Curry powder is a mixture of spices with a shiny golden color and a complex flavour. It can be made with a variety of spices, including:
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Latency
- Fenugreek
- Chili pepper
Other popular add-ons are:
- Ginger
- Black pepper
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Fennel seeds
You can add whatever you like. Because it contains many healthy spices, curry powder may offer a variety of health benefits.
Amazing benefits of curry powder
Keep in mind that these benefits mostly relate to the individual ingredients of the curry powder and not the spice blend itself.
More research is needed that includes the use of curry powder to promote health.
Here are the great health benefits of sourced curry powder.
1. Strong anti-inflammatory properties
Curry powder contains a variety of anti-inflammatory spices, including turmeric, coriander and chili powder (s, s, s).
2. May improve heart health
Eating curry powder may benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors such as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improving blood flow (s, s, s).
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3. May have anti-cancer effects
Some research suggests that curry powder may have powerful anti-cancer properties, but more studies are needed (s).
4. Contains powerful antioxidants
Some research suggests that consuming curry powder may help reduce oxidative stress, thus reducing disease risk (s).
5. May help lower blood sugar levels
A study of more than 100,000 people showed that those who ate moderate amounts of curry had significantly lower blood sugar levels than those who ate curry less than once a month (s).
6. May improve brain health
Human and animal research has shown that curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, may significantly improve signs of mental decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (s, s).
7. May improve feelings of fullness
In one study, men who ate meals containing 6 or 12 grams of curry powder reported significantly reduced hunger and desire to eat, compared to those who ate a control meal (s).
8. Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties
Curry powder contains coriander and cumin, two spices that studies have shown to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects (s).
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9. May promote digestive health
Studies in rodents have found that curcumin may help the digestive system function properly and relieve symptoms of GI disorders, although more human research is needed (s, s, s).
What are the side effects of curry?
While the positive aspects of curry powder and its ingredients are more well known, there are some side effects of curry powder that may mostly originate from turmeric powder.
The National Institutes of Health notes that turmeric is generally considered safe, but may cause problems when taken in large doses (s). for example:
A review published by Foods Journal in October 2017 showed that some people who took very high amounts of turmeric experienced diarrhea, headaches, and rashes.
Others who took high doses of curcumin over several months reported nausea and diarrhea (s).
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (s) advises against taking turmeric if:
- You are taking warfarin or any other blood thinners. Turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding.
- You are taking chemotherapy medicines. Turmeric inhibits the action of these drugs against breast cancer cells in laboratory experiments.
- If you are taking tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant. Curcumin supplements increase plasma levels of tacrolimus and may increase side effects.
- You have digestive problems or are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Patients should consult their physicians before consuming too much turmeric.