6 Health Benefits and Nutritional Values of Bay Leaves
July 8, 2022 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in Nutrition Facts
The bay leaf plant is part of the laurel family, which includes plants such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. They have a sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter flavor. Bay leaves are harvested from a tree that grows in tropical climates like India and the West Indies. They have a very distinctive flavor that is often used in cooking because it adds depth to stews and soups.
Bay leaves are used in many different cuisines, but they are most commonly found in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes. Bay leaves can be used whole or ground and they add a light yet earthy flavor to any dish.
The health benefits of bay leaves include relieving stomach aches and pains as well as easing menstrual cramps.
Bay leaves are used in a variety of dishes and have a distinctive flavor. They are used in many cuisines around the world, including Moroccan, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and Indian.
In India bay leaves are used in soups and curries. In Morocco they are often added to fish stews. In Vietnam they are often added to pho (a noodle soup).
Bay leaves can be difficult to find fresh so dried bay leaves can be substituted with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice in some recipes.
Health Benefits
Bay leaves are a common cooking ingredient that can also be used as a medicine. Bay leaves are high in antioxidants which protect your body from free radical damage that can cause illness and disease. This is why bay leaves are often used in recipes for stews, soups, and meat dishes.
Bay leaves may reduce inflammation and help with asthma symptoms. They may also help reduce muscle spasms because they contain a chemical compound called 1,8-cineole which has been shown to relax muscles in mice studies.
Bay leaves may be toxic if consumed in large quantities and can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, mouth ulcers, liver damage, kidney damage and death so it is important not to eat them.
1. Immunity Booster
Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6 which acts as immunity booster. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases like colds and cough. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and can be used to relieve stress.
Bay leaves are also used as a spice in many cuisines around the world, particularly Indian cuisine.
2. Ease menstrual cramps
Bay leaves have been used for centuries to help ease menstrual cramps. The leaves are often brewed in a tea or steeped in some water and then the liquid is consumed.
The bay leaf has soothing properties that can help with menstrual cramps, and it also tastes better than many of the other herbal remedies out there.
3. Aids in digestion
The bay leaf is a fragrant spice that is often used in cooking. The bay leaf aids in digestion by stimulating the digestive system, which helps to break down food and absorb nutrients.
4. Controls diabetes
Bay leaf has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and pain. Now, a new study shows that bay leaf can also help reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk factors.
The study was published in the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, showing that bay leaf extract helped improve glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and lower high blood pressure levels. These findings could be helpful for people who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or who have pre-diabetes symptoms.
5. Contains Antibacterial effects.
Bay leaves are used in cooking for their flavor, but they also have Antibacterial effects. They are used in the kitchen to add flavor to meat and vegetables, but they also have a number of medicinal purposes. Bay leaves can be placed in boiling water to make a tea that has been shown to be effective for respiratory issues and stomach aches.
Bay leaves inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli.
6. May Prevent cancer
Bay leaf is a type of herb that has been used in cooking for centuries. It has been found by scientists to have many health benefits, including preventing cancers like breast cancer cells and colorectal cancer cells by slower growth.
Nutritional Facts of Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are the aromatic leaves of a plant in the laurel family. They are often used to flavor soups and stews, or as a garnish.
The bay leaf is a popular cooking ingredient in many cuisines. The bay leaf has many different properties that make it a popular cooking ingredient. It can be used to add flavor to dishes and help with digestion, as well as being high in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These are just some of the ways that the bay leaf can be used for cooking purposes or for its health benefits.
Nutritional Values of Bay leaf per 2 grams (1 bay leaf) as follows:
| NUTRIENTS | VALUES PER 1 BAY DRIED LEAF |
| Calories | 6.28 k.cal |
| Protein | 0.16 g |
| Fats | 0.16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.52 g |
| Sodium | 0.46 mg |
| Potassium | 10.58 mg |
Summary
Bay leaf is a plant that is used as a seasoning in many countries. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but it also grows in other regions of the world.
Bay leaves are used in cooking because they have a mildly spicy, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor that blends well with other flavors. They can be found whole or ground into powder form.
The leaves are usually dried before use, but some people prefer to use fresh bay leaves for longer shelf life. Dried bay leaves should be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.