Curry, a spice blend that may contain a wide array of individual spices, lends signature flavor to dishes from India and other parts of Asia. The word "curry" is believed to derive from the Tamil word for "gravy." Curry is traditionally meant to be used as a side dish. Modern research has revealed substantial health benefits of curry.
Cognition
Curcumin, an extract of the curry spice turmeric, was associated with improved scores on a cognitive function test known as the Mini-Mental State Examination, according to a Singapore study published in the November 2006 "American Journal of Epidemiology." Participants of the study who showed benefits were mentally healthy, elderly Asians aged 60 to 93 who reported consuming curry occasionally, often or very often. The researchers cited previous evidence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as anti-protein plaque formation as potentially responsible for the cognitive benefits of curry.
Cancer
Precancerous growths inside the mouth, known as leukoplakia, decreased in size after one week of curry consumption, according to a Belgian study published in the 2010 "Journal of Oral Science." Curcumin, the active ingredient of curry, protected cells by increasing levels of the antioxidant vitamins C and E, prevented oxidation of lipids and protected DNA from damage.
Smoking
Use of curry powder in place of tobacco in hookah pipes may offset the detrimental effects of tobacco smoking by reducing the concentration of inhaled tobacco chemicals, according to a U.S. study published in the November 2010 "Medical Hypotheses" journal. In the study, curry powder added to hookah water decreased oxidation and the researchers predict that it will reduce the cancer-causing potential of tobacco smoked through hookah pipes. Additionally, the high heat of the hookah pipes seemed to protect the curcumin from being degraded.
Autoimmune Conditions
Curcumin represents a powerful, safe and inexpensive therapy for autoimmune disorder prevention and management, according to a U.S. study published in the August 2010 "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" journal. Curcumin has multiple affects within the immune system, making it a useful tool in the treatment of autoimmune conditions, which require a multi-modal approach, according to the authors. One of curcumin's activities, binding to proteins, prevents antibodies from attaching to and destroying body cells in autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome and lupus. Additionally, the researchers noted that up to 8 g curcumin per day for 18 months was non-toxic.
References
- "American Journal of Epidemiology": Curry Consumption and Cognitive Function in the Elderly
- "Journal of Oral Science": Possible Action Mechanism for Curcumin in Pre-Cancerous Lesions Based on Serum and Salivary Markers of Oxidative Stress
- PubMed: Bubbling Hookah Smoke Through Heat-Solubilized Curcumin/Turmeric and Incorporation of the Curry Spice as an Additive or Filter in Cigarettes to Minimize Tobacco Smoke-Related Toxicants
- PubMed: Heat-Solubilized Curry Spice Curcumin Inhibits Antibody-Antigen Interaction in In-Vitro Studies: A Possible Therapy to Alleviate Autoimmune Disorders
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