Curry is a warming spice with healing medicinal properties.
Curry leaves have been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Thai folk medicine, though only in recent years has medical research caught up with the health benefits of this plant. When eaten regularly or taken as an extract, curry leaves support our digestion and detoxification, prevent degenerative chronic illness, and even support weight loss. Consult with your health care professional before combining herbal remedies like curry leaf with prescription medications.
Diabetes
Curry leaves are considered to be an anti-diabetic herbal medicine with potential for preventing diabetes in some people. According to an article published in The Guardian in 2004, curry leaves help to slow the break-down and release of glucose into the bloodstream. This mechanism results in less insulin being required by the body to control blood sugar levels, and people experience smoother energy levels and fewer sugar cravings throughout the day.
Cancer
Curry leaves offer antioxidant support and help prevent cancer of the skin and stomach. In a study published in Nutrition Research by Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2003, curry leaves significantly reduced the incidence of cancer cells in the stomach and skin tissues. The protective and chemopreventative mechanism in curry leaves is attributed to the high level of antioxidants found in the plant, and to increasing the body's own antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase.
Weight Loss
In a study published in Fitoterapia in 2010, researcher Rahul Birari and colleagues found chemicals present in curry leaves reduced obesity and blood triglyceride levels in animals. The ability of curry leaves to stimulate weight loss is attributed to the chemical mahanimbine, an alkaloid unique to the curry plant. While more research is needed on this alkaloid, eating curry may support weight loss and fight obesity.
Liver Protection
Curry leaves contain a range of beneficial chemicals which support and protect the health of the liver. In a study published in Experimental and Toxicological Pathology by the University of Mumbai in 2010, researchers discovered that curry leaf extract protected liver cells from oxidation, chemical damage and cirrhosis. Curry leaf compared favorably alongside pharmaceutical medications in the study and demonstrated significant hepatoprotective potential. If taken regularly, curry leaves protect the liver, ensuring healthy detoxification, and preventing liver cancer.
Other Uses
Curry leaves benefit a wide range of health conditions, such as gastric reflux, constipation, traveler's diarrhea, athlete's foot and candida. Eating curry may be especially beneficial for cold, damp conditions such as fungal infections, sluggish metabolism, slow digestion, colds and the flu.
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