Curry leaves (known as kadi patta in Hindi) is a commonly used herb in Indian cuisine. A must for seasoning, curries and chutneys, this spice not only imparts a unique flavor to a dish but also provides loads of health benefits. However, most of us do not like the taste of curry leaves and hence, throw it or keep it aside as a waste, when used in any dish. But there’s more to this Indian herb than just imparting flavor and taste to food. Read to know more.
What are curry leaves?
Curry leaves, scientifically known as Murraya koenigii, are used for cooking and also as an active ingredient in many Ayurvedic and herbal remedies. The plant is native to India. The leaves are easily available in local grocery store. You can even grow curry plant at home.
The health benefits of curry leaves are attributed to the presence of various nutrients like fiber, antioxidants and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It is also loaded with vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin C and folic acid. The leaves are known to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective properties.
Health benefits of curry leaves
Curry leaves are a storehouse of nutrients, which not only add flavor but also provide numerous health benefits. The leaves help you to regular blood sugar levels, control cholesterol and aid in digestion. It also prevents hair fall, greying of hair and treat skin problems such as acne and skin infections. Here are few reasons why you must add curry leaves to your diet without fail.
1. It helps to control glucose levels
The presence of a special fiber in curry leaves play a key role to regulate glucose in the blood by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. These tiny green leaves also control the release of insulin in the body, thereby helping in maintaining the blood glucose levels within control. Hence, curry leaves act as a simple natural remedy for people with diabetes. The anti-diabetic effect of these leaves stays for quite some time after consumption.
Tip: To control your blood glucose levels with curry leaves, make sure you include these leaves in the diet. Add a handful of curry leaves when cooking while seasoning or after cooking for garnishing. You can also eat curry leaves the first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) to prevent and control diabetes.
2. It lowers cholesterol level
Curry leaves are packed with antioxidants, which prevent oxidation of the fats and lower the level of LDL (Low density lipoprotein or bad) cholesterol. LDL is produced due to the oxidation of fats in the body. Moreover, it also increases the amount of good cholesterol. As cholesterol is the major culprit for blocking the arteries and increasing the risk of heart problems, low levels of cholesterol in the body prevents you from atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and other heart complications.
Tip: To keep your heart healthy and keep cholesterol levels in control, make sure to add curry leaves to each meal. You can also make curry leaves chutney at home. For this, take ½ cup of curry leaves and equal quantities of fresh coriander leaves. Add 2 cloves of garlic, a small piece of ginger, 1 green chilli and 2 teaspoon of lemon juice and salt to taste. Grind to make a fine paste and use it as a spread over sandwiches or enjoy it with hot rice and ghee.
3. It can help treat indigestion
Be it indigestion, diarrhea or acidity, stomach woes are quite common. But you cannot pop an antacid every time you feel discomfort in the stomach. However, including curry leaves in diet can help you to deal with it. Curry leaves are known to act as a laxative and thus, control upset stomach. It contains carbazole, an alkaloid, which exerts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that flush bacteria and inflammation from the body, relieving the symptoms of diarrhea and indigestion. Overall, curry leaves act as a great natural remedy for stomach upset and aid in digestion.
Tip: You can add few fresh curry leaves along with curd, salt and water to make buttermilk. Alternately, you can make a small ball with crushed curry leaves (in a mortar and pestle along with a pinch of salt). Eat this along with a glass of buttermilk to aid digestion. Do this twice a day to get rid of indigestion and diarrhea quickly.
4. It relieves blocked nose
Suffering from the blocked nose? Do you feel congestion in the chest due to cold? If yes, then try this simple home remedy of curry leaves. It acts as an effective home remedy to relieve congestion in the chest and nose. The presence of antioxidants helps clear the toxins from the nasal passage. It also contains a compound known as kaempferol that acts as a decongestant (which loosens up and releases mucus), thus relieving blocked nose and chest congestion.Ways to use
Tip: To reap the health benefits of curry leaves to get rid of nasal congestion, here is a simple tip that can help. You can either a thick paste from fresh curry leaves or use half a teaspoon of dry curry leaves powder. To this, add a spoonful of honey and consume it twice a day to relieve the blocked nose and chest congestion.
5. It helps you to treat acne and blemishes
Curry leaves are also commonly used to get rid of acne and blemishes, thanks to the potent antioxidant properties. These leaves remove all the dirt and impurities present on the skin and also clear the skin. When applied on the skin, it can also prevent pimples and also help the skin to glow naturally. It is mostly used in the form of face packs to get clear skin free from acne and blemishes.
Tip: The best home remedy with curry leaves for skin problems is to use it as a face pack. For this, add a handful of curry leaves, a pinch of turmeric powder, a teaspoon or two of lemon juice and a little water. Grind these ingredients together to get a thick paste. Apply this mixture on pimples and blemishes and also on the neck. Let it remain for 10 -1 5 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Repeat it twice a week for effective results. You can even use curry leaves powder. Add lemon juice and rose water to curry leaves powder to make a thin paste. Apply on the face and neck, leave for 30 minutes and wash with cold water. Try this pack every alternate day for glowing skin.
6. It prevents hair fall and greying of hair
The presence of nutrients makes curry leaves an effective home remedy for grey (white) hair. It not only helps in the treatment of damaged hair but also used to treat dandruff. It also strengthens the shaft of the thin hair and thus, adds bounce to limp hair and prevents hair fall. The leaves are also added as an active ingredient for hair blackening. The best part about curry leaves is that you can either eat it (include it in diet) or apply it to the scalp and hair length to reap its hair care benefits.
Tip: The best way to use curry leaves for hair loss is to apply it on the scalp. Here is a simple home remedy to help you. Add a tablespoon of freshly prepared curry leaves juice to 100 ml of coconut oil and heat it on slow flame. Heat it till the oil till starts turning black and start to boil. Remove from flame and keep it aside to cool down. Apply this oil (lukewarm) to your scalp twice a week and wash your hair with herbal shampoo. Do this regularly to get rid of hair loss and grey hair because it acts as an excellent hair tonic.
The next time you spot curry leaves in your plate, do not throw away. Instead, eat it as it is loaded with numerous minerals, vitamins and fibre, which only make you stay healthy and fit!
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