Here are 9 reasons why you MUST include bay leaves in your diet

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.

Brew a cup of bay leaf tea to beat digestive issues. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

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. 

Regular consumption of bay leaf can manage your stress nad anxiety. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

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.