Health benefits of bay leaves: All you need to know - 24 Mantra Organic

Bay leaves are commonly known as tej patta and are used in several famous Indian dishes such as soups, curries, pulao, and the decadent biryani. It is a dense herb full of essential vitamins and minerals and is packed with folic acid. Organic bay leaves have distant flavour and fragrance based on different varieties of trees. The most common type is from the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis).

Other varieties include the California bay leaf, the Indonesian bay leaf, the Mexican bay leaf, the West Indian bay leaf, and the Indian bay leaf [1]. Regardless of its source, there are several health benefits of bay leaves, including improving digestion and reducing stress. In this article, we’ll look at nutritional facts and the top 5 health benefits of bay leaves.

What are bay leaves?

Bay leaves are dried leaves of the bay laurel plant, an evergreen shrub that is grown in warm, temperate climates. The leaves are elongated, thick, and leathery with pointy ends. Usually, dried bay leaves have a slightly stronger flavour and fragrance than fresh leaves.

Nutritional value of bay leaves

A single bay leaf does not amp up the nutritional value of the dish. That is because the leaf is usually removed from the dish before consuming it. However, if the leaves are crumbled and eaten along with food, it may provide a few nutritional benefits.

Health benefits of bay leaves

Here are the top five health benefits of bay leaves:

1. Helps improve digestion

The nutrient contents of organic bay leaves are believed to have great effects on the gastrointestinal system. The herb reduces the body’s toxicity and helps in its proper functioning. Organic compounds present in it can settle an upset stomach and ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other health benefits of bay leaves include the presence of unique enzymes that easily break down complex proteins.

2. Good for heart health

Organic bay leaves have compounds such as caffeic acid and rutin that are good for the health of the heart. It should be incorporated into the diet of heart patients since these organic compounds strengthen capillary walls in the heart and reduce LDL or bad cholesterol.

3. Controls diabetes

Bay leaves are perfect for diabetics since it can control the blood sugar levels. Studies show that having 1-3 grams of bay leaves for 30 days can reduce blood glucose levels, along with cholesterol and triglycerides [2]. When eaten regularly, bay leaves can also improve insulin function, which can also control diabetes, if not cure it completely.

4. Reduces body inflammation

One of the most valuable health benefits of bay leaves is its anti-inflammatory properties. Bay leaf is a rich source of a unique phytonutrient called parthenolide, which can prevent and lower inflammation significantly. This further reduces the chances of developing chronic conditions such as arthritis.

5. Natural wound healer

The antimicrobial properties of bay leaf naturally heal wounds. Its medicinal properties make it an excellent home remedy to quickly heal minor wounds and cuts. Moreover, bay leaves also have linalool, which potentially reduces stress hormones in the body. They help overcome symptoms of depression and lowers anxiety levels.

Conclusion

So there you go folks. That was our take on bay leaves and their many health benefits. Remember to include 2-3 organic bay leaves in your diet every day to experience these wonderful health benefits.

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