Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : May 10, 2016 10:53 AM IST
When it comes to diabetes, you need to be extra cautious about what to eat and what not to, in addition to following strict dietary guidelines. However, including certain foods in the diet can help you to regulate glucose levels in an effective way. And one such easily available ingredient is bay leaves. Known as tej patta in Hindi, this culinary spice not only aids in blood glucose control but also helps you maintain lipid profile under control.
Here s how bay leaves help
According to a study published in the journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition [1], bay leaves showed a significant improvement in the insulin function in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, when taken for 30 days. The hypoglycemic effect of bay leaves is attributed to the presence of essential oil and phytochemicals, which improve glucose and insulin metabolism. Also, the active component of these leaves is a polyphenol, which exerts insulin potentiating activity, thereby aiding effective glucose control.
Not just that, bay leaves also showed a 26% reduction in total cholesterol including LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglycerides and around 20% increase in the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol [1].
How to use it?
For best results, it is advised to take anti-diabetic medications and follow proper dietary guidelines along with including bay leaves in the diet. The study [1] revealed that consuming 1 to 3 gms of bay leaves per day for 30 days improves glucose and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes and hence, lowers the risk and complications associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. You can add bay leaves in soups and curries to make the most of it. Even adding a spoonful of bay leaf powder while cooking might help you reap the anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterol benefits. So don't forget to stock and consume bay leaves if you have diabetes or suffer from any risk factors of diabetes like heart disease.
Reference
Khan, A., Zaman, G., & Anderson, R. A. (2009). Bay Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Profile of People with Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 44(1), 52 56. doi:10.3164/jcbn.08-188
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