Is curry healthy? Here are 7 reasons to cook with curry more often

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kerrie

Curry is one of those spice mixes that immediately adds a lot of flavor to a dish. But besides the taste, many people wonder: is curry actually healthy? The short answer is yes. Most curry blends consist of a combination of herbs and spices that naturally contain few calories and are a source of plant-based compounds.

In this article you will read why curry can be a healthy choice and what to watch for when buying a spice mix.

What is curry?

Curry is not a single herb, but a mix of different spices. The exact composition varies per recipe, but ingredients such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and black pepper often recur.

Want to know more about the origin and composition? Then also read our blog 'What is curry?'.

1. Curry contains few calories

A teaspoon of curry contains only a few calories, but does give a lot of flavor to a dish. Because of that you can often use less salt or fatty sauces without sacrificing taste.

2. Turmeric is often the main ingredient

Many curry blends contain a substantial amount of turmeric. This bright yellow spice is known for the natural compound curcumin, which is the subject of much scientific research.

Although you get relatively small amounts through food, turmeric is a valuable addition to a varied diet.

3. You eat more herbs and spices

Herbs and spices add flavor without many calories or fat. By cooking with curry more often, you automatically increase the variety of plant-based ingredients in your meals.

4. It helps to use less salt

A flavorful spice mix can mean you have less need for extra salt. Especially when you choose a curry mix without added salt, you keep control over the amount of salt in your dish.

5. Curry pairs well with many vegetables

Pumpkin, cauliflower, carrot, broccoli, sweet potato and chickpeas all gain extra flavor from a little curry. That makes it easier to put vegetables on the table more often.

6. You can easily make healthy meals with it

By combining with fresh ingredients you can easily make a nutritious meal. Curry fits excellently in:

Vegetable soups
Chicken dishes
Curries with legumes
Rice dishes (for example Curry rice salad with chicken and mango)
Roasted vegetables
Lentil dishes
Marinades for the barbecue

7. A good spice mix mainly contains pure spices

Not all curry mixes are the same. Some contain added salt, sugar or fillers. Therefore always look at the ingredient list and preferably choose a blend that mainly consists of herbs and spices.

At Natural Spices you will find for example Hurry Curry, a versatile curry mix for daily use, and Curry Powder Madras for those who prefer a somewhat stronger, spicier flavor.

Hurry Curry: https://www.naturalspices.nl/hurry-curry
Curry Powder Madras: https://www.naturalspices.nl/kerrie-poeder-madras

Is curry healthy if you want to lose weight?

Curry itself contains few calories and can fit well within a calorie-conscious diet. The final nutritional value of a dish depends mainly on the other ingredients, such as cream, coconut milk, oil or sauce.

Conclusion

Curry is a flavorful spice mix that fits well in a healthy kitchen. Thanks to ingredients such as turmeric, cumin and coriander you can easily add a lot of flavor without many calories. Moreover, a good curry mix can help to use less salt and make vegetables more appealing.

Preferably choose a quality blend with pure herbs and spices, such as Hurry Curry or Curry Powder Madras, and experiment with soups, curries, roasted vegetables and rice dishes.