Curry leaves, also known as "Kadi Patta," are native to India. This spice is a must-have in any Indian kitchen and is both a culinary and medicinal herb.
Found in South India's flavourful recipes like Rasam, sambhar, upma, and curries, Kadi Patta is a tiny green leaf with a distinct aroma and flavour. It is also used in dals throughout India to make tadka or tempering for flavour and scent in the dish.
Curry Leaves Nutrition
Curry leaves contain roughly 108 calories per 100 grams. Some curry leaves nutrients are carbohydrates, energy, fibre, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and minerals. Vitamins including nicotinic acid, antioxidants, amino acids, and flavonoids are also present. Further, it is loaded with Vitamins A, B, C, and B2 iron and calcium.
Depending on the desired purpose, the leaves can be dried, fried, or used fresh.
Benefits of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
Curry leaves are also known for their medicinal benefits. They are anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancerous). In Ayurveda and homes cures, curry leaves are commonly used.
1. Curry Leaves for Weight Loss
Curry leaf works as a detoxifier. It aids in the toxin removal from our bodies. Detoxification is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the fat accumulated in the body. Thus, it may help with weight loss and the prevention of obesity. Curry leaves can further help lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
2. Curry Leaves for Diabetes
Curry leaves are quite beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels. Thus, its consumption can aid in the management of diabetes and its consequences. Copper, iron, and zinc are among the minerals found in them. These minerals increase glucose levels (glycaemic control) in people.
Curry leaves are high in fiber, which slows digestion and prevents blood sugar levels from rising. They also aid people with diabetes by increasing insulin efficiency.
3. Curry Leaves Benefits for Liver
It has anti-hepatotoxic effects—i.e. the ability to protect the liver from harm. Curry leaves are high in antioxidants, including kaempferol, and it covers the liver from oxidative stress and toxic pollutants. It also aids in protecting the liver against free radical attacks or bacterial infections.
Curry leaves can assist in preventing liver damage caused by excessive alcohol intake when paired with vitamins A and C, with antioxidant properties. Then it protects and energises the organ, helping it to work more.
4. Effective in The Treatment of Morning Sickness
The intake of curry leaf tea can decrease morning sickness and nausea. Curry leaf tea is good for pregnant women, especially during their first trimester.
Curry leaves can be used as homemade medicines to aid with the symptoms of morning sickness. Boil them, drain the leaves, and drink the water.
You can also make fresh curry leaves juice. For taste, add a few drops of lime juice or a pinch of jaggery.
5. Assist with Stress Reduction
Most of us try to avoid stress, but present hectic lives can make it impossible. Stress can cause serious health problems. Curry leaves can help you manage stress by soothing your mind and body; the aroma aids with stress symptoms.
Curry leaves are high in antioxidants, and it helps protect your body by lowering oxidative stress and free radical scavenging. It is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
6. Good For Eyesight
According to studies, curry leaves are packed with vitamin A, which is known to be good for eyesight. Carotenoids (organic compounds) found in vitamin A protect the cornea and eye surface. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness.
Earlier, people used to put curry leaf juice straight on their eyes in the past. Without proper supervision, this may not be the best idea. However, your diet should include curry leaves. Its regular consumption may assist in preventing cataracts from developing early.
7. Kadi Patta Benefits for Hair
Kadi Patta benefits your hair, and the following are some of the hair benefits of curry leaves:
- Prevents Hair Loss Curry leaves include protein and beta-carotene—it aids in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Antioxidants and amino acids help to moisturise the scalp. They also strengthen the hair follicles.
- Nourish Damage hairs Hair can become dull, dry, and lifeless due to chemical use and pollution exposure, and it restores moisture and strengthens hair follicles.
- Prevents Greying Grey hairs are a regular occurrence. But it also speeds up due to genetic factors, alcohol, or stress. Curry leaves contain vitamin B, and it strengthens and nourishes hair while also delaying the onset of greying.
8. Effects on the Nervous System
Curry leaves increase antioxidants that protect our brains. Studies suggest that they also help with Alzheimer's disease by preventing oxidative damage to the neurons. Curry leaves help with amnesia (memory loss), frequent among the elderly.
9. Curry Leaves for Cholesterol
Curry leaves are high in antioxidants, and it prevents cholesterol from oxidising and forming LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). In turn, it aids in increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and protects the body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.
10. Heals Wounds, Burns, and Infections
Burns, cuts, bruises, skin irritations, irruptions, and insect bites can all be managed with paste or juice. It aids in wound healing and speedy recovery.
Curry leaves contain carbazole alkaloids, an antioxidant that aids in the healing process. The alkaloids aid in the closure of wounds and restoring hair growth in the damaged area. Curry leaves treat inflamed skin, boils, and first-degree burns similarly.
11. Help with Nose and Chest Congestion
Curry leaves are high in vitamin A and C and are antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative. Its properties aid in relieving congestion, sinusitis, productive cough, and cold symptoms.
12. Aid in the Removal of Free Radicals
Free radicals in the body cause a variety of health problems. Curry leaves are high in antioxidants, which aid in protecting body cells from free radical damage.
13. Curry Leaves Benefits for Uterus
During pregnancy, it is safe to consume curry leaves. Eating curry leaves in certain amounts reduces the risk of premature birth and anaemia. It also helps remove infections inside the uterus and provides a healthy place for embryos to grow.
In addition, provide fibre and vitamins in a good proportion that can help maintain cholesterol levels. Its properties may further help cut down the risk factor of an acute fatty liver which is a possibility during pregnancy.
14. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Its unique taste and fragrance are often described as subtle citrus notes with a hint of nuttiness. While cooking, you can add these leaves to several Indian dishes. They are often sauteed in oil or butter to tincture their nutrients.
Curry leaves are also used as a garnish. Most popularly in meat dishes, curry Patta enhances its rich flavour. They can be found in stores as fresh leaves or in dried form in the spice section of any store.
Here are a few ways curated to use curry leaves directly in your kitchen:
- Combine fresh, or dried curry leaves with red chilli, turmeric, cumin seeds, and other spices. This can be used in any dish as tempering. It gives a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Dried curry leaves can be added as a top on any savoury dish for a pop of flavour.
- Add curry leaves to chutneys like coconut chutney and sauces.
- Cooking curry leaves in hot oil can be used as a dip or topping.
- Saute curry leaves in ghee for the flavour of both. Softened curry leaves can be added to any dish of your liking.
The ideas listed are common ways to use curry leaves in day-to-day life. Although they are highly versatile and can be used in many applications, you can always experiment with this flavourful ingredient.
Curry Leaves Uses
Curry leaves are palatable and rich in healthy plant chemicals that can help you in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways to use curry leaves:
- Curry leaves can also be cooked in a small amount of coconut oil and applied to hair.
- It can also be added to masala tea to give a tincture of curry leaves.
- It is also used as medicine for indigestion, nausea, etc.
- Curry leaves can also be used for plating any dish with few leaves cooked or raw on the top of the dish.
- Curry leaves can also be used in face masks for even skin tone.
Side Effects of Eating Raw Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are healthy and have no negative consequences. But on the other hand, if you are sensitive to pollens or have asthma, you should avoid it.
Further, having curry leaves in excess can create gastric issues.
Summing Up on Benefits of Curry Leaves
Using curry leaves are an excellent method to enhance your dishes' flavour and nutritional value. It's high in anti-inflammatory components, so eating it could help you minimise oxidative stress, improve your heart health, and lower your blood sugar levels, among other things.
The best part is that curry leaves are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Try adding it to your favourite recipe for a healthy boost of flavour and colour. Curry leaves are frequently available in stores, but you may also cultivate your plant at home.
FAQs
Are Curry Leaves Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, curry leaves are safe to eat while pregnant, and you can eat these leaves. These leaves have health benefits for both the mother-to-be and her child.
Consuming these leaves may lower the risk of infection, blood diseases such as anaemia, and even premature or preterm birth of your baby.
What Are the Advantages of Eating Curry Leaves on an Empty Stomach?
There are numerous advantages to eating these leaves on an empty stomach. They aid in the maintenance of gut health.
Additionally, consuming curry leaves on an empty stomach may aid in the removal of extra fat from the body if you are struggling with weight difficulties. It can also help with health problems, including high cholesterol and diabetes.
Are Curry Leaves Safe for Kids?
Yes, Curry leaves are for everyone, and it is safe for kids. These leaves are high in calcium, phosphate, carbs, fibre, vitamin A, B, C, E, and other vital nutrients. These nutrients can enhance their gastrointestinal and visual health.
References
- Syed Benazir Firdaus, Debosree Ghosh, July 2014; Protective effect of antioxidant rich aqueous curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) extract against gastro-toxic effects of piroxicam in male Wistar rats - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598401
- Rengasamy Balakrishnan,1 Dhanraj Vijayraja, February 2020; Medicinal Profile, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Murraya koenigii and Its Primary Bioactive Compounds - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070712/
- Prasan R Bhandari, 2012; Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) or Cure leaf: Review of its curative properties - https://www.jmnn.org/article.asp?issn=2278-1870;year=2012;volume=1;issue=2;spage=92;epage=97;aulast=Bhandari
