Most Indian cuisines, including biryani, pulao, soups, and curries, frequently use bay leaves. Due to its unique flavour and smell, this culinary herb—also known as tej patta—makes for a crucial component of Indian cuisine. In addition to this, it is renowned for its traditional therapeutic qualities. Bay leaves, often referred to as Laurus Nobilis, are used to treat a number of illnesses. Bay leaf is a nutrient-dense herb since it contains vitamins A and C, folic acid, as well as a number of different minerals. Make the most of the herb by adding bay leaves to your soup stocks, curries, rice dishes, and other specialities. Not only does it provide food with a robust flavour, but it also guarantees to give some noticeable health benefits.
Here are some benefits of Bay Leaf
Improves Digestion
Bay leaf has potent effects on the digestive tract. It also aids in the body's proper functioning by lowering toxin levels. Bay leaves contain organic chemicals that are useful for soothing irritable bowel syndrome and soothing an upset stomach (IBS). The body cannot easily digest some of the complex proteins, which is where bay leaves come into play. These leaves contain special enzymes that aid in effective digestion.
Manages Diabetes
Consuming bay leaves is beneficial for those who have diabetes or are at risk of getting the disease. It can lower your blood sugar levels and help you manage type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can lower your levels of harmful cholesterol.
The essential chemical compounds rutin and caffeic acid, both of which are present in bay leaves improve heart health. Rutin strengthens capillary walls in the heart and the body's extremities, and caffeic acid can aid in the removal of "bad" cholesterol from the cardiovascular system. Bay leaf tea is beneficial for heartburn issues.
Fights Free Radicals
The special blend of chemical compounds and antioxidants found in bay leaves, such as phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide, aids in shielding the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Bay leaves are particularly good in stopping free radicals, which can cause healthy cells to change into malignant cells.
Beneficial For Respiratory System
The respiratory system benefits from the bay leaf. Its essential oil can be extracted, blended, and administered topically to the chest to treat a variety of respiratory illnesses and diseases. The leaves can also be used to make a poultice that is put on the chest for a night. It functions in a similar way to aromatherapy and can loosen up the phlegm and get rid of dangerous bacteria that might become stuck in your respiratory tracts.