Carlisle Medical Journal

A brief look at the spices commonly found in Indian curries and the health benefits of each ingredient.

Curry is a spicy Asian dish that has gained popularity around the world. Curry dishes consist of a variety of spices, which are added for flavor or to act as natural preservatives. Many of these spices have health benefits, making curry not only a delicious meal, but a healthy one at that.

Turmeric

This spice is present in many curries and can be recognized by its yellow color. Turmeric has antiseptic properties and is used in India to treat cuts and grazes. It is also used to keep the human intestinal system healthy.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice made from the ground bark of the cinnamon tree. It is a natural antioxidant and is thought to be beneficial to the skin. It also aids digestion, and helps to preserve the curry.

Black Pepper

A spice that has become popular the world over, black pepper not only tastes good but also has a long history of assisting in the curing of ailments. It improves digestion and appetite loss, and promotes sweating and urination which helps to clear the body of toxins. It is also an antibacterial, antioxidant and a slight diarrhetic.

Black pepper’s most famous health benefit is its ability to break down fat cells in the body, thereby assisting in weight loss.

Allspice

Allspice, an aromatic seed, can assist in clearing headaches and relieving digestive problems.

Anise

Anise is famous for alleviating toothaches, but is also good for the digestive system.

Cardamom

Cardamom pods are used traditionally in Chinese medicine to treat stomach-aches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems.

Chili Pepper

Red chili peppers are very rich in vitamin C and pro-vitamin A, both of which are good for the skin and can help a person to lose weight. Chili peppers are a good source of B vitamins, especially B6. B vitamins are well-known as stress-relievers. They also contain potassium, magnesium, iron and a high level of vitamin C. Chili is excellent for boosting the immune system and assisting in curing colds and flus.

Cloves

Cloves are commonly used to cure nicotine cravings. The strong flavor and aroma can act as a mild substitute for cigarettes. Clove oil has strong antiseptic properties and can be used to ease the pain of toothache.

Coriander

Coriander leaves alleviate anxiety and insomnia. This natural relaxant is great for calming over-excited children, and is ideal for a peaceful end to a stressful day.

Cumin

Cumin helps to ease the symptoms of asthma, and to boost the immune system during the colds and flu season. It has a distinct red color when it has been ground to a powder form.

Curry is not only delicious, it is also an incredibly healthy meal that can help to clear the digestive system, alleviate headaches, anxiety and stress. It assists with keeping the skin beautiful and with losing weight.

For those who have chosen a low-carbohydrate diet, curry can be served without carbohydrates such as potatoes or flat breads. With the addition of vegetables such as broccoli, green beans and carrots, a curry dish can provide natural vegetable fiber and vitamins such as vitamin B and carotene.