Curry leaves are also called “Kadi Patta”. They are used in many Indian dishes. These leaves added warmth and a lovely aroma to the dishes. Fortunately, aside from culinary uses, they also have many health benefits. If you’re curious about these aromatic, lovely leaves, then read on more! In this article we talk about curry leaves benefits, their nutrition, and possible side effects.
Curry Leaves Benefits
Curry leaves are used for garnishing lots of dishes like Sambhar, dosa, etc. They are full of sweer flavor and aroma. Moreover, what is even better is that they are full of nutrients that can give your health a big boost. Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of curry leaves.
1. Fights Infections
Curry leaves are rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants known as kaempferol. These compounds together fight off infections and protect the body from any invading microbe.
2. Good For Respiratory Issues
Yes, these aromatic curry leaves are also good for respiratory issues. If you constantly struggle with respiratory issues then add them into your diet. These leaves have antimicrobial and expectorant properties. They can help clear mucus deposits in the nasal passages, thereby treating respiratory issues.
3. Promotes Cardiac Health
Curry leaves are rich in alkaloids known as mahanimbine. These compounds protect the heart and improve cardia functioning. Additionally, antioxidant compounds present in the leaves also protect the heart from free radical damages.
4. Promotes Better Digestion
The benefits of eating curry leaves on empty stomach include better digestion. When taken on an empty stomach, they help stimulate the release of digestive enzymes. Additionally, they also support healthy bowel movements. Moreover, the high fiber content in the leave also supports better digestion.
5. Improves Oral Health
Curry leaves juice benefits also include improved oral health. Due to its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, curry leaves can prove to be a boon for oral health. They can help kill microbes that cause plaques, gingivitis, etc.
Tip – Gargle every morning with curry leaves water to see good results.
6. Improved Vision
Did you know that curry leaves vitamin A content is essential for improving eye health? Yes! These leaves are rich in β-carotene and vitamin A. These compounds play a vital role in improving eyesight and treating many eye-related issues. Additionally, they prevent the cornea from drying up, thereby preventing Xeropthalmia and night blindness.
7. May Treat Diabetes
Using curry leaves for diabetes treatment is not unknown. Curry leaves activate pancreatic cells to produce insulin. Therefore, it helps the breakdown of starch into simpler glucose. Consequently leading to low blood sugar levels in the body.
8. Heal wounds & Burns
Curry leaves benefits also include better-wound healing. Active antimicrobial and antioxidants present in the leaves promote faster-wound healing and also treat burned skin. So, make sure to have a fresh pair of curry leaves handy if you have any skin issues.
9. Improved Liver Health
If you want a healthier liver then look no further than a fresh pair of curry leaves. Tannins & carbazole alkaloids present in the leaves have strong hepatoprotective. Additionally, vitamin C & Vitamin, antioxidants present in the leaves provide the liver with essential nutrients and protect from free radical damage.
10. Improves Cognition
Yes, curry leaves are good for brain health. Brain chemicals glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, etc are essential for brain health. Active plant alkaloid compounds present in the curry leaves prevent their degeneration. Therefore, it helps in boosting memory, focus, and concentration levels.
11. May Treat Anemia
The deficiency of iron is the leading cause of anemia. Curry leaves are rich in Iron. Therefore, the active iron compound helps with anemia treatment. Additionally, alkaloids & antioxidants help purify the blood. Thus using curry leaves can be very beneficial for anemia.
12. Aids In Weight Loss
If you are wondering if one can use curry leaves for weight loss. The active carbazole alkaloid compounds present in the leaves help in burning extra fats. Additionally, they also reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol ( Bad Cholesterol), thereby improving blood circulation in the body.
Curry Leaves Nutrition Profile
After reading about the incredible health benefits of these aromatic curry leaves you might be tempted to try them! So, let’s have a look at the curry leaves nutrition facts.
A 100g serving of Curry Leaves contains the following: –
| Calories | 23 kcal |
| Total Fats | 0.6g |
| Sodium | 4mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.7g |
| Dietary Fibers | 1.6g |
| Sugars | 0.3g |
| Proteins | 3.2g |
| Vitamin A | 106% DV (Daily Value) |
| Iron | 18% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30 % DV |
| Calcium | 14% DV |
Curry Leaves Side Effects
It’s no doubt that curry leaves are excellent for health. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing might cause problems. If you are serious about including these wonderful aromatic leaves into your diet, then there are some curry leaves side effects you should be aware of.
1. Possible Allergies
Some people might be allergic to curry. leaves. Therefore it is best for them to avoid using the leaves entirely. If you have itching, redness, or swelling after using curry leave then contact your doctor immediately.
2. Might Cause Upset Stomach
The high fiber content in the curry leaves may be good for the stomach. Sadly, excessive consumption of fiber may upset your stomach. It may cause bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and constipation.
3. May Cause Low Blood Pressure
Excessive eating of curry leaves may cause low blood pressure due to its active iron compound. Iron may be essential for the body but excessive iron intake is harmful to the body in the long run. Therefore, it is best to eat curry leaves in moderate amounts.
4. Unwanted Water Weight Gain
Curry leaves are rich in sodium. Uncontrolled sodium intake may result in bloating and the deposit of water weight. Water weight may cause you to gain more weight. Thus, it is best to consume the leaves in moderate amounts.
5. Toxicity
Experts advise to not consume the small pods of the curry leaves plants as they are very toxic in nature. Therefore, extreme precautions should be kept in mind before eating the leaves.
Conclusion
Curry leaves are an integral part of Indian cuisine. They are used to add flavor and lovely aroma to the many Indian dishes. Moreover, there are many health benefits of using curry leaves. Some of the benefits include – improved liver & cardiac health, better eye health, good digestion, etc. Also, they are easy to include in daily diet. Start your health journey by adding these delectable leaves into your diet.
Classified informations. Very helpful