Originating in India, curry powder is a common flavoring used for over a thousand years. Through trade, colonization and immigration, curry spices spread throughout the world rendering several variations. Ultimately, curry powder uses the same core ingredients regardless of its culinary application. Although certain types of prepared curry tend to be high in salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure, curry powder spice may actually improve your blood pressure rating.
Ingredients in Curry Powder
Generally, curry powder contains cayenne pepper, fenugreek, turmeric and coriander. Depending on its culinary use, additional ingredients can vary significantly to include ginger, cardamom, mustard seed, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove. In India, for example, curry powder tends to also contain tamarind, kari leaf, paprika and saffron. The backbone of the curry powder is responsible for its medicinal properties.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is the measure of blood pumping against your arterial walls and heart. Typically, your blood pressure should be lower than 120/80 mmHg to be considered normal. A reading of 140/90 mmHg is high blood pressure; numbers between normal and high are considered pre-hypertension. No symptoms exist for this condition, and diagnosis usually occurs due to a secondary development, such as heart disease and kidney problems. Routine annual checkups by a physician are paramount in safeguarding your arterial health.
Effects
The curcumin content in curry powder is potentially the most beneficial component for high blood pressure. An August 2006 article published in the "Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology" found that curcumin decreased pulmonary arterial pressure and actually improved the deposition of collagen in the artery walls. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin -- the compound responsible for its spiciness; capsaicin is a vasodilator that may help to lower blood pressure. According to an August 2010 article published in "Cell Metabolism," capsaicin improved blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats. Both coriander and fenugreek are high in potassium -- an element useful in lowering blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One tablespoon of fenugreek seeds contains 85 mg of potassium; coriander contains 80 mg.
Bottom Line
Using curry powder as a flavoring agent may work to improve your blood pressure, but further research is necessary. Although the evidence is promising, always follow the instructions of your doctor and take medication as prescribed. Cooked curry can contain additional fatty ingredients, such as fatty meat, coconut milk and sugar, which can impede the spice's medicinal benefits. The prevailing factor is how you choose to use the curry powder; for example, sprinkling curry powder over steamed vegetables instead of salt is more likely to reduce your blood pressure.
References
- "The Handbook of Spices, Seasonings and Flavorings"; Susheela Raghavan; 2007
- PubMed Health: Hypertension
- "Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology"; Effect of Curcumin on Pulmonary Hypertension and Wall Collagen...; Q. Lin, et al.; August 2006
- Linus Pauling Institute; Curcumin; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; November 2005
- "Cell Metabolism"; Activation of TRPV1 by Dietary Capsaicin Improves...; Dachun Yang, et al.; August 2010
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010; December 2010
