Bay leaf is a nutrient-dense herb that is also used in medicine. It is well known for its flavour and fragrance in many Indian dishes such as biryani and curries. It has supplied people with several health benefits since history, and it is commonly found in hot and humid places.
What exactly is Bay Leaf?
Bay leaf is an aromatic plant from the Mediterranean bay laurel tree, a tiny evergreen tree. The leaf is two to three inches long, almond-shaped, and green. The undertones of the bay leaf include spicy, woodsy, flowery, sweet and savoury, and slightly bitter.
It is a common cooking spice in India, where it is used to make tea and curry dishes. Although you must remove it from the meal before serving, it contains numerous nutrients that help to prevent many chronic diseases. For example, it can help with diabetes, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. However, there isn’t enough scientific proof to back it up.
Types of Bay Leaf
– Fresh Bay Leaves
The tops of fresh bay leaves are lustrous and dark green, with paler green underneath. They’re utilised in meat dishes to give them a distinct flavour. On the other hand, fresh leaves can overpower a dish if used excessively; therefore, collecting them early in the cooking process is beneficial.
– Dried Bay Leaves
It is preferable to use dried and crushed bay leaves when cooking meals because the crushed version is more likely to absorb nutrients. Fresh bay leaves are more expensive than dried bay leaves and have a shorter shelf life. As the young leaves dry, their brilliance fades, and the colour becomes consistent and muted.
Bay Leaf’s Nutritional Values
A hundred grammes of bay leaf comprises the following ingredients:
- Calorie count: 313 kcal
- 74.9g Carbohydrates
- 7.6 g Protein
- 26.3g Fibre
- 8.3 g Fat
Health Benefits of Bay Leaves
It aids digestion
According to a study, bay leaves significantly impact the gastrointestinal system. So, in addition to giving your food a terrific flavour and taste, they also help with digestion, providing relief from abdominal pain, gastrointestinal infections, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. Furthermore, the chemical components included in bay leaves aid in relieving indigestion and treating irritable bowel syndrome.
Adding bay leaves to your dish will promote nutrient absorption and help your body function properly. Additionally, bay leaf oil and bay leaf tea can help with gastrointestinal issues.
Contributes to Kidney Health
Bay leaves can help with kidney health by acting as a diuretic. They are supposed to increase urination and hence reduce toxins in the body. According to one study, bay leaves can help prevent kidney stones by lowering urea levels in the body. Furthermore, due to their diuretic properties, bay leaves aid in removing excess sodium from the body.
Beneficial to the Heart
According to a study, Bay leaves have two important chemical compounds, rutin, which improve heart function. Caffeic acid helps eliminate LDL or bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system, while rutin strengthens the capillary walls of the heart.
Aids in the Management of Diabetes
By reducing blood sugar levels and improving insulin activity, bay leaves can help you manage and treat diabetes. Furthermore, the polyphenols present in bay leaves can help to alleviate diabetes symptoms by improving insulin receptor performance. According to a study, daily ingestion of bay leaves may aid in treating type 2 diabetes.
Antioxidants are present
Antioxidants found in the bay, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, aid in the reduction of blood cholesterol and uric acid levels. Furthermore, phenolic components are included in the antioxidant capabilities of bay leaf extract. These phytochemicals help protect the liver and stomach from the damaging effects of oxidative stress induced by free radicals.
Helps with Respiratory Issues
The bay leaf aids the respiratory system. Bay leaf essential oil can be extracted, blended, and used topically to the chest to aid with various respiratory diseases and disorders.
Similarly, the leaves can be used to make a poultice and put on the chest during the night. It works in aromatherapy lines, loosening phlegm and removing hazardous bacteria that may have become stuck in your respiratory passages.
It possesses anti-cancer properties
The anti-cancer benefits of bay leaves are well-known. According to one study, bay leaf extract can help cancer cells die by facilitating apoptosis and so prevent cancer. Bay leaves’ unique blend of antioxidants and organic chemicals also helps suppress the growth of breast and colorectal cancer cells and protect your body from cancer-causing free radicals.
It has antimicrobial properties
Antimicrobial characteristics, such as antibacterial and antifungal protection, are provided by bay leaves. Bay leaves are good against fungi, bacteria, and protozoa infections. Furthermore, the study discovered that its essential oil was efficient against various foodborne bacteria. In combination with the presence of ascorbic acid or vitamin C, these qualities can protect the skin from infection and irritation.
Bay Leaf’s Uses
Bay leaf is an essential element in traditional soups, stews, and stuffings. It’s also an essential component of teas, oils, and liquors. It has also been used as a herbal medicine for thousands of years to treat various ailments. Bay leaves have a variety of purposes and culinary and medicinal ones.
The following are some of the other advantages of bay leaves:
- Reduces Anxiety and Stress
- Improves Hair Health
- Aids Sleep Induction
- Insect Repellent
- Cosmetic Business
- Air Purifier
Conclusion
Incorporating bay leaves into your diet can help you manage diabetes and prevent digestive problems. It boosts the quantity of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a dish. Bay leaf oil and extract can also treat arthritis, inflammation, and skin conditions.
