If you’re a fan of South Indian cooking, you’re probably familiar with curry leaves (kadi patta). These aromatic leaves do exactly what they’d think – add flavor and depth to a curry, soup, or dahl dish.
Health Benefits of Curry Leaves
They have been noted for their potential health benefits, including aiding in weight loss. Here are some ways curry leaves can contribute to weight loss:
- Boost Metabolism: Curry leaves are known to improve digestion and boost metabolism, which can help to burn calories more efficiently. While there are no quick-fix weight loss remedies, curry leaves are widely used by those who maintain a healthy weight, after weight loss.
- Detoxification: They have detoxifying properties, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, which can indirectly support weight loss.
- Regulate Blood Sugar Levels: They can help regulate blood sugar levels, by reducing cravings and preventing overeating. One of the most impressive benefits of these leaves is their hypoglycemic properties, which help to reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. When insulin is produced, it can break down starch into glucose, decreasing blood sugar levels.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The leaves are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight oxidative stress and inflammation, both linked to obesity.
- Reduce Bad Cholesterol: Regular consumption of these leaves may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), promoting better heart health and supporting weight management. Curry leaves contain carbazole alkaloids, which, according to research, reduce LDL cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease – two problems that can be reduced with weight loss.
- Aid Digestion: Improve gut health by aiding in better digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can contribute to weight loss efforts. Fiber in them helps the body regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation and equally warding off diarrhea. One of the health benefits of curry leaves is that they can treat gastrointestinal issues thanks to their carminative and anti-dysenteric properties.
How to Use The Leaves for Weight Loss
- Curry Leaf Tea: Boil 10-15 fresh or dried curry leaves in water to make a tea. Drink this in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Chew Raw Leaves: Chewing a few raw curry leaves in the morning can help kickstart metabolism. Consuming 8-10 fresh leaves on an empty stomach in the morning is a common practice for digestive health and weight loss benefits.
- Incorporate in Meals: Add curry leaves to your dishes like soups, stews, and curries to benefit from their properties.
- Powder Form: Dry the leaves and grind them into a powder. This can be added to smoothies, juices, or sprinkled on food. If using dried powder, about 1 teaspoon per day mixed into smoothies, juices, or sprinkled on food can be effective.
- Curry Leaf Juice: Blend fresh leaves with a bit of water to make juice. Drink this juice regularly to aid weight loss.
Make curry leaves a part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
