How is curry good for your health

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. It can be made with a variety of spices, usually including turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and chili pepper. Other common additions are ginger, black pepper, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fennel seeds. Curry powder may offer a variety of health benefits due to the numerous healthful spices it contains. Turmeric , one of the main spices in the blend, contains a pigment called curcumin. Curcumin is well known for its ability to fight inflammation by regulating inflammatory proteins, such as interleukin-6 IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-alpha 2 , 3.

In fact, both human and animal research have shown turmeric and isolated curcumin to relieve symptoms of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease 3 , 4 , 5. Other spices commonly found in curry powder, including chili pepper and coriander, offer anti-inflammatory effects as well. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory force 6.

Coriander has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine practices since ancient times, and research in rodents suggests that treatment with this spice may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases 7. Curry powder contains a variety of anti-inflammatory spices, including turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. Consuming curry powder may benefit heart health in several ways. For example, research has demonstrated that the spice mix may boost blood flow and improve blood vessel function, which in turn may decrease heart disease risk.

A small study in 14 men showed that eating 6. Another study in over , people found that those who consumed curry-powder-based dishes 2—3 times per month to once a week had significantly lower triglyceride levels compared with people who consumed curry less than once a month 9. Additionally, studies in humans have found that supplementing with turmeric and curcumin may reduce cholesterol levels in humans, though these results were from high-dose supplements exceeding the amounts typically found in food seasoned with curry powder Because high blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels are risk factors for heart disease, eating curry powder may help improve heart health.

However, further research on how curry powder may positively affect heart health and lower heart disease risk factors is needed. Consuming curry powder may benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and by improving blood flow.

Many of the spices in curry powder have anticancer properties. Numerous test-tube studies have found that turmeric, in particular, may fight certain cancer cells Alongside these benefits though, there are a couple of groups who should beware of the balti. It can also irritate the gallbladder too, so may not be good for people with gallbladder conditions. Confused about what to eat and what not to eat? Here for you, not for profit. This service can be accessed by phone hours a day.

What is curry powder? Builds Bone. While it's not clinically proven, some studies suggest that turmeric may promote bone growth, regrowth, and repair. Prevents Cancer. One curry health benefit comes from the famously healthy spice, curcumin. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that fights cancer-causing free radicals, and research shows that cancer levels are generally lower in countries that eat curcumin in their diet daily.

Boosts Heart Health. Cardamom and sweet basil are vasodilators, which can lower pressure and promote better heart health in our bodies. Strengthens the Microbiome. Coriander is a well-known fighter of harmful bacteria, which can help stave off bacterial infections and keep healthy bacteria levels strong in the gut and body.

It also has some pretty strong antifungal effects. Lowers Blood Sugar. Though we need more research, regularly eating curry powder may help lower and regulate blood sugar levels. Promotes Fullness. Some studies show that eating curry may help reduce our hunger and desire to eat, compared to other foods. Which Curry is Healthiest? Keep a few simple aspects in mind when considering eating a healthy VS unhealthy curry: Packed with vegetables. Up the fiber and nutrition of your curry by filling it with lots of healthy, nutrient-dense veggies.

Go heavy on the spice. Since we know that curry powder blends provide plenty of benefits, add as much as possible to the dish to maximize your intake.

Choose the lean protein. Use chicken or shrimp as a protein base. For a vegetarian option, try beans, peas, lentils, or tofu, all extra-lean and high in protein and micronutrients. All the more reason to eat lots of curries!

Some fanatics suggest adding chilli to all main meals — and why not? If you have a sensitive stomach, dried chillies may be gentler. This instantly recognisable gnarly root comes from the same botanical family as turmeric and has been used as far back as the 4th Century BC for stomach ache, nausea and diarrhoea. Legend has it that the Ancient Greeks used it to combat nausea after the excesses of an orgy.

Ginger is generally soothing and satisfying. Its power to cure nausea means it is regularly prescribed to pregnant women without fear of side effects. A couple of these, 6-gingerol and gingerol, are currently being investigated to prevent and treat cancer. It can lower blood glucose levels, and recent animal studies have homed in on 6-gingerol to help protect against type 2 diabetes. One study on mice with the disease, for instance, showed that 6-gingerol increased insulin levels.

Japanese tests on rats suggest that the chemical has anti-diabetic potential through a range of different mechanisms. They found that it can affect genes related to glucose metabolism and suggest that it could be used to treat as well as prevent type 2 diabetes.

Combining 6-gingerol with a bitter chemical called quercetin, found in red onion and kale but also available as a supplement, significantly boosts the anti-diabetic effects, scientists from Nanchang in China have found.

Heating ginger causes substances called shogaols to form, giving the dried spice its characteristic pungent taste and aroma. The most common is 6-shogaol, which is currently causing much excitement in research circles, with studies suggesting that it can protect the brain and possibly help to fight cancer. For example, a laboratory study in India revealed that 6-shogaol may be better than conventional chemotherapy. Other studies suggest that 6-shogaol may help to fight gastric, colon, and colorectal cancer.

Ginger can be used fresh or dried and powdered, and studies suggest that as little as 2g of ginger per day may be enough to lower blood sugar. Ginger biscuit, anyone? Home The Human Body The spice of life: unexpected health benefits hidden in your curry.