There’re have been a few stories in the media recently about how good curry is for you – as if you needed another reason to pop out to your local curry house this weekend! There are in fact other benefits to munching on a Daal and a Vindaloo than just feeling full and content afterwards!
As well as making taste buds tingle, curry spices are known to have several health benefits which makes curry ideal for enjoying with family or friends when cooked well. There are five main spices used to prepare most curries – each with their own set of health benefits.
Turmeric:
Also known as Curcumin, Tumuric gives curry its vibrant yellow colour. It also has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties – detoxifying the liver, is said to help ease the follow: symptoms of arthritis, reducing nervous tension, boosting the metabolic function and fighting depression.
Caraway:
Caraway has long been called a ‘cure-all’ and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It supposedly boosts the immune system, soothes irritated skin and when combined with olive oil it can even relieve bronchitis, colds, toothache, eye infections, sore throats and apparently can ward off cancer!
Cardamom:
Cardamom is another wonder spice that contains the antioxidant Cineole which is said to detoxify the liver, strengthen the immune system and calm nerves. It’s can also be used to fight kidney and stomach cancer and treat digestive problems, asthma and urinary tract infections.
Clove:
Clove, also has antioxidant, is said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used as pain relief for toothaches, joint pain and sore throats – slightly different to popping an Ibruprofen in your mouth!
Fennel:
This seed contains several important antioxidants as well as fibre, folate, potassium and vitamin C. All of which supposedly help reduce blood pressure and strengthen your immune system.
So next time you need an excuse to hit your local curry house, just think of all the good you’ll be doing your body!
We’d like to thank Akash Tandoori in Southfields (London) for helping us bring you this insight into the health benefits of curry.
I gave his 
