Curry Diet - Lose Weight And Detox Indian Style

Those people looking to detox and maybe shed a few pounds in January following the excesses of the festive season, are being warned not to leave curry off their diet in the New Year.

Spicy foods are known to stimulate the metabolism, boost the immune system and boost the spirits on cold, damp dark winter days.  Popular curry recipes contain turmeric, cumin, allspice, cardamom, ginger, garlic and capsicum - spices with strong anti-bacterial properties.

Kowsar Ali, the owner of Simply Indian in Wadhurst in East Sussex and several other Bangladeshi restaurants across the south of England, says that contrary to popular belief, Indian food is not fattening:

"When do you ever see an over weight Indian waiter, or even a rotund Indian chef?"  he asked, with the proviso, "Some of the richer dishes laden with cream and butter should be avoided if you want to lose weight - and go easy on the lager."

Apart from promoting weight loss, the spices use in Indian cookery offer a whole host of health benefits.  Natural herbs and spices were used for their health giving qualities for thousands of years before the invention of modern medicine. Many of the synthetic chemicals used in prescription and over-the-counter drugs, are derived from the active ingredients originally found in popular culinary flavourings.

Tasty Indian vegetable and pulse recipes are particularly recommended to enliven a calorie restricted diet.

Studies have found that garlic, cinnamon and cumin can destroy up to

80 per cent of meat-borne bacteria, while ginger can slow bacterial growth by 25 per cent.  This is why they are found in dishes from hot countries, where meat needs to be preserved.

Kowsar's business partner Jamal Rahman is also a firm believer in the health giving benefits of the food his restaurants serve; "When I feel a cold coming on, my body instinctively craves spicy dishes like Jalfrazi, Dansak and Madras," he said.

Chilli raises the metabolic rate, improves the respiratory systems and stimulates the immune response - which is why many cold relief treatment contain caffeine. Garlic well known for its antibacterial effects, and help fight of disease.  Tumeric relieves congestion, in much the same way hay fever treatments work by reducing inflammation of blood vessels in the sinuses.  Ginger stimulates lymph glands, which fight infection.

"When my body energy levels are low I go for easily digestible, sizzling dishes like Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Fish or lightly spiced Shashlick (kebabs) with capsicums and onion  and vegetables," said Jamal, adding, "Rich Masala and Korma dishes are great for boosting energy - as long as you keep the portions small.

In grills and tandoori dishes, the natural sugars in meat and vegetables gives the body a quick energy boost. Onion skins contain quercetin, a potent anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory, effective in relieving blocked nose.  Onion extracts are also recognised by World Health Organisation (WHO) for providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Red capsicums (peppers)is known to be beneficial to the mucous membranes, encouraging healing and helps the body ward off infections. The vegetable has antioxidant properties, which neutralise free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells. Capsicums are full of anti-inflammatory properties, reduce cholesterols, warding off strokes and heart attacks, beneficial for treating colds and fevers, stimulates stomach secretions to improve digestion, acting as a laxative. Importantly peppers triggers the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters produced in the brain, which reduce pain and boost a general feeling of well-being] - which is a welcome relief in a dark, cold, damp January.

Spice Health Guide

Allspice has antiseptic and anesthetic qualities and helps balance blood sugars.

Anise seeds alleviate symptoms of asthma and congestion and can be used as a laxative.

Anise Star is a diuretic and reduces intestinal gas.

Bay Leaves regulate blood sugar levels, retard weight gain and is a mild sedative.

Cardamom reduces heartburn and aids digestion.

Cayenne (chilli) is anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, enhances memory, opens respiratory passages and boosts the metabolic rate Cinnamon has antibacterial qualities and lowers cholesterol.

Cloves are a strong painkiller, which is particularly effective for tooth ache and is used in the pink tablets that dentists used to colour the water in their surgeries.

Coriander alleviates cramps and gout.

Cumin is an anti-inflammatory and memory enhancer; Fennel relieves congestion, stomach cramps and headaches Fenugreek lowers cholesterol; prevents gas; relieves sore throat and congestion.

Garlic is antibacterial; antifungal; antiviral; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces water retention.

Ginger stimulates lymph glands; alleviates motion sickness and nausea.

Mustard seeds alleviates congestion, bronchitis, sore throat and arthritis.

Paprika helps heal canker sores, alleviates symptoms of colds and kidney infections; Peppercorns improve digestion and promote intestinal health; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant and antibacterial; stimulates the breakdown of fat cells.

Peppermint is muscle relaxant, digestive aide with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric is antioxidant; reduces cholesterol, inflammation, and indigestion; and there is evidence that it may block the formation of some cancers and retard the development of Alzheimer's.

Simply Indian's menu features traditional curry house favourites, but also has a strong fish and seafood offering.  Starters include Simply Chula Salmon marinated in herbs and spices, Kaffna - mussels cooked in a Bengali-style medium sauce, Simply Jhinga - king pawns in a honey and tamarind sauce and gently cooked Indian Squid Salad.  Signature dishes include, Bengali Mustard Fish - skinless fangash fillet cooked with mustard, cumin and fennel seeds, Steamed Sea Bass garnished with mild to medium herbs and spices, Bataak Achari - duck breast marinated in green papaya and spicy yoghurt and Nawabi King Prawns - roasted in "high-octane" spices.