Without a doubt, nature offers us infinite options for our care. One of them is the use of medicinal plants, which naturally provide us with the essential elements for our life, including our conservation.
In this sense, the curry is found, which is a preparation that includes various elements of nature. With ingredients of great healing power, curry has become a therapy for many conditions for many years, helping to improve our quality of life.
Note: It is not only used in alternative medicine, but it is an important part of the gastronomy of several countries.
In the following article, we give you the necessary information so that you know about its properties and above all, how you can use it.
What is curry?
Curry as a condiment is a characteristic combination of spices typical of the gastronomy of countries on the Asian continent, specifically from the east and southwest.
To highlight: The etymology of the word curry has its origin in the word “kari” , a word in the Tamil language, which comes from the Dravidian language, spoken mainly in Tamil Nadu (India) and in the northeast of Sri Lanka.
The combination of its various spices is not unique, and depends on the region where it is prepared. It has a characteristic aroma and flavor.
To highlight: The United Kingdom colonization in India, led to the discovery of this condiment, who decided to market a copy of this product, with little resemblance to the original. This was distributed more in paste than in powder, whose main destination was Japan and South Africa during the 18th century.
The preparation of the curry will depend to a large extent on the region, so there is no universal recipe for this seasoning. It may contain among its special ingredients: turmeric , fresh piece of ginger , green chili, nutmeg, black pepper, dry onion , cardamom or ground cumin.
Note: It also contains other aromatic herbs such as basil, fresh coriander sprig, some citrus fruits, coconut milk or fish sauce, as well as various vegetables.
Its coloration will depend on the dominant spice, highlighting yellow, red and green. The yellow curry is the best known and sold. Its color comes from turmeric, the predominant spice in this preparation.
curry properties
The curry properties vary according to its preparation, but in general they are the following:
vitamins
Due to its turmeric content, a tablespoon of curry of about 6 grams offers beta-carotene, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin K and vitamin E.
minerals
In the same proportion and according to the composition of its ingredients, it offers almost 30 mg of calcium, 95 mg of potassium , 15 mg of magnesium , 2 mg of iron, and 21 mg of phosphorus.
calories
A tablespoon of curry of about 6 grams offers less than 20 Kcal. For this reason it is mentioned that it is an ally when losing weight.
Health benefits of curry
The benefits of curry vary according to the ingredients contained and the balance of them in its preparation, but some of its most powerful benefits are the following:
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Curry is used to combat various heart ailments, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity due to its turmeric content. Another benefit is its antiplatelet property, which prevents the formation of thrombi and reduces cholesterol.
To highlight: Another ingredient in curry, ginger, also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that, together with turmeric, enhance its effect against cardiovascular pathologies.
Likewise, ginger helps increase fecal excretion, through the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver, stimulating its conversion into bile acids.
Boosts the immune system
The turmeric contained in the curry is recommended for the treatment of inflammatory, dermatological and digestive diseases, strengthening the immune system. In fact, there is scientific evidence that turmeric has an antibacterial profile (1) .
For its part, ginger is a diaphoretic, promoting sweating, warming the body from within, helping to reduce cold complications.
Regenerates brain functions
According to the most recent studies, the benefits of curcumin contained in curry help the recovery and self-repair of brain functions, especially in the elderly. This is how the spread of amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s can be prevented (2) .
Reduces joint pain and inflammation
In the article “Benefits of Turmeric”, it is said that “turmeric extract and its active principle, curcumin, have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory action comparable to other drugs, in cases of acute inflammation, with the advantage that it does not produce the associated side effects” (3) . Remember that turmeric is one of the main components of curry.
Note: As for the ginger content, it has also been found to be effective in treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Fight infections
Due to its curcumin content, curry is indicated to strengthen the immune system. In this sense, in an article published by Nelson Méndez Álvarez, they also show the antibacterial profile of turmeric (4) .
Due to its gingerol content, a component of ginger and an ingredient in curry, it helps fight any infection and reduces the possibility of contracting one. It also helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the body. A study determined the in vitro antimicrobial effect of extracts of Allium sativum (garlic) and Zingiber officinale (ginger), against staphylococcus aureus (5) .
Improves the digestive process
The turmeric content in curry stimulates the secretion of gastric and pancreatic juice to better process food. It is indicated for people who suffer from dyspepsia and gastritis, also prevents gases.
On the other hand, ginger contains compounds that promote digestion. Phenolics are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production, and suppress gastric contractions as food and fluids move through the GI tract.
Notable: It also acts on pancreatic enzymes, helping to increase their transit through the digestive tract, suggesting that ginger could help prevent colon cancer and constipation.
Slows cell aging
Curry contains carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Rich in vitamins A, B, D, E and vitamin K. Contains mineral salts and antioxidants, which reverse the effects of free radicals, including the aging of body cells.
Combat respiratory conditions
Turmeric, as an essential part of curry, is a spice with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which makes it a great option to cure asthma. Its main ingredient, curcumin, has a protective action on the respiratory system.
Regarding the benefits of ginger as part of the curry ingredients, we can say that it improves allergies by suppressing the immune response, due to its antibacterial effect against pathogens in the respiratory tract.
Helps in reducing cancer
The anti-cancer effects of the curry ingredients help in some cases to alleviate cancer. Curcumin kills cancer cells and blocks a protein associated with gastrointestinal cancer.
To highlight: Due to its gingerol content, it could have protective effects against cancer. In an article by Pablo Saz-Peiró, it is mentioned that “in cases of ovarian cancer, the administration of gingerol contributed to the death of cancer cells, reduced inflammation and stimulated immune function” (6) .
Promotes weight loss
Due to its low caloric content (6 grams offers less than 20 Kcal.), curry helps in the process of weight loss in the individual. Given its high content of antioxidants, it slows down cell damage and helps improve metabolic function to lose weight easily.
The antioxidant contribution of turmeric (curry ingredient), also as reported in studies, contributes to improving metabolic function to lose weight easily (7) .
How to prepare homemade curry?
Homemade curry is a great accompaniment, which is appropriate for rice, vegetables and meat, from chicken breasts to grilled fish. Here is a simple curry recipe:
Ingredients:
- Turmeric
- Cayenne pepper
- Ginger
- mustard seeds
- cloves (spice)
- Cardamom
- dried coriander
- Nutmeg
- Black pepper
Preparation:
- In a slightly hot iron or non-stick skillet, add the coriander grains and seeds, black mustard, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cardamom and toast them over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- When they exhale the aroma, remove them and let them cool.
- Then, grind them in a grinder until you get a fine powder.
- Add the ginger and turmeric, and mix well.
- Add cloves and nutmeg to taste
How to consume and use curry?
There are various ways to consume curry in your daily diet as well as in cosmetic use. We give you two options so that you can benefit from its benefits:
curry sauce
Its origin is Hindu and it is normally used as a sauce to spread or to accompany meat and fish. This sauce is very versatile and as an accompaniment it is useful in various dishes.
Ingredients:
- curry powder
- White onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Butter
- White wine
- Milk cream
- Broth (chicken, fish, meat or vegetables)
Preparation:
- Peel and chop the onion into small pieces
- Peel the garlic cloves and cut into thin slices
- Sauté the garlic in a pan with the butter. Add the onion and salt and fry over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the curry and wine once the above ingredients are golden.
- Increase the intensity of the fire to evaporate the alcohol from the wine.
- Lower the intensity of the heat once the alcohol in the wine has evaporated and add the heavy cream and broth. Let reduce.
- Serve hot as a companion to other meals.
curry mask
This mask removes dead cells, removes excess dry skin and moisturizes naturally. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative to keep facial skin soft and hydrated.
Ingredients:
- curry powder
- Honey bee
Preparation and application
- Place a teaspoon of curry powder and two tablespoons of honey in a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients very well. If you want a thicker consistency of this preparation, add more curry until you get the desired point.
- Let stand for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Before applying the mask, you have to make sure your face is clean.
- Apply the mask avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
- The application can be done by hand or a brush.
- Leave it for 20 minutes.
- After time, remove it with plenty of warm water and that’s it.
Key takeaways
- Curry is a preparation that includes various elements of nature. With ingredients of great healing power. It has become a therapy for many conditions for many years, helping to improve our quality of life.
- Curry as a condiment is a characteristic combination of spices typical of the gastronomy of countries on the Asian continent, specifically from the east and southwest.
- The benefits of curry vary according to the ingredients contained and the balance of them in its preparation, but some of its benefits are: Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve the digestive process, fight infections, regenerate brain functions, promote weight loss weight, help reduce cancer, among others.
- There are several ways to consume curry, one of them is curry sauce, its origin is Indian and it is normally used as a spread or as a side dish for meat and fish. It can also be used as a mask, which helps remove dead cells and moisturizes naturally.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.