From heart health to sugar control; Here’s why you should try bay leaf tea
Bay leaf tea is a healthy hot drink option. It not only helps you relax, it has many other benefits too. Make a cup of bay leaf tea to combat digestive issues.
Bay leaves (also known as patta) adds flavour to many foods. Bay leaves are full of flavour and are often used as a flavour enhancer to enhance the flavour of traditional dishes. Want to know how to eat bay leaves? Try bay leaf tea! Bay leaf is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium, so it works wonders on the digestive system. It also acts as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, diuretic and appetite stimulant. If you are looking to build your tea stash, bay leaf tea is something you can’t miss. It actually tastes better than green tea.
What is bay leaf tea?
Bay leaf tea is tea made by steeping bay leaves in water. You can add cinnamon, lemon, and honey to enhance the flavor. If you want to know how to make bay leaf tea, it’s as easy as it sounds. Just boil water, add the leaves and other spices, and steep. After a while, you can strain it and add any sweetener you want if necessary.
Benefits of Bay Leaf Tea
Bay leaf tea has many health benefits. Here’s why it should be a part of your daily diet:
1. Help treat diabetes
A study published in the Journal of Medical Biochemistry and Nutrition in January 2009 showed that green leafy vegetables improved blood sugar and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetics. Therefore, bay leaf tea is effective in treating type 2 diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity.
2. Improve digestion
Bay leaves also improve digestion by stimulating bowel movements and encouraging urination. It is also great for preventing constipation. A study published in Food Science and Nutrition shows that it helps increase appetite and aids digestion.
3. Good for the heart
Bay leaf tea is good for your heart because it has a powerful combination of potassium, antioxidants, and iron. These nutrients help with heart rate and lower blood pressure. A study published in the journal Transforming Healthcare in Low-Resource Settings found that bay leaf water reduced cholesterol levels for seven days.
4. Strengthen the body’s immunity
Green leaf tea is also good for the immune system as it is a source of vitamin C and has antibacterial properties that can prevent infections. This study published in the journal South Asian Medicinal Plants says that bay leaves are believed to have antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties and may contribute to good immunity.
5. Promotes metabolism
Bay leaves also have the benefits of cinnamon, which speeds up metabolism and helps with weight loss. Therefore, bay leaf water is a good choice for weight loss.
6. Reduces stress
The gorgeous leaves can reduce your stress. A mouse study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that mice that took a leaf extract orally for a week appeared less stressed.
7. Treat cancer
Bay leaves have medicinal properties and are also used by some to treat cancer. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties protect your body from inflammation.
Here’s a simple recipe for bay leaf tea:
Ingredients you’ll need:
3 bay leaves
A pinch of cinnamon powder
2 cups water
Lemon and honey (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Wash the leaves, put them in a pot and bring the water to a boil.
Step 2: Add the bay leaves and cinnamon powder and boil for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Turn off the heat and strain the tea into a mug. Now add any sweetener (sugar) or lemon juice according to your taste.
Side Effects of Bay Leaf Tea
Although green leaf tea is a good drink, drinking too much of it can cause fatigue. It can also slow down your breathing. Be sure not to consume the bay leaves if you are currently taking sedatives. It can also cause headaches and bloating.