The bay leaf is a seasoning used for many dishes and makes them even more tasty and aromatic. In addition, medical research has shown that this plant is very beneficial to human health.
Application of bay leaves
As a spice, the bay leaves are widely used both in dried and fresh. The main advantage of this plant is the preservation of useful properties with proper and long-term storage. The composition of laurel seeds includes a huge amount of essential oils, and therefore they are rarely used in cooking.
As a rule, bay leaves are added to stews, meat soups, marinades and vegetables. Also, this seasoning is used for salting fats, marinating fish, flavoring vinegar, cooking puddings and dishes from poultry, sauces and fries.
It is not recommended to expose the bay leaf to prolonged cooking with the main product. In the first dishes it should be placed 5 minutes before the readiness, and in the second - for 10 minutes. The main rule is moderation in the use of this seasoning. In marinades should be added no more than 2-3 leaves of laurel.
At 100 grams of laurel, there are 313 calories.
Useful properties of bay leaves
It is very useful to use seasoning during the period of peak colds, as the use of laurel leaf for immunity is very high. This is due to its constituent phytoncides, which actively destroy pathogenic bacteria.
The bay leaf contains: vitamins PP, C, B, A, proteins, manganese, copper, sodium, iron , selenium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, tannins, saturated fatty acids, phytoncides, fats, carbohydrates, dietary fibers , organic acids and essential oils. Thanks to this chemical composition, the bay leaves are useful for the human body, and harm is possible only when consumed in large quantities.
The bay leaves can improve appetite and speed up digestive processes. Also, the plant extract is very effective in cleaning the body of toxins and toxins. The infusion from the laurel perfectly calms the nervous system, fixes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, stops bleeding and removes stones from the kidneys. Very useful is the bay leaf with diabetes, thanks to the ability to adjust carbohydrate metabolism and normalize blood sugar levels.
The infusion from the laurel has a beneficial effect on the skin, relieving it of increased fat content, rashes, age spots and acne. For cosmetic purposes, laurel oil is actively used in the fight against dry skin and mimic wrinkles.
In the form of a decoction, the bay leaf is useful for the body in that it helps to get rid of the pain in the ears, a strong cough, a protracted rhinitis, arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Foot baths with decoction - an excellent remedy for excessive sweating of the feet. Providing invaluable benefits, bay leaves also have contraindications, which are also important to know.
Harm and contraindications of bay leaves
Abandon the use of bay leaf, as well as infusions and decoctions from it is necessary for people prone to allergic reactions and pregnant women. The plant has an exciting effect on the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage. Because of the high content of tannins in the laurel leaf, it is possible to cause harm to health if there are diseases of the liver and cardiovascular system.