Curry leaves (carry poulet) are the foliage of the curry tree (Murraya koenigii). This tree is native to India, and its leaves are used for both medicinal and culinary applications. They’re highly aromatic and have a unique flavor with notes of citrus. Curry leaves (carry poulet) are not the same as curry powder, though they’re often added to this popular spice mixture and popularly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, such as curries, rice dishes, and dals. Aside from being a versatile culinary herb, they offer an abundance of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds they contain.

BENEFITS:

Rich in powerful plant compounds
The herbs are rich in protective plant substances, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds. Many of these compounds function as antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants play an essential role in keeping your body healthy and free from disease.

May reduce heart disease risk factors
Risk factors like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase your risk of developing heart disease. However, adding them to your diet may help reduce some of these risk factors.

May have neuroprotective properties
Some research has shown that curry leaves (carry poulet) may help protect the health of your nervous system, including your brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease characterized by loss of neurons as well as signs of oxidative stress. Studies have demonstrated that the leaves contain substances that may help protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

May have anticancer effects
Curry leaves (carry poulet) contain compounds that have significant anticancer effects. A test-tube study in Malaysia found that they all exhibited powerful anticancer effects and stop the growth of an aggressive type of breast cancer . Another test-tube study found that the leaf extract change the growth of two types of breast cancer cells, as well as decreased cell viability. The extract also induced breast cancer cell death.