9 Benefits and Uses of Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are the curry tree's leaves (Murraya koenigii). This tree is indigenous to India, and both culinary and medicinal uses are made of its leaves. They have a distinct flavor and strong citrus undertones.
Although they are frequently added to this well-known spice blend and frequently used in cooking to give flavor to meals like curries, rice dishes, and dals, curry leaves are not the same as curry powder.
They are not only a versatile culinary herb, but they also provide a wealth of health advantages because to the potent plant chemicals they contain.
Here are 9 impressive benefits and uses of curry leaves.
- Rich in powerful plant compounds
Curry leaves are a robust source of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and other defensive phytochemicals, which provide this fragrant herb powerful health advantages.
Numerous substances, including linalool, alpha-terpinene, myrcene, mahanimbine, caryophyllene, murrayanol, and alpha-pinene, have been shown to be present in curry leaves, according to research.
Numerous of these substances serve as antioxidants in your body. In order to maintain your body healthy and disease-free, antioxidants are crucial.
They eliminate potentially dangerous substances called as free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, which is linked to the emergence of chronic diseases.
Numerous research have demonstrated the powerful antioxidant properties of curry leaf extract.
For instance, a mouse study found that oral administration of the antioxidant-rich curry leaf extract lowered oxidative stress indicators and protected against medication-induced stomach injury.
Curry leaf extract may offer protection against induced oxidative damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, and kidneys, according to additional animal research.
Remember that there is a dearth of human studies on the antioxidant properties of curry leaves. However, there is no denying that curry leaves are brimming with plant substances that may aid in promoting general health by offering potent antioxidant defense.
- May reduce heart disease risk factors
Heart disease risk factors including excessive triglyceride and cholesterol levels may make you more likely to get them. Curry leaves can help you lower some of these risk factors by improving your diet.
Consuming curry leaves, according to research, may have a number of positive effects on heart health. For instance, research on animals suggests that curry leaf extract may help lower elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
In a two-week research, oral administration of 136 mg of curry leaf extract per pound (300 mg per kilogram) of body weight per day dramatically reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels in obese rats fed a high-fat diet.
These findings were associated with the leaves' high concentration of the alkaloid mahanimbine.
Mahanimbine reduced diet-induced problems like high blood lipids, fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress — all of which may increase the risk of heart disease — in another 12-week research on mice on a high-fat diet.
Additionally, research on animals has demonstrated that curry leaf extract lowers cholesterol.
These results are encouraging, but further human study is needed. More research is therefore required to verify this putative curry leaf benefit.
- May have neuroprotective properties
Curry leaves may support the health of your nervous system, including your brain, according to some research.
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain condition marked by neuronal loss and oxidative stress symptoms.
Curry leaves have been shown in studies to possess compounds that may serve as a defense against neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Using high dosages of curry leaf extract orally enhanced brain cell levels of brain-protecting antioxidants such glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), according to a mouse study.
The extract also decreased the amount of oxidative damage in brain cells and the activity of enzymes linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Another investigation revealed that giving mice with caused dementia an oral curry leaf extract treatment for 15 days enhanced their memory scores in both young and old animals.
Keep in mind that there is a dearth of human research in this area, and additional research is required before firm conclusions can be drawn.
- May have anticancer effects
Curry leaves contain substances that significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
Three samples of curry extract from curry leaves grown in various Malaysian regions were used in a test-tube investigation that revealed they all had potent anticancer properties and stopped the growth of an aggressive kind of breast cancer.
Another experiment in test tubes revealed that curry leaf extract affected the viability and proliferation of two different types of breast cancer cells. Additionally, the extract caused breast cancer cells to die.
Additionally, test-tube studies have revealed that curry leaf extract is hazardous to cervical cancer cells.
In one study, oral administration of curry leaf extract to mice with breast cancer decreased tumor development and prevented the transfer of cancer cells to the lungs.
Additionally, research conducted in test tubes demonstrates that the alkaloid girinimbine, found in curry leaves, stimulates the death of colon cancer cells.
In addition to girinimbine, researchers believe that the antioxidants in curry leaves, such as quercetin, catechin, rutin, and gallic acid, are responsible for these potent anticancer effects.
Despite the fact that it is obvious that curry leaves contain substances with the potential to combat specific cancer cells, further research is required to see how well it works in people.
- 5–8. Other benefits
In addition to the potential benefits listed above, curry leaves may benefit health in the following ways:
- Beneficial for blood sugar control.
Curry leaf extract has been shown in animal studies to potentially lower blood sugar levels and shield against diabetic symptoms including nerve discomfort and kidney damage.
- May have pain-relieving properties.
Oral administration of curry extract significantly lessens painful stimuli, according to research in rodents.
- Has anti-inflammatory effects.
Numerous anti-inflammatory substances are found in curry leaves, and studies on animals have demonstrated that curry leaf extract can help lower genes and proteins linked to inflammation.
- Offers antibacterial properties.
Curry leaf extract was proven to stop the growth of potentially hazardous bacteria such Corynebacterium TB and Streptococcus pyogenes in a test-tube investigation.
It should be noted that these benefits have been demonstrated in test-tube or animal research. Future research in humans is needed to substantiate these potential benefits.
- Easy to add to your diet
Curry leaves have been a staple of Indian food for centuries. Their distinctive flavor is frequently described as having delicate citrus undertones and a hint of nuttiness.
The leaves are frequently used in meat dishes, curries, and other traditional Indian cuisines to impart a powerful, deep flavor to food.
Although they can be purchased fresh in some specialty shops, dried versions are more typical in the grocery store's spice aisle.
Curry leaves soften when cooked, therefore before adding the cooked leaves and fat to meals, they are sometimes sautéed in butter or oil.
Here are a few ways to use curry leaves in the kitchen:
- Ghee and softened curry leaves can be added to any dish after being sautéed in ghee over high heat.
- Curry leaves can be used to add a fresh flavor to broths.
- To create a tasty seasoning blend, combine fresh or dried curry leaves with additional spices like red chile, turmeric, and cumin seeds.
- Dried curry leaves can be crumbled or chopped and sprinkled on top of any savory dish to add flavor.
- Use the oil that has been infused with the flavors of the cooked curry leaves as a dip or a topping for crusty bread.
- Sauces and chutneys should contain curry leaves.
- Curry leaves can be added to savory baked goods like breads and crackers.
Curry leaves are incredibly adaptable and can be used in a variety of applications, so don't be afraid to experiment with this wonderful item. The ideas listed above are just a few typical ways to use curry leaves.
Curry leaves are not only delicious but also bursting with healthy plant elements that have numerous health benefits.
Consuming them may enhance your body's antioxidant defenses, according to research. Additionally, doing so may prevent brain damage, lower heart disease risk factors, and combat cancer cells.
The best part is that you may add curry leaves to a variety of recipes to improve the flavor and health properties of your food.
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By A.Moiz
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