"Amazing Health Benefits of Curry Leaves (Meetha Neem)!"
Amazing Health Benefits of Curry Leaves
(Meetha Neem)!
Introduction
Curry Leaves or Sweet Neem Leaves are
extensively used in India for culinary and medicinal purposes. I think that
perhaps there will be any home in India, where Curry Leaves won’t be used.
Derived from the tamil word ”Kari” meaning spicy, curry leaves are mentioned in
ancient Tamil scriptures dating back to the 4th century AD for its
amazing benefits and culinary significance. The scientific name of the Curry
plant is Murraya Koenigii and it belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native
to India and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Curry
Leaves are known by several vernacular names such as Kadi Patta, Meetha Neem,
Katneem, Parvatneem and Girineem in Hindi, Kariveppilai in Tamil, Karivepaaku
in Telagu or Karivempu in Malayalam. But you will know it well by names of
Sweet Neem. Do you know that Curry Leaves which you use in Dishes, it has many
medicinal property? Do you know that Curry Leaves is a herb also and you can
use and get benefits by use of Curry Leaves in various mouth diseases and
Headache? We can also get benefit by medicinal property of Curry Leaves in
Cataract, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha.
Curry Leaves - Benefits & How to take ? | By Dr. Bimal Chhajer | Saaol
In the primeval times, the curry leaf branches have played a significant role in good oral hygiene. The thin twigs or branches were used as a datun (i.e. natural brush) for cleaning the teeth, strengthening the teeth and gums and protecting them for harmful bacteria and airborne microbes. These days in modern ayurvedic treatments the powder of the leaves or the raw leaves are being used as tooth powder for preserving good oral health. Curry leaves play a pivotal role in the field of weight loss. The leaves when eaten raw or consumed as juice, serve as a detox drink to cleanse body from within, burn fat, reduce bad cholesterol and enhance digestion. Taking Curry Leaves regularly in bound to show promising results.
The
main Nutrients found in curry leaves are carbohydrates, energy, fiber,
phosphorous, magnesium, copper, and minerals. They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C
and B2. Curry leaves are also said to be good source of iron and calcium. They
also contain vitamins like nicotinic acid, antioxidants, amino acids and
flavonoids.
The
nutritional values of curry leaves per 100 grams are:
- Energy - 108.000 K cal
- Carbohydrates - 18.700 gm
- Moisture - 63.800 gm
- Fiber - 6.400 gm
- Protein - 6.100 gm
- Minerals- 4.000 gm
- Calcium - 830.000 mg
- Phosphorus - 57.000 mg
- Iron - 0.930 mg
- Copper - 0.100 mg
- Magnesium - 44.000 mg
- Zinc - 0.200 mg
- Manganese - 0.150 mg
- Chromium - 0.006 mg
- Thiamine - 0.080 mg
- Vitamin C - 4.000 mg
A
distinct constituent of curry leaves is carbazole alkaloids. Many studies have
observed that these alkaloids have anti-oxidant properties. They help to
prevent oxidative stress in your body. They contain anti-inflammatory and
anti-microbial properties as well.
An
interesting Fact:
Curry leaves have non-significant amount of Fat. (0.1 g per 100 g)
Health Benefit of Curry Leaves
1.
Weight loss
Curry leaves are considered a boon by people under a weight loss
management program. Surprising
as it may sound, curry leaves can aid weight loss. Carbazole alkaloids work
against weight gain and help in regulating cholesterol levels
in the body. Thus, curry leaves can be consumed in order to aid weight loss. To
increase their consumption, you can munch on dried curry leaves or add fresh or
dried curry leaves to your meals. You can also add to your salad. Consume curry
leaves along with a healthy diet and exercise regularly for quicker weight loss. Alkaloids in Curry leaves
help in maintaining cholesterol levels in our body. Curry leaves also act as a
detoxifying agent, removing toxins from our body and preventing the
accumulation of fat. This helps in weight loss.
2.
It can help in treating dysentery, constipation and diarrhea
Curry
leaves can be used for treating an upset stomach. You can grind dried curry
leaves and add it to buttermilk. Drink it on any empty stomach for dealing with
conditions such diarrhea, constipation and dysentery.
Raw and tender curry leaves can also be eaten on an empty stomach. Curry leaves
are said to support bowel movement and stimulate digestive enzymes.
3.
Relieves morning sickness and nausea
Women
in their first trimester of pregnancy can opt for curry
leaves in order to get relief from morning sickness and nausea. Curry leaves
helps in increasing digestive secretions and relieves nausea, morning sickness and
vomiting.
4.
Eliminates bacteria
Most
illness is caused by infections or because of oxidative damage in the body.
Curry leaves can be used as an alternative and natural treatment for such
infections. Curry leaves are full of carbazole alkaloids which are compounds
with antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory
properties. Curry leaves also contain the compound linolol. This compounds
gives curry leaves their scent. This compound has bacteria-killing properties.
It also helps in eliminating harmful free radicals from the body. Curry leaves
are antibacterial. They are effective in preventing bacterial infections by
E.coli and Staphylococcus.
Consumption of Curry leaves helps in the
management of diabetes and its related complications. Curry leaves
were found to be highly effective in reducing blood glucose levels. Curry leaves are rich in fibre which slows
down digestion, thus preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels in our blood.
They also boost the activity of insulin, further helping patients with diabetes.
Curry leaves have been found to reduce blood glucose levels effectively. They
offer protection to insulin-producing cells of pancreas and prevent damage
caused by free radicals. It is probably because of minerals like copper,
iron, zinc and iron that curry leaves perform this function. Thus, curry leaves
can be helpful for people suffering from diabetes.
6.
Good for eyesight
Traditionally,
curry leaves are believed to have beneficial effect on eyesight.
They prevent early onset of cataract. It
prevents the cornea from drying up and cloud formation in front of the eyes,
thus reducing the chances of Xeropthalmia and Night Blindness. This primarily
because curry leaves are rich in Vitamin A and β-carotene.
7.
Reduce stress
Essential
oil of curry leaves can help in reducing stress effectively. This is probably
because calming effect of scent of curry leaves. Studies show that inhaling linolol
can help in reducing stress, anxiety and
depression.
8.
Heals wounds, burns and skin eruptions
Curry leaves are helpful in soothing mild
burns, bruises and eruptions on the skin. They also protect our skin from
infections. Therefore Curry leaves are also a constituent of some soaps. Curry
leaves can be ground to make a fresh paste. You can add a little water to it
make the paste more consistent and apply it directly on skin burns, bruises and
skin eruptions like boils. The paste can even be left overnight for effective
results. You can cover the wound with a bandage or medical gauze. Carbazole
alkaloid compound in curry leaves speeds up the process of healing wounds which
are not too deep. They help in sealing the gap and restore hair growth in the
affected area. Curry leaves have a similar effect on inflamed skin, boils and
first-degree burns.
9.
Hair growth
Curry leaves when boiled with coconut oil
makes an excellent hair tonic that prevents greying and stimulates hair growth. They strengthen our hair and prevent hair loss. They are also helpful in
preventing dandruff and dry scalp. Curry leaves can stimulate hair follicles
and promote growth of healthy strands with normal hair pigment. Curry leaves
can be used for dealing hair loss and
premature graying of hair. Curry leaf extracts can help in dealing with dandruff and flaky scalp.
10.
Improves memory
Incorporating
curry leaves in your diet can have beneficial effects on your memory. It can
help in dealing with impaired memory disorders such as Alzheimer's.
11.
Powerful antioxidant:
Curry leaves are rich in plant compounds
which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds keep us healthy and protect us
from numerous diseases. They protect us from oxidative damage, preventing
diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys etc.
12. May reduce the risk of cancer:
Curry leaves have anti-mutagenic potential. They protect our body from different types of cancers. Flavonoids in Curry leaves act as anti-cancer agents. They are effective in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells. Curry leaves also protect the body from colon cancers. Curry leaves are also beneficial in protecting our body from cervical cancer.
13. Reduces risk of heart diseases:
Curry leaves protect our heart by preventing
oxidative damage. Consumption of Curry leaves also decreases
cholesterol level. Curry Leaves has anti-inflammatory property. So it prevents
you from inflammation which take place in internal organ of body. It also
reduces the level of triglyceride. Reduction in risk factors thus helps in
protecting us from heart diseases.
14. Analgesic:
Curry leaves were found to be useful in relieving pain and used traditionally as an analgesic (pain reliever).
15.
Neuroprotective effects:
Consumption of Curry leaves was found to increase the antioxidants that protect our brain. They were also found to be useful in Alzheimer’s disease by protecting the neurons from oxidative damage. Curry leaves are also found to be beneficial in amnesia (memory loss), commonly found in the elderly due to ageing.
Curry
leaves are powerful antioxidants and protect our liver from damage caused due
to oxidative stress. They also protect our liver from infections and reduce
inflammation. Curry leaves are found to be effective in the treatment of liver
cirrhosis. Corona virus infection is at
its peak at this time. You will know that this virus, after entering the body,
first affects your lungs and liver. So that the supply of oxygen and nutrients
in your body can be stopped. The corona test was continuously coming negative,
but the virus caused lung band. Virus does this so that your body becomes weak
and the virus engulfs all the parts of your body as quickly as possible.
Consuming curry leaves in your daily diet during this transition period can be
helpful in protecting you from dangerous infection of corona. Because curry
leaves contain hepatoprotective properties and elements called tannins. Both of
these help in increasing the performance of liver.
17. Treatment of anaemia:
Curry leaves are rich in iron and folic acid
which is important in improving iron levels in the body. This immensely helps
patients suffering from Anaemia. It acts as a natural blood
purifier, improves symptoms of tiredness and fatigue and reduces the chances of
getting infections.
18. Good for oral health:
Curry leaves have anti-bacterial and
anti-microbial properties that are extremely effective in maintaining good oral
health. The essential oils present in the leaves strengthen the gum and teeth,
removes bad odor and protects the teeth and gum from any foreign microbes and
infections. Curry leaves create an environment in our mouth that
prevents the development of bacteria. They thus help in maintaining oral health
and preventing oral diseases.
19.
Immunity Booster:
Curry Leaves is an ayurvedic herb. Vitamin C
is found abundant in Curry Leaves. So by using Curry Leaves we can increase our
immunity.
20. Anti-depression Anti-oxidant:
Curry leaves work as anti depression, whenever you are in depression, chewing curry leaves like two or three leaves give instant relief in depression. Curry Leaves are very beneficial in depression whenever you are in tension. It contains anti-oxidant elements,it increases the flow of oxygen in the mind, which calms the mind and provide reliefs in depression.
Beneficial Part of Curry Leaves (Meetha Neem)These parts of curry leaves are used:-· Leaves· Root· Fruit· Bark
How to Use Curry Leaves
Curry leaves should be used in such quantity:-Juice - 5 mlDecoction - 10-20 ml.
The ideal dosage of curry
leaves:
·
8 to 10 fresh Curry leaves per day
·
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Curry leaf powder per
day
·
1 to 2 Curry leaves capsules per day
More Reasons Why You Should Never Throw Curry
Leaves Away
Although the humble curry leaves have a wealth of
healthful nutrients including protein, fiber, calcium, vitamins and minerals
and spectacular properties, quite often we tend to throw it away. Here are a
few more reasons, why it should probably be a part of the daily dietary regimen
and should be consumed alongside the food prepared using it.
Promotes Cardiac Functioning
The abundance of high amounts of an alkaloid called
mahanimbine in curry leaves makes it extremely beneficial for the heart and
plays a pivotal role in treating a host of heart ailments. It relaxes the
cardiac system, by calming the mind, which is beneficial for patients suffering
from arrhythmias and palpitations. Regular intake of curry leaves imparts
heart-healthy properties by strengthening the heart muscles, lowering
cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing lipid build-up, which in turn
reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks,
blood clots, etc.
Improves Cognitive Abilities
Since long back these mighty leaves offer a traditional
remedy to increase the functioning of the brain. The presence of bioactive
components prevents the breakdown of brain chemicals including glutathione
reductase (GRD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
that are needed for enhancing the memory. Hence it helps improve memory
capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Being a
potent brain tonic and stimulator, people including curry leaves in their daily
diet or consuming other formulations have improved memory, reasoning,
problem-solving and other cognitive abilities and are thus used for treating
Alzheimer’s and other psychotic conditions like dementia.
Treats Respiratory Problems:
Imbued with potent anti-bacterial and expectorant
properties, curry leaves are highly significant for quite a few respiratory
problems. It helps clear mucus and rheum deposits from the nasal passage and
provides relief from chest congestion. The soothing nature of this leaf plays a
quintessential role in treating dry, irritated throat. It also serves as a
potent remedy for sinus, headache, asthma, bronchitis, and pharyngitis.
Where is Curry Leaves Found
Sweet Neem (Curry Leaf) is found throughout India up to an altitude of 900 meters. It is found in Sikkim at an altitude of 1500 m.
Conclusion
Ayurveda
mentions curry leaves as Girinimba or Krishnanimba, entitled after Lord
Krishna, the God of Protection in several ancient scriptures. The essential oil
extracted from the leaves of the curry leaf tree is widely employed in this traditional
holistic healing for the treatment of hair and skin problems, diabetes, eye
problem, dental problem, diarrhea etc.
The curry
leaves have Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It is blessed
with all the trigunas i.e. Laghu (light), Rukhsha(dry) and Tikshna (sharp). It
has Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (pungent metabolic property). It
aggravates the Pitta doshas (digestion) and pacifies Vata (air) and Kapha
(earth and water) doshas.
The richness
of antioxidants and nutrients in these leaves work wonders in giving one a
lustrous long hair. It treats damaged hair, strengthens the hair roots,
prevents hair fall and also treats dandruff. It is also a natural aid for premature greying of hair. The nutrients
present in curry leaves are beneficial for health in many respects. In
Ayurveda, curry leaves have been described as a panacea for stomach diseases.
Apart from this, it keeps the sugar under control and also curbs the increasing
weight. Moreover, adding curry leaves to your daily diet can strengthen your immunity
naturally. Being a powerhouse of nutrients like protein, fibre, calcium,
phosphorus, iron, multivitamins and flavonoids—curry leaves have been used in
traditional medicine for the treatment and prevention of various health
conditions.
Do this like join daily diet.
Curry leaves are traditionally eaten in poha,
kadhi and sambar. But you can also use curry leaves when making sago khichdi,
salted porridge, chutney, lentils and vegetables. This will not only increase
the taste of your food, but will also improve your health.
Dr. Mayank Chandrakar is a writer also. My first book "Ayurveda Self Healing: How to Achieve Health and Happiness" is available on Kobo and Instamojo. You can buy and read.
For Kobo-
https://www.kobo.com/search?query=Ayurveda+Self+Healing
The second Book "Think Positive Live Positive: How Optimism and Gratitude can change your life" is available on Kobo and Instamojo.
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