Being that curry powder is packed with spices like turmeric, coriander, and chili pepper, it’s no wonder that this seasoning has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits (1Trusted Source).

Turmeric, one of the main spices in the blend, contains a pigment called curcumin. Curcumin is well known for its ability to fight inflammation by regulating inflammatory proteins, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

In fact, both human and animal research have shown turmeric and isolated curcumin to relieve symptoms of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

Other spices commonly found in curry powder, including chili pepper and coriander, offer anti-inflammatory effects as well.

Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory force (6Trusted Source).

Coriander has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine practices since ancient times, and research in rodents suggests that treatment with this spice may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases (7Trusted Source).

Still, more studies are needed to confirm this effect in humans.

SUMMARYCurry powder contains a variety of anti-inflammatory spices, including turmeric, coriander, and chili powder.

Consuming curry powder may benefit heart health in several ways. For example, research has demonstrated that the spice mix may boost blood flow and improve blood vessel function, which in turn may decrease heart disease risk.

A small study in 14 men showed that eating 6.3 ounces (180 grams) of a meal containing curry powder improved blood flow in the brachial artery — the main supply of blood to the arm — compared with a control meal. This was attributed to curry’s high antioxidant content (8Trusted Source).

Another study in over 100,000 people found that those who consumed curry-powder-based dishes 2–3 times per month to once a week had significantly lower triglyceride levels compared with people who consumed curry less than once a month (9Trusted Source).

Additionally, studies in humans have found that supplementing with turmeric and curcumin may reduce cholesterol levels in humans, though these results were from high-dose supplements exceeding the amounts typically found in food seasoned with curry powder (10Trusted Source).

What’s more, some research shows that consuming curry may have favorable effects on blood pressure levels, though more research is needed. (8Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

Because high blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels are risk factors for heart disease, eating curry powder may help improve heart health.

However, further research on how curry powder may positively affect heart health and lower heart disease risk factors is needed.

SUMMARYConsuming curry powder may benefit heart health by reducing heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and by improving blood flow.

Many of the spices in curry powder have anticancer properties. Numerous test-tube studies have found that turmeric, in particular, may fight certain cancer cells (12Trusted Source).

Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, is known to have potent cancer-fighting properties. It induces cancer cell death and inhibits the spread of cancer cells by suppressing specific signaling pathways in the body (13Trusted Source).

According to animal and test-tube research, curcumin may fight various cancers, including those of the prostate, breast, colon, and brain (13Trusted Source).

Human studies have also had promising results. For example, a study in 126 people with colorectal cancer showed that supplementing with 1,080 mg of curcumin per day for 30 days increased cancer cell death and decreased inflammation (14Trusted Source).

Research has similarly shown that other curry powder spices, such as chili peppers, coriander, and cumin, may also offer powerful anticancer effects (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).

Although current research on the anticancer effects of curry powder is promising, more studies in humans are needed.

SUMMARYSome research suggests that curry powder may have powerful anticancer properties, but more studies are needed.

Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals.

Too many free radicals in your body can lead to oxidative stress, a condition associated with chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and mental decline. Eating antioxidant-rich foods can decrease the effects of oxidative stress and reduce your disease risk (17Trusted Source).

Curry powder contains an abundance of antioxidants, such as curcumin, quercetin, pinene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cuminal (18Trusted Source, 19, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

One small study in 17 men demonstrated that eating meals containing 6–12 grams of curry powder significantly reduced allantoin — a marker of oxidative stress — compared with eating non-curry-containing meals (22Trusted Source).

Therefore, adding antioxidant-rich curry powder to meals may help reduce oxidative stress and disease risk.

SUMMARYSome research suggests that consuming curry powder may help reduce oxidative stress, thus lowering disease risk.

In addition to the potential benefits listed above, consuming this flavorful spice blend may improve health in the following ways.

5. May help lower blood sugar levels. A study in over 100,000 people showed that those who consumed moderate amounts of curry had significantly lower blood sugar levels than those who ate curry less than once a month (9Trusted Source).
6. May improve brain health. Human and animal research has demonstrated that curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, may significantly improve markers of mental decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
7. May improve feelings of fullness. In one study, men who ate meals containing 6 or 12 grams of curry powder reported significantly reduced hunger and desire to eat, compared with those who consumed a control meal (25Trusted Source).
8. Antifungal and antibacterial properties. Curry powder contains coriander and cumin, two spices that test-tube studies have shown to have antifungal and antibacterial effects (26Trusted Source).
9. May boost digestive health. Studies in rodents have found that curcumin may help your digestive system function properly and relieve symptoms of digestive disorders, though more human research is needed (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).

Keep in mind that these benefits are mostly related to individual components of curry powder and not the spice blend itself. More research involving the use of curry powder to boost health is needed.

SUMMARYConsuming curry powder may boost brain and digestive health, improve feelings of fullness, lower blood sugar levels, and provide antibacterial effects. However, more research in humans is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Because curry powder is a blend of spices, it can be used to flavor numerous dishes.

Curry powder has a unique, warm flavor that can take on both sweet and savory notes depending on the exact blend of spices used by the manufacturer.

Remember that there is no one set curry powder recipe and that the spices used may vary. Some versions can be spicy from the use of hot peppers, while others are mild.

Once you find a curry powder that pleases your taste buds, try adding it to dishes like marinades, potato salads, roasts, stews, and soups. In fact, this versatile spice blend can be used to season anything from vegetables to eggs, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Keep in mind that because curry powder usually contains turmeric, it will give a golden hue to your recipes.

SUMMARYCurry powder is versatile and can be added to a number of dishes like soups, meat recipes, and stews.

The combination of spices found in curry powder makes this seasoning a great way to add flavor and nutritional benefits to your dishes.

The spice blend is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and consuming it may help reduce oxidative stress, boost heart health, and improve blood sugar levels, among other potential benefits.

The best part is that curry powder makes an excellent addition to a wide array of recipes. Try adding it to your favorite dish for a healthful kick of flavor and color.

Though curry powder is widely available in supermarkets, you can also find a wide selection of products online.