Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

Curry leaves is an essential natural herb with health benefits packed with anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and liver protective properties to control diarrhoea, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, fight cancer, protect the liver and used to treat other health problems.

Curry leaf also known as Murraya koenigii is said to have originated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh in India. The plant has been extensively used in traditional medicines in Eastern Asia, the roots, leaves and branches are all used as medicine. Curry leaves can be used to treat different conditions.

Nutritional Content of Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are very rich in nutrients, which are carbohydrates, energy, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper and minerals. It also contains vitamins like nicotinic acid and vitamins C. vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides and flavonoids. Curry leaves have many benefits without any side effects.  Studies reveal that curry leaves consist 66.3% of Moisture, 16.0% of Carbohydrates, 6.4% of Fibre etc. The rest is made of a mixture of carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Here are some health benefits of Curry Leaves

Stop diarrhoea: Curry leaves contains carbazole alkaloid that posses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to fight upset stomach and control diarrhoea.

Diabetic control: Curry leaves is an ideal herb for treating diabetes, the curry leaves extract help to reduce blood glucose level, by chewing a couple of curry leaves along with a few pepper corns before breakfast can help to control blood sugar level.

Lowers cholesterol: Curry leaves extract can help to lower cholesterol, aid good cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

Aid hair growth: Curry leaves are known to help in strengthening hair roots. Dry curry leaf powder mixed in oil can be applied to your hair to make it grow and healthy. Curry leave is also effective in preventing premature grey hair.

Protect the Eyes: Curry leaves are rich in vitamin A, which contains carotenoids which can help to protect the cornea, lack of vitamin A may lead to night blindness and loss of vision.

Protects the Liver:  The liver plays a vital role in the digestive system and it needs to be protected from free radicals, virus and bacteria. The tannins and carbazole alkaloids present in curry leaves can help to protect the liver from various diseases.

Fight cancers: The phenols component present in curry leaves is helpful in fighting cancers such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancers and leukaemia. Research on curry leaves at the Department of Medical Chemistry at Mejio University, Japan showed evidence of cancer fighting properties in the carbazole alkaloids extract from curry leaves.