Have you tried the aromatic curry leaves in your favourite recipes? Curry leaves, known as ‘Kadi Patta’, are a common seasoning ingredient in many Indian dishes as they add a prominent punch of flavour to them. Some people also call them sweet neem leaves, and they belong to the Murraya Koenigii (Curry Tree), found mostly in Sri Lanka and India.
Curry leaves are bitter, but the citrusy flavours enhance their flavours when used in a wide range of South Indian dishes. It is a common ingredient in Indian kitchens and is used as ‘Tadka’ in rice recipes, soups, or curries.
The classic ‘Idli Chutney’ recipe remains incomplete without adding curry leaves to it. You just need to take a few drops of hot oil, add some black mustard seeds (Rai), and a pinch of red chilli powder. Cook until the leaves release their aroma. Add this mixture to your favourite recipe and relish the taste!
As one of the most underrated Indian herbs, curry leaves are not just used for their taste but also for their impressive medicinal properties.
Along with taste, curry leaves do complete justice to your health in multiple ways. Sweet neem leaves are a rich source of minerals like iron and calcium, as well as vitamins A, B, and C. They comprise several medicinal properties and health benefits, which are discussed below.
Here’s why you must have Kadi Patta as a part of your diet:
Curry leaves are a great source of antioxidants, and they prove helpful in neutralising harmful free radicals from your body. They aid in combating oxidative stress and equip you with vitamins A, C, and flavonoids. Other benefits include lowering the risk of chronic ailments, slowing down ageing, and protecting cells from damage.
People facing digestion problems must also try the intake of curry leaves in their meals. They aid in the stimulation of digestive enzymes, which support the breakdown of food in your diet. A high fibre content in curry leaves also imparts a healthy gut and offers relief in mild constipation.
Anyone coping with Diabetes must include high amounts of curry leaves or Kadi Patta in their diet. They can consume it in the form of chutneys or even juice to manage blood sugar levels. The hypoglycemic properties of curry leaves can trigger insulin activity and lower sugar absorption.
Curry leaves also contain a type of alkaloid in high amounts, making it a heart-friendly herb. Intake of curry leaves in different forms helps in managing cholesterol levels by controlling the formation of plaque in the arteries. Consuming these leaves can lower cholesterol levels, strengthen heart muscles, and decrease the probability of heart attacks.
Curry leaves comprise numerous anti-bacterial properties, leading to reduced respiratory disorders. Intake of sweet neem leaves cleans off the mucus deposits in the nasal passage and offers relief from colds or coughs. It is a good remedy for people having dry throats, bronchitis, asthma, sinuses, and other respiratory problems.
If you are already following a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet, start consuming curry leaves to see a noticeable difference in weight loss. It can support weight management and ensure better digestion due to high fibre amounts. These leaves can prove helpful in flushing off toxins from your body, avoiding fat accumulation, and ensuring a better metabolic process.
Curry leaves are a great natural supplement to improve your vision. Have them in curries or chutneys to get rid of eye-related minor issues. Kadi Patta has high amounts of β-carotene and Vitamin A, which helps avoid drying up of cornea, minimises cataract risk, and even offers relief from night blindness.
Curry leaves contain multiple antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for improved oral health. Beneficial oil extracts from curry leaves can aid in getting rid of bad odor and offer teeth as well as gum strengthening. It also provides relief from various infections and microbes.
People suffer from anaemia due to the iron deficiency in their body, and intake of curry leaves can help in coping with it. High iron content in these leaves helps in increasing the RBC count (Haemoglobin) in the blood. Start moderate and daily intake of curry leaves to get rid of fatigue and reduce exposure to infections.
Embrace that radiant and healthy skin by adding curry leaves to your meals as they contain Vitamin C and antioxidants in high amounts. These leaves also prove effective in preventing skin infections or tanning due to sun exposure.
While the intake of curry leaves has no side effects, it is advisable to consume them in moderation. These leaves might cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have any history of pollen allergy or asthma, it is better to avoid the intake of curry leaves. Consulting a medical expert is advisable to seek the complete benefits of curry leaves or the sweet neem.
Now you have a complete understanding of curry leaves’ benefits and how they can contribute to your overall wellness. In old times, people used to crush and apply curry leaves as a preliminary cure to treat mild burns, rashes, or wounds. Its medicinal properties can help in preventing any infection.
Apart from its prominent taste and aroma, the impressive health benefits of curry leaves are worth considering. Stay tuned for more such posts on natural culinary ingredients and superfoods you might be ignoring for a while. Please share your views and opinions on different uses of curry leaves and their effects.
Keep shining with good health!
