Since it’s the national week for curry, we thought it was interesting to write an article about how healthy curry can be. It may sound like a bizarre idea, as curry is usually consumed alongside plenty of bread, rice and even alcohol. But the common curry recipe is a potent combination of spices, ingredients and nutrients that are healthy for us. Let’s look at the different types of curry…
The Health Benefits Defined
The majority of curries combine a variety of ingredients to make a Curry tasty dish. Here are a few traditional ingredients in curries and an review of the reasons why they are beneficial for our health…
Onions
Onions are a vital ingredient since they are the base of almost all kinds of curries. Onions are also well-known for their natural goodness.
One of the reasons is the amount of vitamin C in onions, since a typical onion can contain approximately 20 percent in what is known as the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) which is the amount of food you should eat every daily. Vitamin C is renowned for its contribution to the immune system. However, it also aids in the formation of collagen throughout the body, and provides structure to the parts like the teeth, the skin and joints.
An average onion provides about 3g of fibre, the one nutrient we don’t have enough of. Although it’s not a huge amount of fiber but they’re high in a particular type of soluble fiber known as inulin. This kind of fibre is thought to have strong prebiotic properties. This means that it provides food to beneficial gut bacteria that can offer many health advantages.
For a final illustration onion consumption is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in our diet. Of the thoroughly studied antioxidants is quercetin. It’s an effective anti-inflammatory which helps alleviate symptoms of arthritis and Gout.
Cherry Tomato
As with onions and tomatoes, tomatoes are an essential ingredient in a variety of curries. Like onions tomatoes contain a high amount of vitamin C with a large tomato supplying about a third of the recommended daily value. They contain nearly all of the important minerals and vitamins such as folate, biotin manganese, vitamin K, and biotin being the most sought-after following vitamin C.
But tomatoes are most well-known because of their antioxidant content and, in particular, the amount of lycopene they contain. Lycopene is part of the carotenoid group, is among the most potent antioxidants – 10 times more powerful than vitamin E.
The lycopene content of tomatoes is believed to be the primary reason eating them is linked to less risk of many types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. Lycopene also has been proven to boost heart health as well as the health of the skin.
They also contain moderate amounts other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein. These are found in large levels in the eyes and can slow the progression of macular degeneration. They are among the most nutritious foods around and their nutritional content increases when cooked.
Garlic Clove
Garlic has been extensively researched to determine its potential for supporting healthy living. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since you just have to sniff the clove to realize that it has powerful natural qualities.
In terms of health it is well known due to two factors that it has the ability to boost heart health and strengthen the immune system.
Examining heart health, research from clinical studies shows that garlic consumption may increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and lower the amount of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. These are all beneficial modifications that lower the chance of developing heart disease.
Similar to garlic, it can effectively lower blood pressure. It is being commonplace to observe blood pressure systolic (the significant amount) fall by 10mmHg. This may be because of garlic’s hydrogen sulphide levels, which is found in the body and works to dilate blood vessels.
Garlic has been used for a long time for its capacity to reduce cases of the common cold. This well-known practice has been confirmed by two clinical trials that agree that daily garlic supplements lead to a reduction of 60-70% in colds as compared to those who took an untreated placebo. The reason for this is believed that it is due to an rise in T cells and natural killer cells that help protect the body against pathogens.
Ginger
In the dish, garlic is typically mixed with ginger. While most people enjoy ginger because of its vibrant and fresh flavor but some are more concerned about its beneficial effects on health.
Ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory, and by this method it helps to reduce heart risk factors for heart disease as well as muscle pain and soreness, and the symptoms of arthritis.
Although it isn’t as potent as garlic, it has been proven to induce positive changes in cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides. In terms of muscle soreness and pain ginger has been proven to reduce the amount of soreness experienced during a vigorous workout.
Many studies agree that ginger is able to reduce signs of osteoarthritis. Research suggests that this benefit is “significant” and comparable to the over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.
Ginger is most well-known for its capability to act as a natural stomach-settler. The evidence is generally accepted and it can be beneficial to those suffering from illness pregnant, traveling, and recovering from medical treatments.
Capsicum
Capsicum, which is the name that has been that is given to the family of Capsicum encompasses all kinds of peppers, that range from salad peppers with no spice to the most intense of chillies. Peppers, indigenous from South America, are now cultivated all over the world because of their variety in taste, flavor, and health benefits.
From a nutritional perspective the capsicum are a significant quantity of Vitamin A and are among the richest source of vitamin C. Most people don’t realize that yellow peppers have more than three times more vitamin C per gram as oranges.
The capsicum heat as measured in Scoville units is due to the level of a chemical called capsaicin. Peppers like Scotch Bonnets have a relatively large amount of capsaicin unlike bell peppers, which have no.
Certain benefits to health from peppers can be attributed to their high levels of capsaicin. In fact, the intake of capsaicin has been found to lower appetite levels and boost metabolic rate. Theoretically, if it is combined with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, this may help in weight reduction.
Capsaicin’s effectiveness is also apparent when applied topically, as gels, since it may be able to reduce the osteoarthritis symptoms. Arthritis UK has rated it 5/5 in terms of effectiveness and granted it the green light in terms of security.
Many people do not like having spicy chilies, however if you are hoping to reap the health benefits, it might be worthwhile to try increasing your tolerance to the heat!
Turmeric
Of all the ingredients in curry, turmeric may be the most recognized for its healing properties.
The most well-known natural ingredient that is found in turmeric is “curcumin” that has been linked to a range of positive health effects.
The popularity of turmeric has been gaining interest from the scientific community because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since chronic inflammation is associated with a myriad of health conditions natural anti-inflammatory substances like turmeric can have a broad influence.
According to research published the use of turmeric/curcumin has been proven to help treat various conditions including ulcerative colitis, arthritis, kidney and cardiovascular disease. A study that was noteworthy showed that consuming just 1g of curcumin each day proved to be very effective in diminishing stiffness and pain, and improving the physical performance of people suffering of osteoarthritis.
The interest is also growing in the connection between curcumin and psychological well-being. Depression and anxiety are both disorders that can be classified as current issues. A study that lasted 8 weeks revealed that 500mg of curcumin a day was associated with significant improvements in the symptoms of anxiety for 35 middle-aged adults.
A double-blind, randomised controlled study that was published last year revealed that daily supplementation with curcumin helped to reduce anxiety symptoms for more than 123 people suffering from severe depression.
In addition it has been proven to increase the level of nitric Oxide in blood. Nitric oxide is a potent signalling molecule which works to dilate blood vessels and thereby increasing the flow of blood. This is why those suffering from circulation issues may gain from a higher consumption of the spice.
Cumin seed
While it is turmeric that receives the most attention due to its health-enhancing properties however, cumin has slipped under the radar despite possessing demonstrated health-enhancing qualities on its own. Cumin seeds can be sprinkled on dishes as a as a whole, or they can be toasted and ground into a fine powder.
Cumin’s most well-known health benefits appear to be its ability to help with metabolism and weight loss and metabolic health, which the nation seems to be fighting a constant fight with.
One study worth mentioning offered 88 overweight women yogurt every day that included 3g of cumin or nothing whatsoever. The results were quite amazing as they found that the people who took cumin had increased almost all aspects regarding their health and metabolic function when compared to those who received placebo.
For instance it was noted that there was a decrease in the body’s fat, waist circumference as well as total cholesterol LDL and triglycerides, as well as the increase of HDL cholesterol. These findings were all classified as significant by the researchers. Similar results have been reported by different research teams who have observed significant weight loss.
Cumin is also an excellent source of iron since one teaspoon contains five percent part of the NNR. Iron is a crucial mineral that is essential for the production of blood red cells. As a result, iron improves cognitive function and lessens symptoms of fatigue and tiredness.
A significant portion of women who are pregnant are struggling to meet their iron needs and a regular diet of cumin may help. The absorption of iron is boosted by having vitamin C therefore adding peppers to the food is an ideal idea.
Coriander
Coriander (known to be cilantro different parts around the globe) is a common ingredient in curries in its natural form and also as powdered spices.
As with the majority of herbs and plants Coriander is adored due to its antioxidant power. The research released in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition showed that in addition to basil, coriander has the highest concentrations of carotenoids beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Zeaxanthin and lutein of any plant.
Recent studies have demonstrated that coriander is able to shield the skin from harm resulted from UVB radiation, which is called ‘photoaging’ by scientists’. Apart from its ability for its natural properties as an anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal ingredient, it’s an excellent option to add flavour and natural spice to food and reduce the need for salt.
How to make a Curry that is as healthy as you can
As we’ve said earlier curry is often associated with alcohol and large amounts of carbs like bread and rice. This invariably ‘scrambles’ the beneficial natural ingredients contained in the curry. The question is, how do create a curry that is as nutritious as we can so that we can enjoy the delicious taste and benefits, without putting pressure on our weight?
A simple method is to keep an eye on the amount of oil utilized when beginning the preparation of a curry. Although oil is required to cook the spices properly however, it is certainly very calorie-rich. One tablespoon of oil is about 120kcal. It is easy to see how excessive use of it will soon cause the calories to multiply.
It is crucial to understand that fat is essential for the proper absorption of many ingredients in the curry. To give a few examples of these fat-soluble minerals such as curcumin in turmeric, as well as carotenoids in coriander and tomatoes. Although oil is necessary for flavor enhancement and absorption of different nutrients, apply it sparingly.
Another method to make it easier is to substitute refined grains with wholegrains. An excellent example is to serve dish with brown rice rather than white rice. This not only increases the amount of fiber in the diet, it can also help stabilize the blood sugar level, but it also will make us feel fuller longer. It means that a smaller portion will not be as satiating, and reduce the risk of eating too much.
Another example is the use of some other traditional curry ingredients, which are renowned for their health advantages. Ingredients like chickpeas, lentils and spinach are essential ingredients in a variety of traditional curries and so why not test using them in your next meal to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal that can greatly contribute to your 5-a day?
Summary
We all are awestruck by an excellent curry, however because of its accompanying foods, it is often viewed as a sour or occasionally indulgence. But, as we’ve discovered in this article it is many ingredients that are incredibly good for us.
When you cook an authentic curry using healthy and fresh ingredients as well as healthy portion sizes, there’s no reason to believe that it can’t become a staple within the diet, and also a tasty method of providing your body with an abundance of the essential nutrients to maintain good health.
