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Curry leaves are part of Indian cuisine for centuries and are used to make dishes across the length and breadth of India. It has a rich aroma and flavour and is used to make satiating dishes such as kadhi and sambar. Besides its aroma, this leaf is packed with nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
As per a study published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine, curry leaves can help boost the heart health by increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Ayurvedic practice and norms, also consider curry leaves or kadi patta to possess properties that help aid digestion, improve vision, and ward off anemia.
Another critical feature of curry leaves is its ability to aid weight loss! It is an easy ingredient to work with, and can be included in its dried or fresh avatar in your meals. Due to its positive effect on digestion, ability to regulate cholesterol, and burn fat, curry leaves are known to help people lose weight.
To learn more about the link between eating curry leaves and weight loss, HealthShots spoke to Ms. Deepti Khatuja, Clinical nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.
Benefits of curry leaves
According to Khatuja, “Curry leaf is considered to be a superfood (belongs to the family Rutaceae). It has been used in India to flavour numerous delicacies and for various health ailments because it is a rich source of antioxidants and various nutrients.”
Curry leaves to manage weight
Khatuja said, “When eaten on an empty stomach, curry leaves may help get rid of excess fat in the body and help to lose weight by boosting your metabolism. Chewing or eating curry leaves regularly on an empty stomach won’t just cleanse and remove the harmful toxins from the body but also result in burning of calories and avoiding fat accumulation which results in weight loss. Curry leaves contain Mahanimbine, an alkaloid that has anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects. It improves the digestive system which further aids in weight loss.”
How to use curry leaves for weight loss?
You can very effectively use curry leaves to lose weight. Khatuja suggests ways in which you can add curry leaves to your diet and manage weight:
1. Adding curry leaves to your dishes.
2. Eating and chewing on curry leaves on an empty stomach.
3. Preparing curry leaves-infused water in the following way:
Take about 10-20 curry leaves and boil them in water.
After a few minutes, strain the water to remove the leaves.
Add a dash of honey and lemon juice to enhance its taste and flavour.
Drink this concoction first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
At the same time, Khatuja emphasises on maintaining a good diet and working out regularly. She said, “Although consuming curry leaves can be a natural way of losing weight, but it’s important to have it with a healthy diet along with regular physical activity for 30 to 45 minutes at last 6 days a week.”
So, ladies, ready to add curry leaves to your diet for weight loss?
