Curry powder — sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, November 04, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Curry powder is a popular Southeast Asian spice mix that is made up of various herbs and spices depending on the region. A Huffington Post article notes that the traditional curry powder mix includes coriander, sweet basil, and cumin as well as turmeric, cardamom, and red pepper. Likewise, other equally important ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon and fennel seeds as well as garlic and mustard seeds are added in the mix.

List of known nutrients

Curry powder is touted as one of the healthiest spices due to its high nutritional value. An article published on the SELF Nutrition Data website lists the essential vitamins and minerals found in the popular spice mix, which include:

Betaine
Calcium
Choline
Copper
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty acids
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for curry powder

The scientific community hails curry powder for its potential in cancer prevention. A large number of studies have demonstrated that increased curry powder intake may mitigate the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Studies also show that the curcumin compound in turmeric, a key ingredient in curry powder, helps keep colon cancer at bay. Likewise, the powerful compound is known to prevent liver toxicity, inflammation and cancer growth.

The turmeric in curry powder is also touted to relieve pain and alleviate joint inflammation and deterioration. The powerful ingredient is found to address rheumatoid arthritis pain as well. Health experts have likened the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric to those of ibuprofen, which makes curry powder a natural treatment to a host of bone and joint conditions.

The curry powder ingredient is shown to possess positive effects on brain health as well. Various studies indicate that the curcumin compound in turmeric helps mitigate plaque accumulation in the neural pathways of the brain. According to health experts, curcumin signals the immune system to eliminate amino acids that play a central role in plaque build up. This, in turn, reduces the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, the turmeric in curry powder is valued for its beneficial effects on the skeletal system. Data from previous studies have revealed that turmeric accelerates bone regrowth, connectivity, and repair. This means that curry powder has the potential to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. The cardamom and sweet basil in curry powder are also known to possess vasodilating properties that relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure levels. This cuts the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

The coriander in curry powder is touted for its powerful antibacterial properties too. Studies show that the ingredient helps stave off infections such as Escherichia coli, which in turn strengthens both the digestive tract and the immune system. Other curry powder ingredients — such as black pepper, bay leaves, and cinnamon as well as cumin and coriander — are also known to relieve various digestive illnesses.

Body systems supported by curry powder

Curry powder supports the bones, the digestive tract, and the central nervous system. Likewise, the flavorful spice is beneficial to heart health and overall immunity.

Ways to use curry powder

Curry powder is a staple in many meat recipes such as chicken, beef, and lamb dishes. A Taste.com.au entry features a number of interesting recipes that make use of curry powder.