THE Health unit of the Egbe-Idimu LCDA has shared some health benefits of the popular food spice, Bay leaves, adding that it doesn’t provide flavour to food but rather serves as a healthy condiment.
An online report made available for publication by the Health Unit reads; “Many ladies add bay leaves to their foods, especially in the cooking of red meat and poultry. Many don't know why bay leaves are added to food!
“When a woman was asked why, she said, "to flavour the food." If you boil the bay leaves in a glass of water and taste it, it will have no flavour. So why do you put bay leaves in the meat or other food?
“The addition of bay leaves to meat converts triglycerides to monounsaturated fats and, for experimentation and confirmation; cut a chicken into two halves, cook each half in a separate pan and place on one, a bay leaf, and cook the other without a bay leaf. Observe the amount of fat in both pans after cooking!
“If you have bay leaves, there is no need for a pharmacy, as recent scientific studies have shown that bay leaves have many benefits like as they help to get rid of many serious health problems and illnesses.
“The benefits of the bay leaf include; treating digestive disorders and helping to eliminate lumps, heartburn, acidity, and constipation.”
The statement also added that; “Hot bay tea regulates bowel movements, lowers blood sugar, and serves as an antioxidant. By eating them, or by drinking bay tea for a month, the body is able to produce insulin, eliminate bad cholesterol and relieve the body of triglycerides.
“It is useful in treating colds, flu and a severe cough, as it is a rich source of vitamin C. You can boil the leaves and inhale the steam to get rid of phlegm and reduce the severity of coughs.
“It protects the heart from seizures and strokes, as they contain cardiovascular protective compounds. Rich in acids such as caffeic acid, quercetin, eigonol and bartolinide; are all substances that prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body.
“It eliminates insomnia and anxiety. If taken before bed, helps you relax and sleep peacefully. Drinking a cup of boiled bay leaves twice a day breaks down kidney stones and cures infections.”
