Curry leaves or kadi patta are popular in India because of its aroma and striking taste. The Curry leaf tree was originally grown in India for its aromatic leaves. It slowly made way to many Asian kitchens because of its amazing and distinct flavour.

Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in Kadhi Pakoda, which is quite a popular delicacy in many parts of the country. Besides, curry leaves can be added to numerous dishes.

However, there is much more to curry leaves apart from their distinct flavour. Curry leaves can also be used for weight loss. They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and B2.

Curry leaves are also said to be good sources of iron and calcium. Because of this reason, curry leaves are used as part of folklore medicine to treat calcium deficiency and several other conditions.

Below are 7 reasons to add curry leaves to your diet:

1. Weight loss

Surprising as it may sound, curry leaves can aid weight loss. Carbazole alkaloids work against weight gain and help in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. Thus, curry leaves can be consumed in order to aid weight loss. To increase their consumption, you can munch on dried curry leaves or add fresh or dried curry leaves to your meals. You can also add to your salad. Consume curry leaves along with a healthy diet and exercise regularly for quicker weight loss.

2. It can help in treating dysentery, constipation and diarrhea

Curry leaves can be used for treating an upset stomach. You can grind dried curry leaves and add it to buttermilk. Drink it on any empty stomach for dealing with conditions such diarrhea, constipation and dysentery. Raw and tender curry leaves can also be eaten on an empty stomach. Curry leaves are said to support bowel movement and stimulate digestive enzymes.

3. Relieves morning sickness and nausea

Women in their first trimester of pregnancy can opt for curry leaves in order to get relief from morning sickness and nausea. Curry leaves helps in increasing digestive secretions and relieve nausea, morning sickness and vomiting.

4. Eliminates bacteria

Most illness is caused by infections or because of oxidative damage in the body. Curry leaves can be used as an alternative and natural treatment for such infections. Curry leaves are full of carbazole alkaloids which are compounds with antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Curry leaves also contain the compound linolol. This compounds gives curry leaves their scent. This compound has bacteria-killing properties. It also helps in eliminating harmful free radicals from the body.

5. Good for diabetics

Curry leaves have been found to reduce blood glucose levels effectively. They offer protection to insulin-producing cells of pancreas and prevent damage caused by free radicals. It is probably because of minerals like copper, iron, zinc and iron that curry leaves perform this function. Thus, curry leaves can be helpful for people suffering from diabetes.

6. Good for eyesight

Traditionally, curry leaves are believed to have beneficial effect on eyesight. They prevent early onset of cataract. This primarily because curry leaves are rich in Vitamin A.

7. Reduce stress

Essential oil of curry leaves can help in reducing stress effectively. This is probably because calming effect of scent of curry leaves. Studies show that inhaling linalool can help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

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