Basically, the medical benefits of curry stem from its richly spiced ingredients; here’s the breakdown of the common spices found in curries (and their benefits):
Turmeric, the main ingredient in curry, is recognized by its yellow color. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has long been associated with its healing properties. Used as a common antiseptic in India, turmeric is regularly used to treat damaged skin, such as cuts or burns. It is even touted as a possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a natural antioxidant that is beneficial for beautification, not to mention that cinnamon oil has antimicrobial properties that extend the life of the curry.
Black Pepper – Black pepper has a long history of medical benefits, the list is as follows: relieves hemorrhoids, relieves gas, aids constipation, improves digestion, improves loss of appetite, promotes sweating (cardiovascular exercise), promotes urination, antibacterial effects, natural antioxidant and everyone’s favorite; Helps break down fat cells.
Allspice – Allspice is also known as Jamaican pepper, myrtle pepper. Its beneficial attribute comes from folklore whereby it provides relief for digestive problems.
Aniseed – The aniseed leaves in the curry are used to treat digestive problems, toothaches, and the oil extract can be used to treat lice and scabies.
Asafoetida – The main medical use of Asafoetida is to help the digestive system, mild cases of asthma, bronchitis and is traditionally used to help with children’s colds.
Cardamom – Cardamom is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat stomach aches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestive problems.
Chili – Red chili peppers are very high in vitamin C and provitamin A. Additionally, the peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, especially B6. The potassium in the chili which is high in magnesium and iron would really make up for those lazy days.
Clovers – Many people report clovers to be extremely effective in their fight against nicotine cravings. Well, imagine craving curries instead (who would complain?).
Coriander Leaves – Coriander leaves have been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iranian folk medicine.
Cumin – Cumin can be really helpful in common asthma and an immune system booster during cold and flu season. Capsule cumin can be beneficial for hair and nails, and when mixed with a moisturizer, you can reap the benefits of healthier skin.
After listing only a fraction of the benefits of eating curry, the people who gave it the word curry should really give it a new identity, not as a combination of different herbs, but as a combination of different medical miracles that actually taste GOOD.
