Maybe the benefits on health are not the main reasons why we love curry powder so much but that’s it. The tasty powder is also a magic powder, apparently.

Curry is made up of several ingredients that may vary depending on the region. Usually these are: coriander, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, mustard, garlic and red pepper. They all have important benefits on health. Here we list the most important:

1. It strengthens your immune system 

   Some ingredients such as chilli, paprika and garlic are known for having an extraordinarily positive effect on your natural defences. In particular, turmeric has been used in Indian medicine for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce pancreatitis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

2. It reduces the risk of cancer

   Turmeric also has anti-cancer properties. Thanks to its ability to slow down the growth of some kinds of tumour cells, turmeric is useful in both prevention and treatment of cancer. It also helps with digestion and improves memory (according to researchers from the University of California, LA, turmeric really may reduce the emergence of Alzheimer’s disease). Garlic is a powerful anti-cancer agent as well.

3. It prevents heart disease

   Curry helps prevent heart diseases. That’s because coriander and chilli peppers have the ability to lower blood pressure and so improve circulation. Coriander, in particular, is a great source of antioxidants that help keep the blood pressure low. Also, coriander, onion and chilli peppers have been found to help reduce cholesterol.

4. It relieves arthritis pain 

   Thanks to a powerful antioxidant present in it, ginger has been proven to give relief from pain caused by arthritis. Chilli and curcumin, also, are powerful painkillers.

5. It facilitates the digestive process

   Some curry powder ingredients may help the digestive system work properly. Black pepper, for example, boosts stomach acid production and reduces intestinal gas. Garlic increases the production of protective enzymes in the stomach while coriander is helpful in treating stomachaches and digestive upsets.

In conclusion, better than medicine!