From curing an upset stomach to boosting immunity, here is why you should include curry leaves in your daily diet

Health benefits of curry leaves

1. Aids in the growth of hair

Curry leaves help in hair growth and minimising hair fall. When you eat curry leaves, not only is the hair root strengthened, premature greying is also prevented and sometimes cured.

2. Promotes faster healing of wounds

Curry leaves have excellent properties which are good for your skin. If you have small wounds, burns or any skin eruptions, a paste of curry leaves is all you need. For quick relief, apply a thick layer of a paste made of curry leaves.

3. Helps in weight loss

Trying to knock down a few kilos from your weight? Try curry leaves as it aids in weight loss. It also cleanses your body from harmful chemicals.

4. Cures an upset stomach

Have you tried having curry leaves on an empty stomach? Excellent for treating an upset stomach, having curry leaves early in the morning is good for various stomach-related issues. Just grind some dried curry leaves and add them to buttermilk. Drink this concoction first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach to deal with diarrhea, constipation and dysentery.

Medicinal uses of curry leaves

• Boosts immunity:  Curry leaves are loaded with several vitamins and are a good source of iron and calcium. It helps build immunity and protects you and your family from diseases.
• Treats gastric issues: If you are suffering from an upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, curry leaves can come to your rescue. Just mix some curry leaf powder in buttermilk and drink it on an empty stomach to find relief. It is also useful in relieving symptoms of morning sickness and nausea.
• Good remedy for indigestion: Curry leaves are good for indigestion. It stimulates the release of digestive enzymes which help in breaking down the food inside your stomach and gut.
• Battles infection: The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curry leaves help the body to fight against various diseases.
• Boosts heart health: Its antioxidative properties help to regulate the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood and increases HDL or good cholesterol level which is vital for good heart health.
• Regulates blood sugar: Curry leaves are rich in fiber content. Dietary fiber helps to slow down digestion which ensures proper utilization of insulin and keeps the blood sugar level in check.
• Improves eyesight: Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamin A which is beneficial for good vision and eye health.

Side effects of eating raw curry leaves

Consuming curry leaves in moderate quantities has no side effects per se. However, consuming too many can result in acidity, stomach upset and symptoms of nausea.

Recipe: How to make curry leaf powder

• 3 cups of curry leaves, tightly packed
• 1tsp black pepper
• 1tsp cumin seeds
• 1 red chilly
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash the curry leaves and dry them.
2. Next, dry roast the curry leaves and keep them aside. Dry roast the other ingredients except for salt and grind them together.
3. Add the curry leaves and grind again.
4. Add salt and mix well. This mixture has a very long shelf life. It can be mixed with rice and ghee for a tasty rice dish.
5. For a spicier version, add more pepper and a few pods of dry-roasted garlic.

We don't need superfoods for optimal health, simple, day-to-day ingredients like curry leaves can do wonders for our health. So the next time you want to throw out a curry leaf from your plate, think twice.