The crackling sound of curry leaves when put in hot sizzling oil is pleasing to my ears and the fresh aroma of the leaves arousing in the kitchen satisfies the cook (using chef for myself would be an exaggeration) and foodie in me. Curry leaves are a staple food in Indian households. These small leaves also called as 'kadi patta' come with strong aroma and carry a subtle taste and are used to enhance the flavour in dishes.
Apart from enhancing taste and flavour, curry leaves provide commendable health benefits. Curry leaves are long used as a medicinal herb in India which takes credit majorly for purifying blood. Let’s delve into the amazing health benefits of these tiny aromatic leaves and why they deserve a place in your daily routine.
Benefits Of Curry Leaves
Curry leaves, which you get free of cost on green grocery stores, have umpteen health benefits. A study states, “Leading constituents of curry leaves play a crucial role in diabetic and anticancer management.” Let’s explore a few more of its benefits.
1. Promotes Digestion
Curry leaves are a good source of carbazole alkaloids, which help in stimulating digestive enzymes and promote better digestion. Chewing a few curry leaves on an empty stomach in the morning can help you aid indigestion, bloating and other digestive problems.
2. Purifies Blood
Curry leaves are rich in iron which is why they help in increasing haemoglobin and the count of red blood cells in our body. It acts as a natural blood purifier ultimately keeping us away from infections and various diseases.
3. Manages Cholesterol Levels
Research suggests that curry leaves can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Including curry leaves in your morning routine may contribute to better heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Curry leaves are low in calories but rich in fibre, which can help you feel full for longer periods. Eating curry leaves on an empty stomach can aid in weight management by controlling appetite and reducing calorie intake throughout the day.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Curry leaves have been found to have hypoglycemic properties, which means they can help lower blood sugar levels. Enormous studies have shown positive results of curry leaves on diabetic patients. A journal states, “Recently, investigators have studied the effect of curry leaves for the treatment of diabetes as they provide an affordable source with low side effects.” Starting your day with curry leaves may assist in managing diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity.
6. Boosts Immunity
Curry leaves are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. Consuming them on an empty stomach can enhance your body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
7. Promotes Hair Health
Curry leaves are often used in hair care remedies due to their ability to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Eating curry leaves can help improve hair health, reduce hair fall, and promote hair growth.
8. Enhances Skin Health
The antioxidants present in curry leaves can help combat free radical damage and promote healthy skin. Including curry leaves in your diet may result in clearer, glowing skin.
How to Consume Curry Leaves
The simplest way to consume curry leaves on an empty stomach is to chew them raw. Apart from it, you can use curry leaves in various dishes like curries, dals, soups, gravies and so on. You can also use them in salads. I love using curry leaves in the tadka of every sabzi or dal I cook. Being a gujarati, I give a tadka of curry leaves and sprinkle it on my dhoklas and trust me nothing can make it taste better.
(Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before using curry leaves in your diet, if you have any health problems)