Aayushi Gupta Published: 26 Jun 2021, 11:00 am IST
We know you love bay leaves to flavour Indian dishes like biryani, pulao, soup, curry etc. What’s more, they also add fragrance to dishes, which is why it is an integral part of many dishes. But did you know it’s also good for your health?
Also known as tej patta, this culinary herb is also known for its age-old medicinal properties and various health benefits. Bay leaves are found to possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, all of which can help to manage certain health conditions. Even Ayurveda considers this herb as an effective home remedy to cure various ailments.
Ready to know the health benefits of bay leaf? Here’s why tej patta are bae:
1. Good for diabetes management
Finding it hard to deal with diabetes? Well, if you’re at risk of developing diabetes or have already developed the condition, consuming bay leaves are perfect for you. It can lower your sugar levels and prove effective in dealing with type 2 diabetes. Along with that, it can also reduce your bad cholesterol levels.
2. Improves digestion
Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by preventing gastric damage and promoting urination. This helps release toxins in the body and aids in the health of the kidneys. Furthermore, the organic compounds found in bay leaves are very effective in helping with an upset stomach, soothing irritable bowel syndrome or even making it easy to digest food.
3. Treats respiratory conditions
Bay leaf is also a source of essential oil. The essential oil extracted from this leaf can be used to alleviate various respiratory conditions.
4. Fights against fungal infections
Bay leaf has been shown to provide antifungal properties, which can combat fungal conditions. These properties along with its vitamin C content can protect the skin from any kind of infection and irritation.
5. Helps reduce stress and anxiety
Always stressed? If yes, you should know that the presence of linalool in bay leaves can lower the level of stress and anxiety in the body. Also, it has natural soothing qualities which can help you calm down and can reduce the chances of depression too.
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6. Can control inflammation
Bay leaf contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to fight inflammation by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide, which is one of the causes behind inflammation.
7. Protects heart health
The heart tends to perform better due to rutin and caffeic acid, both of which are found in bay leaves. These properties can strengthen the heart’s capillary walls and help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
8. Resolves hair issues
Bay leaves are loaded with properties that can work wonders for your hair and lead to hair growth. All you need to do is to steep bay leaves in water and then rub them on your scalp after shampoo to get rid of dandruff.
9. Anti-cancer properties
According to the Journal of Nutrition Research, bay leaves showed promising results as an anticancer agent. The unique combination of antioxidants and organic compounds in bay leaves including phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide help to prevent your body from the effects of cancer-causing free radicals.
So ladies, indulge in bay leaves to reap all these benefits.
FAQs
Here are 9 reasons why you MUST include bay leaves in your diet? ›
Bay Leaf Benefits
It adds minimal calories to your food while boosting the amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some notable health benefits of bay leaf include: Immune system health. Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
Bay Leaf Benefits
It adds minimal calories to your food while boosting the amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some notable health benefits of bay leaf include: Immune system health. Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
As such, ingesting a bay leaf will result in an unpleasant sensation in your mouth, may scratch your mouth or esophagus, and could end up becoming a choking hazard. Therefore, you should not eat bay leaves or serve one to your family or dinner guests.
What are the benefits of the leaf of life? ›It works wonders as an alternative remedy for any type of respiratory condition, and arthritis. It is also known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antihistamine properties. The crushed leaves of this miracle leaf bring relief to insect bites, bruises and relieve pain and anxiety disorders.
What are the benefits of drinking bay leaf water for weight loss? ›The fibre in bay leaves helps in better intestinal movement and aids better digestion. Proper digestion is essential for weight loss since it aids in greater nutrient absorption, which helps to avoid weight gain. Because of its high calcium content, bay leaf is also considered to be a fat burner.
What are the uses of a leaf? ›The main function of a leaf is to produce food for the plant by photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the substance that gives plants their characteristic green colour, absorbs light energy. The internal structure of the leaf is protected by the leaf epidermis, which is continuous with the stem epidermis.
Is bay leaf good for the brain? ›Prevent brain disorders
According to ancient texts, bay leaf is an effective treatment for seizures. The extract of the leaves has unique chemical components that can prevent and treat other brain disorders such as epilepsy [5].
Fresh and Radiant Skin
Researches have shown that bay leaves can help to relieve stressed skin. While boiling water with bay leaves, you can inhale this steam to keep your skin look youthful and energetic. Further this water can be stored and used as a toner.
The leaves have a hypoglycaemic effect on diabetes patients, due to the presence of a number of phytochemicals and essential oils in it. Consumption of bay leaves was found to improve insulin and glucose metabolism. The active component of bay leaves is a polyphenol, which helps in controlling glucose levels.
What happens if I drink bay leaf tea everyday? ›There are many potential health benefits associated with drinking bay leaf tea. It makes a good choice for those looking to improve their digestive health. For instance, this herbal tea can help to relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating. It may also help to prevent or treat constipation.
Can I drink bay leaf everyday? ›
Yes. Drinking bay leaf tea every day benefits your heart as it is the potent combination of antioxidants and potassium. Potassium is essential for your heart health, as it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
How do you use bay leaf to attract wealth? ›- Take a bay leaf and a one dollar bill.
- Create a packet by wrapping the bay leaf in the dollar bill, folding the bill into thirds. ...
- Tuck the packet into the billfold section of your wallet.
- Periodically repeat and replace the bay leaf as necessary.