Curry leaves are the leaves of the curry tree (Murraya koenigii) This tree is native to India, and its leaves are used in both medicinal and culinary agents.
It is highly aromatic and has a unique flavor with citrus notes (s).
Curry leaves are not the same as curry powder, although they are often added to popular spice mixtures and are commonly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as curries.
Benefits and uses of curry leaves
Apart from being a versatile culinary herb, it offers an abundance of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds it contains. Here are the great benefits and uses of curry leaves.
It should be noted that these benefits have been proven in animal research according to the sources listed.
And it's potential benefits for humans, future research on humans is needed to prove these potential benefits.
1. Rich in powerful plant compounds
Curry leaves are packed with antioxidants that may protect your body by reducing oxidative stress and removing free radicals (s, s, s).
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2. May reduce heart disease risk factors
Eating curry leaves may benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more research is needed (s, s).
3. May have neuroprotective properties
Some animal research suggests that curry leaf extract may protect against neurodegenerative diseases. However, more research is needed (s, s).
4. May have anti-cancer effects
Research suggests that curry leaves may have powerful anti-cancer properties (s, s).
5. Useful for controlling blood sugar
Animal research shows that curry leaf extract may help reduce high blood sugar levels and protect against symptoms related to diabetes, including nerve pain and kidney damage (s).
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6. May have analgesic properties
Research in rodents has shown that taking curry extract orally significantly reduces induced pain (s).
7. It has anti-inflammatory effects
Curry leaves contain a wide range of anti-inflammatory compounds, and animal research has shown that curry leaf extract can help reduce genes and proteins associated with inflammation (s).
8. It provides antibacterial properties
A study found that curry leaf extract inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, including Corynebacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pyogenes (s).
Ways to use curry leaves in the kitchen
The leaves are commonly added to dishes to impart a strong, rich flavor and are commonly used in meat dishes, curries, and other traditional Indian recipes.
It is sold fresh in some specialty stores, but is most commonly found in dry form in the spice section of grocery stores.
Here are some ways to use curry leaves in the kitchen:
- Fry curry leaves in ghee over high heat then add ghee and curry leaves to any dish you like.
- Soak the broth in curry leaves for a fresh flavor.
- Combine fresh or dried curry leaves with other spices, such as red chili, turmeric, and cumin seeds, to make a delicious spice blend.
- Put chopped or crumbled dried curry leaves on top of any savory dish for flavor.
- Cook the curry leaves in hot oil and then use the soaked oil as a dip or on top of crusty bread.
- Add curry leaves to sauces.
- Put shredded curry leaves in delicious recipes like bread and crackers.