Bay leaves: Tremendous benefits of Tej Patta you didn't know

Bay leaves are a common sighting in dishes like biryani, pulao, soups and curries. Commonly known as Tej Patta, this herb makes it an integral part of Indian cuisine, due to its distinctive flavour and fragrance. Also, it is popularly known for its medicinal values.

Laurus Nobilis (scientific name) is known to treat various health conditions. It is a nutrient-dense herb due to vitamin A, C, and folic acid and various minerals. Adding bay leaves to your soup stocks, curries, rice dishes, and other delicacies can do wonders for your health. 

It imparts strong flavour to dishes and ensures delivering certain health benefits that cannot go unnoticed. We list the amazing benefits of bay leaves that you may have missed. 

Improves digestion: Bay leaf can have a substantial effect on our gastrointestinal system. Decreasing the toxicity of the body, it helps the body function well. Organic compounds found in bay leaves soothe an upset stomach and setting irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our body cannot digest some of the complex proteins, and that is when bay leaves come into play. The unique enzymes in these leaves promote effective digestion.

Heart-friendly: Caffeic acid and rutin found in bay leaves promote heart health. The elements strengthen capillary walls in the heart and further eliminate LDL or bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system.

Diabetes:  Bay leaves are responsible for improving insulin function, which is a boon for people with diabetes. According to the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 1-3 grams of bay leaf per day for 30 days experienced a drop in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Stress buster: Stress is one of the most common problems found in modern society. To fight stress, adding more bay leaves to your diet can help. Linalools present in bay leaves can reduce the stress hormones level in the body. These leaves in turn help calm down and combat symptoms of depression.

Body inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties is one of the most important benefits of bay leaves. Due to the presence of a phytonutrient called parthenolide, it reduces inflammation and further reduce the chances of developing arthritis.

Natural wound healer: Having antimicrobial properties, bay leaves help the wound heal completely. Minor wounds can not only be painful but can irritate you. It's best to use natural remedies, as good as bay leaves, to your rescue.