Curry Leaves: The Benefits Beyond the Flavour
SUHEL AHMED • 11 January 2021
A plant native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Andaman Islands, curry leaves—also known as Sweet Neem Leaves—have spread alongside South Indian cuisine. Today, it remains one of the irreplaceable ingredients used in sumptuous South Indian dishes all around the world!
While curry leaves are best known for their unique flavour and aroma, there is so much more this humble plant has to offer. With micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and a whole host of vitamins, curry leaves have a long list of health benefits to offer.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pay a visit to London’s best Indian food restaurant and order a hot dish of your favourite curry, let the health benefits of curry leaves do the convincing:
Curry Leaves are a Powerful Antioxidant
The plant compounds that are abundant in curry leaves are potent antioxidants that protect us from oxidative damage and safeguard us from disease. Every single system in your body can thank you for this, as antioxidants are beneficial for all!
Curry Leaves Support Heart Health
One of the greatest benefits of curry leaves is their ability to support health by regulating cholesterol levels and decreasing the level of triglycerides in the blood. Seeing as these two factors contribute greatly to your chances of cardiac disease, it’s safe to say that this plant will support your heart health!
Curry Leaves Improve Blood Sugar Regulation
Whether or not you are diabetic, curry leaves can improve the regulation of your blood sugar levels. Since they are rich in fibre, they slow digestion and make it so glucose is absorbed slowly without sudden spikes. Aside from that, curry leaves boost insulin production, which is wonderful for those with underperforming pancreas.
Curry Leaves Reduce Pain
Curry leaves have traditionally been used as pain relievers for hundreds of years thanks to their analgesic properties. Whether consumed in food or as an extract, these plants can reduce pain naturally.
Curry Leaves Combat Infection
Bacterial infections can range from mild to severe, but curry leaves can support healing by combating infections brought on by bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus. Aside from that, they resist infection with their antioxidative properties, further protecting our organs and reducing inflammation.
Curry Leaves Strengthen Hair and Skin
Curry leaves strengthen your body from the inside out. You can use them topically to stimulate hair growth, prevent dandruff, and reduce itching by simmering a few leaves with some coconut oil. The same concoction can be used to soothe mild burns and bruises.
Indulge in a South Indian Dish with Curry Leaves for Your Health!
Whether in rasam, chutney, or a classic dish of curry, curry leaves are a quintessential South Indian seasoning that has so much more to offer beyond flavour. From promoting heart health to helping your hair grow, is there anything that this incredible plant can’t do?
Even if our list of health benefits doesn’t impress you, there’s no reason to deny the wonderful flavours that curry leaves have to offer. If you haven’t tried it yet, there’s absolutely no reason not to!
Support your health today by indulging in a few delicacies from the best curry restaurant
by London Bridge! We are excited to supply you with delicious and authentic Indian flavours.