Curry – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, July 20, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Curry is a popular spice mix that originated in Southeast Asia. According to an article posted on the Huffington Post website, the special spice mix is made up of various herbs and spices depending on the region. The traditional curry powder mix includes coriander, sweet basil, and cumin as well as turmeric, cardamom, and red pepper. Other ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, and fennel seeds as well as garlic and mustard seeds can be added in the mix.

List of known nutrients

Curry is packed with a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals, making it one of the healthiest spices. An entry posted on the SELF Nutrition Data website lists the important nutrients found in curry. These include:

Betaine
Calcium
Choline
Copper
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty acids
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for curry

Curry has been extensively studied for its potential in cancer prevention. Studies suggest that an increased intake of turmeric, a key ingredient in curry, may help cancer-fighting activity in human saliva. A large number of research also established a link between curry consumption and reduced odds of developing cancer. More importantly, the curcumin compound in turmeric is known to stave off colon cancer. Additionally, the powerful compound is touted to ward of liver toxicity, inflammation, and cancer growth.

Likewise, the turmeric in curry powder is associated with pain relief and decreased inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric is known to alleviate joint inflammation and deterioration. Likewise, the ingredient is touted to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain. In fact, the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric are comparable to those of ibuprofen. This makes curry a natural remedy to bone and joint conditions.

In addition, the turmeric in curry powder is valued for its positive effects on cognitive health. Studies show that the curcumin in turmeric staves off plaque deposits carried by free radicals in the neural pathways of the brain. According to research, curcumin prompts the immune system to rid the body of amino acids that contribute to plaque build up. As a result, the effect lowers the likelihood of cognitive decline and the subsequent onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, the turmeric in curry powder is widely regarded for its positive effects on the body’s skeletal system. Previous studies showed that turmeric speeds up bone regrowth, connectivity and repair. This makes curry powder a potent superfood against osteoporosis. On the other hand, the cardamom and sweet basil in curry powder are known to contain vasodilating properties that relaxes the blood vessels. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure levels and reduces the odds of developing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Furthermore, the coriander in curry powder is found to contain powerful antibacterial properties that ward off infections such as E. coli. thus, curry powder consumption may fortify both the digestive and immune systems. On the other hand, various other curry ingredients — such as black pepper, bay leaves, and cinnamon as well as cumin and coriander — are found to relieve a host of digestive issues.

Body systems supported by curry

Curry powder is beneficial to the nervous, digestive, and skeletal systems. Likewise, the spice mix supports the cardiovascular and immune systems.

Ways to use curry

Curry can be used in a variety of meats such as chicken, beef and lamb. Visit Taste.com.au for a number of interesting curry recipes curated across the web.