The curry tree is considered Native to Southeast Asia. It can grow well in tropical and subtropical climates. This is a common species in the tropical and subtropical regions of South East Asia.
The leaves obtained from the curry tree are called the curry leaves. Curry leaves mimic the Neem plant leaves and is sweet in contrast to the bitter taste of Neem.
Unlike neem trees, curry trees are small in size and can merely attain a height of more than six meters.
Curry leaves are the most important ingredient in the South Asian cousin.
Traditionally curry leaves were given along with the turmeric in the time of snakebite.
How to use the Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are mixed along with the curry to make it nutritious. Although the aroma of the dried curry leaves is inferior to that of the fresh leaves. Dried curry leaves are widely used around the globe mainly due to ease of storage and transportation.
Propagation
Seeds are used to propagate the plant. The edible part of the plant is leaf so the vegetative propagation methods are less frequently used like that of the other plants.
Nutrition
Curry leaves consist of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in varying amounts. More than eighteen percent of the curry leaves comprise carbohydrates, six percent protein, and one percent fat respectively. It is widely noticed that the fiber content comprises more than four percent by volume.
Vitamins present in the curry leaves are the C, A, E, and B complex vitamins in varying amounts.
Minerals present in the curry leaves are Ions, Calcium, Phosphorus, etc. in different proportions.
Health Benefits of Curry Leaves
1. Anemia
Anemia is caused due to the lack of iron in the diet. Curry leaves being lush in iron can be effective in the combat of the anemia occurring in the human body.
The folic acid present in the curry leaves makes the absorption of iron smoother in the body.
2. Digestion
Consumption of curry leaves is believed to be beneficial to the digestive system. It has been claimed that the consumption of curry leaves is related to adequate fat absorption in the body.
It is generally perceived that curry leaves have mild laxative properties which is beneficial for smooth bowel movement.
3. Diabetes
The innate fiber in the curry leaves is claimed to be effective in regulating the glucose level in the human body.
4. Kidney Aliments
Curry leaves are found to be effective in the removal of ailments occurring in the kidney.
5. Prevent Liver Damage
The Kaempferol which is the potent antioxidant present in the curry leaves and when consumed can protect the liver from oxidative damage. Further, the presence of vitamins A and C drastically increases the function.
6. Prevent Cataracts
Curry leaves are effective in combating the eye disorders like preventing cataract occurrence in the human body.
The high level of vitamin A present in the curry leaves can be beneficial to prevent vision loss, especially in dosage.
7. Lowering the Cholesterol
It has been claimed from nutrition pundits that the consumption of curry leaves can lower bad cholesterol by preventing the oxidation of the cholesterol. This beneficial credit is given to the antioxidants present in the Curry Leaves.
8. Weight Loss
Curry leaves are effective in losing weight in the human body. The consumption of curry leaves is believed to accelerate the process of weight loss in the human body. It is recommended to consume fresh curry leaves in the morning on an empty stomach for optimum benefits.
9. Anti-Inflammation
Curry leaves can protect the body against inflammation and can be effective in the time of occurrence of diarrhea.
10. Antimicrobial
Curry leaves have a strong anti-bacterial, fungal, and antiprotozoal nature. Due to this, it is effective to control the noisome microorganisms occurring in the human body.
11. Prevent Cancer
There are researchers around the globe claiming the anticancer properties of curry leaves. Due to this, it helps prevent the occurrence of cancer in the human body.
12. Healthy Hair
Curry leaves can prevent various ailments in the hair like dandruff, hair fall, graying hair, etc. mainly due to its antimicrobial and anti-protozoan properties.
13. Ease the Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy
Curry leaves are lush with the goodness of health benefits preventing the adverse effects of chemotherapy like hair loss, and stress, further, the antioxidants present in the curry leaves are effective in protecting chromosomes from the adverse effects of free radical production.
14. Blood Circulation
Consumption of curry leaves helps in the smooth circulation of blood in the human body.