THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF CURRY LEAVES (Kadipatta)
These aromatic leaves are used to flavor many popular dishes, from slow cooked curries to dals. But did you know that curry leaf tree also offers some great health benefits?
Unfortunately, most of us have definitely picked out these leaves from our food and done away with them, blissfully unaware of the rich health benefits that they have.
Properties:
– Curry leaves have plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorous and calcium. Hence they help to improve eyesight and strengthen the bones, teeth and nails.
– They contain good amounts of iron and prevent iron deficiency anemia.
– They also contain folic acid which is responsible for ensuring the proper production of RBC’s and preventing folic acid deficiency anemia.
– The leaves tend to excite the taste buds.
– They are a good source of dietary fibre and help reduce cholesterol levels and improve lipid profile.
– Niacin, found in curry leaves, is needed for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
– Ulcers caused due to excessive acid secretion in the stomach, diarrhoea , nausea, vomiting and other such problems can be reversed by the use of curry leaves.
– They are very effective in treating premature greying of hair, dandruff and hairfall.
– Boil 10 curry leaves and a pinch of turmeric powder in 200 ml of raw milk and drink this to get relief from heat rash that occurs in summer.
– Beta-carotene, found in curry leaves, prevents night blindness and also helps increase immunity.
– These leaves improve pancreatic health and insulin production. So if you are diabetic, make curry leaves a regular part of your diet.
– They also help to balance hormones….recommend them as a part of the spice mixes for women with PCOD and patients with thyroid issues.
– They are a good source of lutein which prevents arterial clogging, improves overall immune function and protects the eyes from infection.
– In the first trimester of pregnancy, curry leaves help reduce the discomfort associated with morning sickness.
– They also aid in weight loss by preventing the excessive deposition of fat in the body.
Use fresh curry leaves whenever possible. The plant is sturdy and does not need much care…so grow one in your kitchen window sill or balcony. Alternatively you can dry the leaves and powder them. Store the powdered leaves in an airtight container and use them in your juices, smoothies, spiced buttermilk, chutneys, dals and curries. Remember…curry powder does not contain curry leaves…unfortunately !!!
Science Says Curry Leaves Could Help Your Body Lower Cholesterol & Blood Sugar
Did you know that according to scientific research it reduces blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol levels? Here’s how.
Protective plant substances
Research shows that curry leaves are rich in alkaloids and phenolic compounds which are protective and potent health substances. The leaves are also rich in a variety of antioxidants which keep the body healthy and free from diseases.
The presence of various vitamins like vitamin A, B, C and E help in scavenging free radicals in the body and suppressing oxidative stress — a condition that usually leads to chronic diseases.
In 2014, a study was conducted among two groups of rats with medication-induced stomach damage. The group that received oral treatment with curry leaf extract showed no signs of oxidative stress, while the group that didn’t suffered alterations in their gastric tissues.
Consuming curry leaves regularly reduces risk factors like high cholesterol which can lead to heart-related diseases. Its property to reduce oxidative stress also contributes to this.
Another 12-week study among rats on a high-fat diet showed that regular consumption of curry leaf extract prevented diet-induced complications. This includes fat accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress which can lead to heart diseases.
Managing Type 2 diabetes
Apart from being rich in antioxidants and vitamins, curry leaves are also packed with fibre which helps in slowing down digestion and prevents the food from metabolising quickly. This in turn keeps blood sugar in check and boosts insulin activity.
A 30-day study conducted on diabetic rats showed that oral administration of curry leaf extract lowered blood glucose levels. The same paper even mentions that curry leaf extract was more effective than a certain anti-diabetic drug.
Following this, several experiments were also conducted among 43 diabetic humans. The patients were given curry leaf powder in the morning and night which showed a significant decrease in blood sugar level between day one to day 30 of the study.
Not just this, this versatile wonder leaf also has anti-cancerous properties, antibacterial properties, pain-relieving properties and improves digestion.
If you’re wondering how to consume curry leaves regularly apart from flavouring the dish, here’s a simple recipe for you.
Curry leaf tea
Ingredients:
25 curry leaves
1 cup of water
Method:
Wash the curry leaves thoroughly.
In a pan, bring a cup of water to a boil and add the curry leaves.
After five minutes, take it off the heat and allow the leaves to steep.
Once the colour of the water changes, strain the leaves and drink the warm water.
As an optional addition, you can also add some lemon juice or honey to the liquid to enhance the flavour.
Note: This can be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning, at night before going to bed, or at both times.
Fresh Vs Dried
For those who love Indian cuisine, curry leaves are an essential ingredient. But what’s the difference between fresh and dried?
- For starters, fresh curry leaves have a much more potent flavor than their dried counterparts. They also tend to be more expensive and harder to find.
- Fresh ones are usually green with a slightly purple hue, while dried ones are brown.
- When it comes to texture, fresh leaves are softer and more delicate than dried ones, which are more brittle.
- When it comes to cooking, fresh curry leaves can be used in pretty much any dish, while dried ones are best used as a last-minute addition to giving dishes a boost of flavor.
- Fresh leaves can also be frozen for later use, whereas dried leaves should be used within six months of opening.
How To Plant Curry Leaves
If you want to get the most out of your curry leaves, it’s best to grow them yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting a curry plant:
- Start with a well-drained potting mix. Curry plant prefers slightly acidic soil, so if your mix is on the alkaline side, you can add some peat moss or compost to balance it out.
- Water the potting mix until it is evenly moist but not soggy.
- Sow the curry leaf seeds in the moist potting mix, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the seed pots with plastic wrap or a clear lid to create a mini greenhouse effect away from direct sunlight or full sun. This will help to keep the mix moist and encourage germination.
- Place the seed pots in a warm, sunny spot and keep an eye on them for signs of growth. Once the seedlings emerge, you can remove the plastic wrap or lid.
- When the seedlings are about 4 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots or into your garden bed.
- Water the curry plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil.
- Harvest the leaves when they are needed for cooking. You can also dry or freeze them for later use.
