Believe it or not, Curry has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments from stomach cramps to throat infections and is being revived as a healing agent by recent research. It's been found that curry's main substance, turmeric, works similarly to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Celebrex because it inhibits the effect of COX-2, a body chemical that causes pain. Recently I heard well known medical Dr. on TV say it has been found that eating curry twice a week can be a barrier against Alzheimer's disease. Many researchers believe India's low rate of Alzheimer's disease can be attributed to their large consumption of curry/turmeric.
There are numerous studies showing that Turmeric's active ingredient has an anti-tumor effect and may even stop the growth of existing cancer cells. There are cautions when using any spice as a medicine. Not always tested on humans, and some can be counteractive to medicine, it is always advised you check with your medical adviser before using any food as a curative.
Cardamom: As early as the 4th century BC Cardamom was used in India as a medicinal herb. Greeks and Romans imported it as a digestive aid. In Sweden it has become a more popular spice than cinnamon.
The spice is high in the photochemical cineole, which can positively affect several bodily complaints. Cardamom is considered to have many health benefits, many relating to the digestive system, like stimulating the digestive system, reducing gas, and counteracting stomach acidity.
The ancient Greeks and Roman appreciated this spice as well. They thought it was an aphrodisiac and put the spice in their "love" potions.
Use it in beef, lamb, chicken, shrimp . It can also be used in fruit compotes or added to chicken or shrimp salads and stuffed eggs. Use 1-3 teaspoons to 1 pound of meat. If you've never used curry powder, I suggest you sprinkle it on food like salt. Start with just a shake or two. After you become a fan of the fabulous flavor it adds, you can use it more generously in cooking some of your favorite recipes.
Chicken Curry
This recipe is filled with spices that have recently been considered to have healing properties.
Disclaimer
1 to 2 lb. whole chicken (or 4 large boneless breasts, each cut in half)
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2 fresh green chilies, finely chopped
1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 2 T. ground coriander 1/4 t. ground dried red chillies
2 t. ground turmeric
3 to 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
salt to taste
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped
Directions Remove the fat and skin from the chicken and cut into 8 serving pieces. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, green chilies and ginger; cook until brown. Add the tomatoes, red chilies, turmeric, coriander and salt; cover and cook on medium to low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to prevent sticking to bottom. Add water, if necessary, and cook until chicken is done. Sprinkle cilantro over chicken and serve with steamed rice.
Additional caution:It has not been determined whether turmeric is safe for pregnant women and people with gallstones or bile duct obstructions should not use it.
There are some possible interactions between turmeric and certain medications, specifically, blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs. People taking either of these types of medications should therefore use turmeric with caution.
Disclaimer
The information in this Blog is not provided by a medical authority. It is presented from the author's personal research. No one should ever change their health program or diet without consulting a professional medical authority.
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