Commonly used as a seasoning, the humble curry leaves (kadi patta) impart more than just flavor to your dish. Packed with iron, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins like C, B & A, they also provide the body with fiber. Not only this,they help in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol level, aid in healthy digestion, fight infections and improve the texture of skin and hair.
Here are 6 health benefits of curry leaves:
1 . Regulate Blood Sugar levels
Curry leaves contain a special kind of fiber which plays a significant role in lowering blood sugar levels. Curry leaves are said to help in adequate release of insulin in the body and reduce blood sugar levels. For those who are diabetic, curry leaves are of the ideal natural adjuvants.
Ways to use
-Add curry leaves to all your dishes, either add a handful leaves when cooking or add a tadka of curry leaves after the dish is cooked.
-Consume fresh curry leaves every night on an empty stomach to keep diabetes at Bay.
2 . Lower Cholesterol Levels
Packed with antioxidants, curry leaves prevent the oxidation of fat that forms LDL (bad cholesterol). This in turn increases the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) and protects the body from heart diseases and atherosclerosis.
Ways to use
-Add curry leaves chutney to each meal to enjoy its heat health benefits. Take a cup full of Curry leaves along with half a cup of coriander leaves, 3 flakes of garlic, a small piece of ginger, 1 green chilli, half a lemon squeezed and salt to taste. Grind this and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
3 . Aid Healthy Digestion
Although curry leaves are mildly laxative in nature, they are a great remedy for controlling an upset stomach. Curry leaves contain carbazole alkaloid that possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which in turn help an upset stomach.
Ways to use
-Gently crush some curry leaves into a ball and drink it with fresh buttermilk. Alternately, you can also make buttermilk with a few curry leaves, salt and Cumin powder. Take this twice or thrice a day for quick relief.
4 . Relieve Nasal Congestion
Curry leaves are an effective home for relieving congestion in the chest and nose. Packed with Vitamin C, A and a compound known as kaempferol which is a very potent anti-inflammatory decongestant and anti-oxidative agent, curry leaves can help loosen up and release congested mucous.
Ways to use
-To relieve congestion, make a paste of powdered curry leaves and add a spoon of honey to it. Consume this twice a day.
5 . Fight Hair Damage
Curry leaves prevent graying of hair, treat damaged hair, add volume and strengthen the shaft of thin hair. They also arrest hair fall and treat dandruff.
Ways to use
-Add the juice of curry leaves to 100 ml of coconut oil. Heat this oil till it turns almost black and apply it to your scalp twice a week. An excellent hair tonic for those worried about losing hair.
6 . Reduce Blemishes And Pimples
Curry leaves remove all the dirt and impurities of the skin.They prevent pimples and help the skin to glow keeping it fresh.The following face packs are excellent if one is looking for a clear, blemish-free skin.
Ways to use
-Make a paste of curry leaves, turmeric, lemon juice and a little water. Apply this on your face and neck and wash it off after half an hour. Use this twice a week.
-Dry some curry leaves and grind to form a powder. In a bowl, add the powdered curry leaves, lemon juice and rose water. Mix properly and apply it on your face and neck. Leave it on for half an hour and wash it off with cold water. Use this every alternate day for glowing & blemish free skin.
So, go ahead and try curry leaves for these health benefits in addition to using them for enhancing the taste and flavor of your dishes. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!
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