but shows promise for the future of breast cancer treatment
Improves Good Eye Sight
Just as we all know that vitamin A is essential for the eye. Curry leaves are heavily packed with vitamin A, so eating these leaves in your daily diet may help in keeping your eyes in a healthy state.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Research shows that curry leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Which reduce inflammation-related genes and proteins
Curry leaves Benefits for Hair
Curry leaves are very effective in stimulating hair follicles and promoting growth of healthy strands with normal hair pigment. It can also be used in dealing with hair loss and premature graying of hair. Curry leaf extracts can help in dealing with dandruff and flaky scalp.
Antibacterial Effect
Curry leaves are full of carbazole alkaloids which are compounds with antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.The compound linolool, which gives curry leaves their scent, is also capable of killing bacteria and cell-damaging free radicals.
Reduce Stress
Essential oil of curry leaves can help in reducing stress effectively. This is probably because calming effect of scent of curry leaves. Studies show that inhaling linalool can help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
What are the side effects of curry leaves?
A whole lot of benefits have been linked to the consumption of Curry leaves, though not all have strong backups. Curry leaves should be avoided if one is allergic to it. Medical advice is needed prior to usage by pregnant, breastfeeding women and toddlers.
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