Adding bay leaves to your dishes? Here’s why people suffering from these issues should avoid bay leaf

Do you add bay leaves to your curries and sabiz to accentuate the taste and flavour? Then you need to read on! India has always been a treasure trove of spices and this is the reason why Indian food is so rich, aromatic and delicious. Since ages, spices are added to enhance the taste and flavour of the delicacies, and one such desi spice is a ‘Bay leaf’ also known as Tej Pata. This simple leaf is an essential spice used extensively in Indian cooking for its unique health benefits and strong aroma. But what if tell you that this common spice is not safe for everyone, especially people suffering from these ailments.

It is absolutely impossible to imagine Indian curries, sabiz and dals without this aromatic spice, but do you know why this spice has been used in traditional cooking? This is because bay leaves are loaded with the nutrients such as iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, A, B6, riboflavin, zinc, fiber, protein, to name a few. However, there are certain side effects of this common kitchen spice, which may affect people suffering from underlying health issues. Read on…

The nutrients present in bay leaves help in managing sugar levels in the body. According to a study published in the Journal of Biochemical Nutrition it was found that people suffering from type 2 diabetes had lower glucose levels after adding bay leaves to their diet for more than 6 months. It was also observed that there was significant improvement in the cholesterol level. This is because bay leaves are naturally packed with active compounds known as polyphenol, which help control glucose level. However, if you are already under blood sugar medication, then adding bay leaves to the diet can interfere with the sugar levels.

People suffering from swelling in the throat or glands, must avoid adding bay leaves to the meals as these leaves are not easily chewed and the chances are that it may trigger irritation in the neck or throat. Another way of adding bay leaves is by cooking the dish with this spice and picking it up right before serving.

One must avoid adding bay leaves to the meals during this phase. This is because bay leaves have a warm potency and may trigger several health issues for the expecting mother as well as the baby. Also consuming this during pregnancy can lead to an upset stomach, sweat, frequent urination, diarrhea.

Adding bay leaves to the curries and sabiz can help in reducing bloating and improving bowel movements, this is due to the presence of fibers. But if you are already suffering from an upset stomach, then eating foods with this spice can lead to loose motions, stomach ache and bloating.