The properties of curry have been long-recognized for their health benefits, but a new study reported in the Daily Mail says fenugreek, a spice typically found in the curry, not only alleviates the symptoms of colds and flu, but may also prevent the illnesses.
Twenty volunteers were tested over three winter months. Half of them had a cold or the flu at the beginning of the study, and twice a week they consumed half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a curry.
Those volunteers who were ill noticed immediate and lasting relief of cold symptoms like runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat and fatigue.
The healthy volunteers remained that way for the duration of the trial, even though they usually came down with a cold during winter.
The study was conducted by Anglo-Indian chef Gurpareet Bains, author of Indian Superfood, and he states that further clinical trials will be held in collaboration with an American university.
“We already know that some foods and spices can help alleviate the symptoms of the cold, but the results of these studies show that fenugreek is significantly more beneficial. I couldn’t call this a miracle ingredient – but it’s not far off,” he said.
Fenugreek seeds are frequently used in the preparation of pickles, curry powders, and pastes, and the spice is often found in Indian cuisine.