Jakarta –
Not only is it used as an additional aromatic spice in cooking, but boiled bay leaf water also has benefits and side effects. Here’s the explanation.
Bay leaves are more often used as a flavoring agent for cooking. Apart from that, bay leaves can actually be used as a natural ‘medicine’.
One teaspoon of bay leaves contains vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, iron, manganese, riboflavin, copper, and much more.
To use it as a natural medicine, bay leaves are usually boiled to create a nutritious boiled water. However, consumption should not be excessive because it can cause a number of side effects.
If you want to know more details regarding the benefits and side effects of drinking bay leaf boiled water, see the following explanation which has been summarized from several sources.
Benefits of bay leaf boiled water
1. Maintain blood sugar levels
Drinking water boiled with bay leaves can keep blood sugar levels stable. Photo: illustration/thinkstock
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Bay leaves contain phytochemicals and essential oils which have a hypoglycemic effect on diabetes patients. The active components of polyphenols in bay leaves can also control glucose levels.
Bay leaves also contain compounds that can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating.
Therefore, people who have diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease are advised to drink boiled water so that blood sugar levels remain stable.
2. Facilitates digestion
Consuming boiled water from these leaves also helps improve digestion. Photo: Getty Images/mi-viri
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The enzymes in bay leaves can help digestion by increasing the breakdown of protein and fat in the digestive tract.
The enzyme and protein content available in it can also provide a comfortable feeling in the stomach and help overcome digestive problems, such as bloating, gas and other digestive disorders.
If you experience digestive problems, you can consume water boiled with bay leaves.
3. Fight inflammation
The phytonutrients and antioxidants in bay leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming food or drink bay leaves is the right choice because it can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Drinking water boiled with bay leaves can also overcome inflammation problems caused by diseases, such as arthritis and certain types of cancer.