Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

 

Most people think that curry leaves just add flavour to the food and they throw the leaves away while eating. But curry leaves more importantly offer a number of health benefits without side effects which include:

It Stops Diarrhoea

Research studies conducted by Ashish Pagariya and Maithili, V. concluded that the carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves or Murraya Koenigii had anti-diarrheal properties. Experiments on lab rats showed that carbazole extracts from curry leaves had significantly controlled castor oil induced diarrhoea. A bunch of curry leaves can be grounded and the paste can be eaten or the juice of the leaves can be consumed.  

Possesses Antioxidant Properties

Research studies conducted by Mylarappa B. Ningappa et al. at Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Molecular Parasitology and Protein Engineering Laboratory, Bengaluru, India, have indicated that curry leaves or Murraya Koenigii as a good source of antioxidants.  The presence of various vitamins like vitamin A, B, C and E help in reducing oxidative stress and free radical scavenging. Curry leaves can be added to your curries, vegetable stews and soup. They are also available in dried powder form.

Serves as Gastrointestinal Protection

Usage of curry leaves is recommended as a cure for gastrointestinal issues in Ayurveda. They are considered to possess mild laxative properties. Make juice of a bunch of curry leaves and add lime juice, to be consumed for indigestion or a paste made from the leaves can be added to buttermilk and taken every morning over empty stomach.

Has Anti- Diabetic Properties

Perhaps one of the biggest health benefits of curry leaves is its use in diabetes control. Research conducted at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in University of Madras, Chennai had showed that anti-hyperglycemic properties of curry leaves were beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.

Helps Lower cholesterol levels

Curry leaves are also known to reduce bad LDL cholesterol level. Studies conducted at the Department of Biochemistry in University of Kerala, India have shown that curry leaves have the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Good for Eyesight

Curry leaves contain high amounts of vitamin A and are good for eyesight. Vitamin A contains carotenoids which protect cornea, the eye surface. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause night blindness, cloud formations in front of the eye and loss of vision loss in some cases.

Helps Fight Cancer

The chemical constituents found in curry leaves such as phenols are helpful in fighting cancers such as leukemia, prostate cancer and colorectal cancers. Research on curry leaves at the Department of Medical Chemistry in Mejio University, Japan showed evidence of cancer fighting properties in carbazole alkaloids extract from curry leaves.

Radio-Protective and Chemo-Protective

Studies on the extracts of curry leaves have shown positive results in reducing the effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, protection against chromosomal damage, protection of bone marrow and prevention of free radicals in the body.

Helps Protect Against Pathogen Attack

Research on curry leaves has revealed that they are also effective against fighting bacterial and fungal infections. The leaf extracts from the plant have been comparable to popular anti-biotic drugs.

Protects the Liver

 Liver plays a major role in the digestive system and it needs to be protected from attack of free radicals as well as viral and bacterial attacks. Research on curry leaves indicated that the tannins and carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves exhibited good hepato-protective properties. They are also helpful in protecting liver from various diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Good for Hair Growth

Curry leaves are believed to help in strengthening hair roots. Dry curry leaves powder mixed in oil can be applied to your hair with quick massage. The paste from curry leaves could also be applied in case of gray hair. Doing these on a regular basis can improve hair growth

Skin Care

Curry leaves are also helpful in skin care. The juice or paste of the leaves can be applied on burns, cuts, bruises, skin irritations and insect bites for quick recovery.