While curry leaves are used extensively in Indian kitchens for the unique aroma it imparts to curries, gravies, chutneys, rice and dal recipes, the use of this versatile herb isn’t limited to culinary delights. These aromatic leaves are known for medicinal application as well as in the world of skincare and hair care. Check out the benefits and uses of curry leaves in our day-to-day lives:
BENEFITS AND USES OF CURRY LEAVES
Rich In Antioxidants– Curry leaves contain glycosides, alkaloids and phenolic compounds that load these leaves with immense health benefits. Packed with compounds like myrcene, linalool, mahanimbine, alpha-terpinene, murrayanol, caryophyllene and alpha-pinene, curry leaves are rich in antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress to keep you healthy and free from diseases.
Promotes Heart Health– Curry leaves are known to help with your triglyceride levels and reduce high cholesterol, thereby relaxing the cardiac system and promoting better heart health. Regular consumption of curry leaves strengthens the heart muscles and prevents lipid build-up, thereby reducing chances of heart blockage, clots and heart attacks.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels- Curry leaves have hypoglycaemic properties that help control blood sugar levels. Regular intake of curry leaves activates the insulin production and helps the body to break down starch into glucose, thereby making it beneficial for diabetics.
Loaded With Fibre And Nutrients– Curry leaves are rich in nutrients. An excellent source of fibre, curry leaves promote better digestive health by regularizing bowel movements. Calcium contained in curry leaves help improve bone health while proteins strengthen the immune system. It contains phosphorus that helps cleanse the kidneys and also repair cells and tissues.
Curry leaves are abundant in essential oils that infuse these leaves with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties. Thus, curry leaves promote overall health and are extremely beneficial for skin and hair too.
Improve eyesight – Curry leaves contain Vitamin A which contains carotenoids is very important for a good eyesight.
It can help protect the cornea, prevent night blindness, cloud formation or weakening of eyesight.
Hair Care Benefits– One of the easiest ways to use curry leaves for beauty benefits is to make curry leaf hair oil and use it regularly to promote healthy scalp and thick hair. You can prepare this hair oil by boiling a handful of curry leaves in coconut oil and straining the oil so that you can store it and use it whenever possible.
It revives the hair follicles, repairs damaged hair roots, promotes hair growth, prevents premature greying and arrests hair fall. You can even add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to do away with the pungent smell of curry leaf oil. READ MORE – HAVE MASALA CHAI OR SPICE TEA TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
HOW TO USE CURRY LEAVES IN KITCHEN: EASY TIPS
- Add few springs of curry leaves to your water bottle, let it rest for few hours and sip on the water all day long.
- You can also make curry leaves tea, by adding few leaves into a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 mins and drink this tea in the morning.
- Prepare a flavorful seasoning blend by adding dried curry leaves to other spices like cumin seeds, red chillies and coriander seeds.
- Sauté some curry leaves in ghee or oil and add it to dal or curry of your liking.
- Use fried curry leaves for making such recipes like tomato rice, lemon rice.
- Add curry leaves to your chutney recipes. READ MORE – Healthy Ayurveda Water to flush out toxins, boost immunity and more…