Next time you’re tucking into a Balti, you can enjoy it all the more for knowing you’re also giving your body a little health kick.
The combination of both spices, allium vegetables and tomatoes used in a typical Balti, gives the dish some fantastic health giving properties!
Ward of winter colds
Balti's are particularly good for boosting your body’s natural immunity and fighting off colds, thanks to the beneficial ingredients onions, turmeric, paprika and garlic. Add a garlic Naan and there’ll be no need for Night Nurse!
Beat depression
Tumeric which contains curcumin was recently discovered to be as effective as Prozac in managing depression. According to the authors of the journal Phytotherapy Research, “This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe therapy for treatment in patients with mild depression.”
Balti also contains fresh Tomato, which contain lots of folic acid and alpha-lipoic acid, both of which are good for fighting depression. In most of the studies, about one-third of depression patients were deficient in folate.
Relieve the pain of arthritis
Ginger has been proven to ease joint paint caused by arthritis, while curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, is thought to reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with inflammation of the joints.
Balti’s may help to prevent Alzheimer’s…
Researchers have found that curcumin can also reduce the build-up of plaques on the brain that cause Alzeihmer's by as much as 50%.
…And cancer
Turmeric has been found to reduce the risk of several types of cancer including colon cancer; while a study found that people consuming high levels of cumin were less likely to develop prostate cancer. In addition, allicin, which is found in garlic, and lycopene, found in tomatoes, both have anti-cancer benefits.
Balti can help ease digestion
Balti spices such as, cardamom and black pepper are all thought to ease digestion problems.
Balti helps lower your cholesterol
Three common Balti ingredients – garlic, onion and chili peppers – have been found to help reduce high cholesterol levels.
Balti can boost your metabolism
Studies have found that capsaicin, which is found in spices like chili, can raise your metabolic rate by up to 50% for as long as three hours after a curry.