Bay Leaf: Uses and Benefits for Digestion
Daun salam berkhasiat 1. Kaya Antioksidan 2. Anti-Radang 3.Kurang Masalah Pencernaan 4. Mengawal Kencing Manis 7.Anti-Kuman
Bay leaves are a type of spice that is often used in cooking to provide a special aroma and flavor. They are the leaves of the Syzygium polyanthum tree (also known as Javanese bay leaves) or Laurus nobilis (Mediterranean bay leaves). These leaves are used in cooking as a flavouring and complement to the taste.
What is a Bay Leaf?
Apart from being commonly used in cooking, it also has various health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants that can prevent cancer.
Uses of Bay Leaves
It can be used for various purposes such as:
1. Flavouring
It is often used in soups, stews, and gravy-based dishes such as rendang and gulai. It helps to add flavor to dishes.
It provides a pleasant aroma and enhances the taste of food.
2. Preparing the Marinade
It can be added to marinades for meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables. It helps absorb flavours and imparts a more delicious aroma to the marinated food.
3. Aroma
It gives a fragrant and unique aroma to dishes. This aroma is very useful in dishes that require deep and complex flavours.
4. Food Storage
In some cultures, it is used to help maintain the quality and freshness of food. It can be placed in food containers to help prevent unwanted odours and flavours.
5. Preparation of Gravy & Sauce
It can be used in the preparation of gravies and sauces to add flavour. It is often added to tomato sauces and pasta sauces.
7. Rice Preparation
It can be added while cooking rice to give it a richer flavour and fragrant aroma. This is a common practice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
8. Made into a Drink
It can also be used to make an infusion and then drunk like an herb or tea. This can give the drink a unique taste and aroma.
Benefits of Bay Leaves
It has various benefits, including:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight free radicals in the body. This can reduce the risk of cell damage and premature ageing.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for individuals suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
3. Fewer Digestive Problems
Can help improve digestion by reducing digestive problems such as gas and bloating. It can stimulate peristalsis (intestinal movement) and help smooth the digestive process.
4. Controls Diabetes
Some studies show that it may help stabilise blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
5. Improves Heart Health
Bay leaves contain compounds that can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Bay leaves are rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients support general health and bodily functions.
7. Anti-Germ
Bay leaves have antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial and viral infections.
8. Maintains Skin Health
Bay leaf extract can be used in external treatments to help heal wounds and reduce skin inflammation.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia