May 4th, 2020 | Updated on June 25th, 2022
A product of the Curry tree the curry leaves have been widely used for many purposes till now. They have medicinal properties and the aroma that arises gives a distinct smell to any dish.
Though Curry leaves are native to India people world overuse it to derive the maximum benefit out of the same. Here we share with you some very interesting and unique benefits of curry leaves.
1. Plant Compounds In Abundance
Some of the protective plant compounds like alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds are present in abundance in the curry leaves.
This justifies the properties of healing this leaf has as it increases the anti-oxidants present in the body.
Numerous studies conducted have proved that curry leaves would remove harmful compounds like free radicals and protect the body from any oxidative damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and nervous system.
2. Reduction In Heart Disease Risk Factors
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels may put your heart health at risk and curry leaves can be beneficial here too.
Researches conducted on mice have proven that oral treatment given by using 136 mg of curry leaves extract can reduce the impact of high cholesterol. However, such research has not been conducted on humans as yet.
3. Neuroprotective Properties
Neurogenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s can have a damaging effect on the brain but curry leaves can help in combating the same.
Studies conducted on mice reveal that consumption of curry leaves has been fruitful in improving the levels of brain oxidants.
Another similar study revealed that when curry leaves were administered to old mice it delayed dementia and improved memory powers.
4. Anti-Cancer Eeffects
Curry leaves have a compound that can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
A test-tube study that involved the use of curry leaves grown in Malaysia has been known to reduce Breast cancer.
Apart from that studies have also revealed its benefits in the treatment of cervical cancer.
The presence of an alkaloid compound known as Girinimbine has been shown to kill colon cancer cells in the body.
5. Blood Sugar Control
Research conducted on animals shows that consumption of curry leaves can reduce blood sugar levels. It can also protect you against any symptoms related to diabetes like nerve pain and kidney damage.
6. Pain-Relieving
Studies on mice show that curry leaves can reduce the impact of any chronic pain in the body. However, again there is no proof of that on the efficacy on humans.
7. Anti-Inflammatory
Curry leaves have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Their consumption can very well reduce the inflammation-related genes that are existing in the body.
8. Anti-Bacterial
Another test-tube study has been found to reveal that curry leaf extracts can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. This includes damaging ones like Corynebacterium Tuberculosis.
9. Easy To Add
The unique flavor of curry leaves adds a tangy taste to the dish you are using them in. They are commonly added to dishes to give a citrus flavor with a tinge of nuttiness in it.
The use of the same is not extremely tough as there are various ways in which you may do so.
The curry leaves soften when they are cooked and hence are sautéed in oil or butter to provide a rich taste. You may change their use as per the type of dish you are planning to cook.
Curry leaves are an interesting ingredient of Indian Cuisine but that does not mean its applicability is region-specific.
All over the world, they are used for the benefits that have been mentioned above.
Easy to procure from grocery stores the curry leaves are a valuable addition to the kitchen and this is proved from the world over usage of the same.
