Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 06/08/2024
Curry Leaves, also known as Kadi Patta, are integral to Indian cuisine with their distinct flavour and aroma. Beyond culinary usage, there are many benefits of eating curry leaves.
Curry leaves have medicinal benefits that stem from the rich amounts of antioxidants, which positively impact our bodies in various ways. Let’s get into the details of the curry leaves’ nutrition values and the curry leaves benefits and side effects.
Curry Leaves Nutrition Value
Nutritional Category | Values | |
---|---|---|
Weight | 100 grams | 100 grams |
Protein | 6 grams | 12 grams |
Carbohydrate | 18.7 grams | 64.31 grams |
Fat | 1 gram | 5.4 grams |
Vitamin C | 4 milligrams | 4 milligrams |
Calcium | 830 milligrams | 2040 milligrams |
Iron | 0.93 milligrams | 12 milligrams |
β-carotene | 7560 micrograms | 5292 micrograms |
Curry Leaves Benefits
Curry Leaves Benefits Blood Sugar Management
Curry leaves have recently garnered attention for their potential to regulate blood sugar levels which offer hope for individuals with diabetes. In the Makara Journal of Health Research 21(2), an experiment on diabetic rats concluded that there was a notable decrease in blood sugar levels upon the consumption of curry leaf extract.
This effect may be attributed to the presence of certain bioactive compounds in curry leaves that mimic insulin’s action or enhance glucose uptake by the cells. This opens a possibility that there could be a great addition to the benefits of eating curry leaf.
Curry Leaves Benefits Cholesterol Regulation
Studies suggest that curry leaves may contribute to lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. Certain animal models indicate that the regular consumption of curry leaves may lead to a reduction in total cholesterol levels. This can be attributed to their potential hypolipidemic effects.
Moreover, these beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in the body may be further attributed to the presence of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in curry leaves. This underscores the potential of curry leaves uses in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Curry Leaves Benefits Skin Health
The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of curry leaves make them a valuable component in maintaining optimal skin health. The topical application of curry leaf oil is known to be effective in treating various skin ailments, including burns, bruises, acne and itching.
These therapeutic properties of the curry leaves can be due to the presence of bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds tend to possess antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from oxidative damage and promote rejuvenation in skin cells.
Moreover, curry leaves juice benefits can be derived from incorporating curry leaves into your diet to help promote skin health through diet as it has the potential to offer a natural approach to achieving healthy and radiant skin.
Curry Leaves Benefits Liver Support
Curry Leaves have recently exhibited liver-protective properties in animal studies. The research suggests that curry leaves have the potential to prevent liver damage and promote overall liver health.
The bioactive compounds present in curry leaves have been shown to enhance the activity of liver enzymes responsible for lipid oxidation. This facilitates the metabolism of fats. Additionally, curry leaves have shown the potential to help alleviate the oxidative stress in the lie, which contributes to reducing the risk of liver disorders.
These findings further highlight the possibility of the use of curry leaves in supporting major organ functions. Incorporating them into a diet in the form of curry leaves powder, can help attain all the possible curry leaves medicinal benefits.
Curry Leaves Benefits Against Cancer
Compounds found in curry leaves have shown promising ability in combating cancer cells in a recent study. The preliminary studies indicate that the curry leaves may possess anti-cancer properties due to their high antioxidant levels as well as anti-inflammatory effects.
These bioactive compounds may help inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. This promising ability of curry leaves is a great addition to the possibility of a natural way of preventing or treating cancer.
Side Effects of Curry Leaves
Although Curry Leaves offer numerous health benefits, it can prove to be helpful to be aware of the potential side effects or allergic reactions.
Allergic Reactions Due to Curry Leaves
Individuals allergic to plant pollen have a higher chance of being allergic to curry leaves.
The following are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to Curry Leaves:
Tightness in chest
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Indigestion
Skin rash
Dizziness
Diarrhoea
Sneezing
Itchy ears or nose
Headache
Mouth tingling
Anaphylaxis attack
**Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Individuals who consume curry leaves may experience some gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, gas or even indigestion. This could be due to the individual’s sensitive nature or allergic tendencies to certain compounds present in the leaves.
Blood Sugar Levels
Although curry leaves are known for their potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes are recommended to monitor their curry leaves intake. Excessive addition of curry leaves to the diet can cause hypoglycemia.
This, especially when paired with drugs to reduce blood sugar levels in the body, can be very harmful to the body.
Toxicity
Some parts of the curry leaf plant, especially the small pods, are known to be extremely toxic. It is advisable to consume the leaves from a plant with great caution.
Curry Leaves Recipes
Curry Leaves Juice
Curry leaves juice benefits the skin as well as the heart. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Curry Leaves | 8 - 10 leaves |
Ginger | 1 piece |
Lemon | 1 |
Amla | 2 |
Fresh Turmeric | 2 small pieces |
Salt | A pinch |
Instructions
Wash all ingredients
Blend turmeric, ginger, amla and curry leaves up in a mixer
Add water to the smooth paste to make a serving for 3
Add lemon juice and salt to taste
Serve chilled
Karivepaku Podi (Curry Leaves Powder)
Karivepaku Podi is a delicious traditional Andhra condiment that is rich in health benefits. Here’s how to make some:
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Dry Curry Leaves | 1 cup |
Urad Dal | 1 tablespoon |
Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
Jeera Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Sesame Seeds | 2 small pieces |
Dry Shredded Coconut | A pinch |
Garlic | 2 - 3 cloves |
Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Toss the dal and chillies in a dry pan till they darken.
Add jeera, sesame and coconut to the same pan and dry roast.
Once done, remove.
Add oil to the same pan.
Add all curry leaves.
Once almost fried, add garlic.
Once fried well, remove from the pan.
Add everything to a blender and blend into smooth powder.
Enjoy with idlis or rice.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, curry leaves, or kai patta, stand out not only as a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine but also as a source of numerous health benefits.
From aiding in blood sugar management and cholesterol level regulations to supporting liver and skin health, curry leaves medicinal benefits have been widely recognised thanks to research. Incorporating curry leaves powder or even juice into your diet can help attain these health benefits.
However, it is important to be aware of both curry leaves benefits and side effects alike. Overconsumption may lead to stomach issues and make one feel very uncomfortable. Allergic reactions to curry leaves, although rare, should not be missed and must be treated carefully.
FAQS
Can curry leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, curry leaves can be eaten raw. They can also be consumed by boiling in water, as juices or by tempering in curries by those who enjoy their flavour.
Can curry powder be eaten as is?
Curry powder can be added as is to the food. As it usually is a blend of other spices. It is advisable to avoid eating the powder directly on its own.
How much Kadi patta can be eaten in a day?
It is recommended to consume no more than 10 - 15 curry leaves a day. Overconsumption can cause abdominal pain.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the health benefits and uses of curry leaves. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.
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