Picture this: It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon and your mother is cooking lunch. A few whistles and a tadka later, an aromatic scent invades the house and you are instantly drawn to the dining table. Thanks to the unique smell of curry leaves, many dishes have a high and distinctive taste. A staple in Indian cuisines, curry leaves are commonly used in Indian cooking as a flavoring agent, but few people know that they also offer several health benefits.
One of the most crucial benefits of consuming curry leaves is their potential role in weight loss. Curry leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds which help in weight loss effectively. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help shed unwanted pounds without much effort. Let’s explore how curry leaves can help with weight loss.
How Eating Curry Leaves Can Help You Lose Weight
Besides being a versatile culinary herb, curry leaves offer a plethora of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds they contain. Here’s how:
Curry leaves boost metabolism
Curry leaves contain an alkaloid called mahanimbine, which increases metabolism. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine showed that mahanimbine activates the thyroid gland, which in turn boosts metabolism. A higher metabolic rate means the body burns calories at a faster rate, leading to weight loss.
It regulates blood sugar levels
One of the reasons for weight gain is the consumption of foods with a high glycemic index that cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. This spike triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that signals the body to store fat. Curry leaves contain compounds that may help regulate blood sugar. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that curry leaves can lower blood sugar in diabetic rats. When blood sugar is under control, the body is less likely to store fat, leading to weight loss.
Curry Leaves Benefits for Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Another key benefit of consuming curry leaves is reducing cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol levels can lead to weight gain and other health problems. A study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research showed that curry leaves can lower total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels. When cholesterol levels are under control, the body is less likely to store fat, leading to weight loss.
It suppresses the appetite
Curry leaves have been shown to suppress appetite, which is very beneficial for weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research showed that curry leaves can reduce food intake in rats. When we eat less, the body is forced to use stored fat for energy, which leads to weight loss.
It helps to detoxify the body
Curry leaves have detoxifying benefits that can help with weight loss. When the body is filled with toxins, it becomes difficult to lose weight. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that curry leaves have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can protect the liver from toxins. A healthy liver is essential for detoxification and weight loss.
How to incorporate curry leaves into your diet?
Now that we know how curry leaves can help with weight loss, let’s explore how we can incorporate them into our diet.
Curry leaf tea
One of the easiest ways to consume curry leaves is to make tea. Boil a cup of water and add a handful of curry leaves. Simmer for a few minutes and strain the liquid. You can add honey or lemon to taste. Drink this tea daily to reap the weight loss benefits.
curry leaf powder
You can also make a curry leaf powder and add it to your food. Dry the roasted curry leaves and grind them into a fine powder. Add this powder to your soups, stews and curries.
Curry leaf chutney
Curry leaf chutney is a tasty way to consume curry leaves. Roast the curry leaves, coconut and green chillies and grind them into a fine paste. Add salt to taste. This chutney can be used as a dip or spread.
Hero Image: Courtesy neelakandi/shutterstock; Feature Image: Courtesy Rostovtsevayu/Shutterstock