Written by Curry powder is a powder mix that is made from ground spices including turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek and red pepper. It has its origin in South Asia and is used in most of the South Asian and other cuisines including the Indian, Thai and many more. However, curry powder is not only used as a seasoning, it is also packed with nutrients that are good for health hence making it a better option to be incorporated in ones diet. Here are some of the best and some ways that you can improve your health every time you use curry powder in your cooking .
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The proponents of curry powder also claim that it has one of the most extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties among all kitchen spices. The primary blend ingredient responsible for fighting inflammation is turmeric. Understanding the potential of curcumin compounds extracted from the root of turmeric plant, researchers have accredited their profound anti-inflammatory effects. Although there are no substantive clinical studies on the effects of turmeric on arthritis, the curcumin in turmeric has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce pain from inflamed joints, muscles and other tissues. Science also points to low inflammation foods such as turmeric as having the capability of preventing specific diseases.
2. Antioxidant Capabilities
Secondly, it has been observed that curcumin, which is an active compound in turmeric, is anti-inflammatory and acts as an antioxidant. Free radicals are beneficial molecules that can cause harm to cells and contribute to disease and aging due to their oxidizing effects. Curry powder also helps to reduce the body’s vulnerability to oxidative stress due to its antioxidant content. Curry powder also comprises other complementary compounds, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids apart from curcumin. This explains why curry is such an effective dish in enhancing the intake of antioxidants in the body.
3. Improved Heart Health
Hence, research findings indicate that more curry powder intake may be advantageous to the health of the heart in several ways. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties assist in maintaining healthy arteries and minimizing the formation of plaques that can lead to heart ailments. Different research also shows that incorporate in cholesterol by reducing LDL ‘‘bad’’ cholesterol. Curry powder may also contain compounds that have the benefit of not letting fat accumulate in the arteries. Aim at maintaining the heart with foods rich in nutrients and avoiding food that is rich in cholesterol and energy through the use of such spice powders as curry.
4. Better Brain Health
There is evidence suggesting that the curcumin content in turmeric helps in the proper functioning of the brain and can therefore help enhance brain health. Curcumin also caused an up-regulation in BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), which is a growth hormone that helps to grow neurons. It is also stated by the researchers that curcumin is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in nature, which also assist in enhancing the microglia cells in the brain. Research is still ongoing, but the inclusion of anti-inflammatory people like curry, as well as other foods seems to have some benefits in brain health and possibly decreasing the risk of cognitive decline diseases.
5. Cancer-Fighting Properties
There have been some initial findings indicating that the active component of curcumin may be effective in the prevention of some forms of cancer. Research shows that curcumin has an inhibitory effect on cancer cells and that it may even reduce the rate at which cancer cells grow and proliferate in some types of cancer. That is why, even though more research is still needed, based on the fact that curcumin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other healthy properties within the body at the cellular level, experts hypothesize it acts to reduce the proliferation of tumor cells. Further human studies are required, however, the evidence for curcumin benefits in cancer prevention or progression is promising.
6. Improved Digestion
The components of spices in curry powder also help the digestive system in other ways as explained below. It aids the body in improving its fats digestion by stimulating the production of bile among other effects due to the presence of turmeric. Similarly, black pepper, which customers often mix with curry powder, enhances curcumin’s bioavailability and uptake by the body. Curry powder also helps in improving the intake of fiber, which is essential for enhancing bowel movement and subsequent digestive health. The antioxidants as curcumin present in the curry powder may also help in the improvement of gastrointestinal tract due to reduction of inflammation in the various sections of the G. I tract. Given that there are various types of digestive-aiding components present in curry food, incorporating more of this food into your diet is beneficial for your digestive health.
7. More Nutrients and Minerals
Besides medical properties, curry powder contains a number of vitamins, minerals, and other useful ingredients in its composition. Some of those nutrients include calcium, vitamin K, iron, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin C, among others. As simple as it seems, incorporating one to two teaspoons of curry power to your foods is another way of increasing your vitamin and mineral intake. This also assists in avoiding nutrient depletion as well as the various complications that are linked to such a situation.
8. Liver Support
It is equally important to understand that preliminary studies also suggest that turmeric can enhance liver function because of its curcumin content. The anti-inflammatory properties in these vegetables seem to help in enhancing the function of the liver and also aid in the elimination of toxins from the body. Curcumin also has potential for liver injury protection from reactive species. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are considered to be factors that could potentially promote the progression of liver disease. The compounds in curry powder which can directly counter the activities of these agents of liver damage therefore make the spice protective against liver dysfunction.
Intaking more curry powder into your diet is easy and yummy and will benefit your body from your head down to your toes. Try embracing your favorite recipes and turning them into curried dishes which are spiced up by this nutritious and healing spices. It has been shown that it can lead to lowering inflammation levels, decrease the risk of heart and brain damage, and, in some cases, even prevent diseases in the future. It cannot be overemphasized that the various curry powders for different recipes are rich in nutrients and adding just a teaspoon would be very healthy for you.
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