When it comes to satisfying hunger and cravings, nothing can be more gratifying than to cook up
a sumptuous meal of your favorite delicacies.
Not only are you given free reign over the kitchen, but you are also in total control of the menu.
You enjoy the freedom to indulge in any fantastic ideas and inspirations, to include personally
preferred ingredients and abstain using any unhealthy additives.
A delightful home-cooked meal not only offers a flavorful experience; it also provides the unique
opportunity to embark on an exotic adventure of discovering less known ingredients.
As most professional chefs will advocate, variety is the key to a complete meal.
Bay Leaf and Ground Cumin
One of the best advantages of whipping up home-cooked meals is the freedom to explore
any range of ingredients.
Altering the standard recipe can help to improve the taste of the dish or even increase its
health benefits.
As most health advocates will know, a healthy diet is the best natural supplement that can
be provided to the body.
Here, we will explore the concept of immune-boosting herbs and the associated health benefits,
mainly derived from bay leaves and ground cumin.
Bay Leaf
Scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, the bay leaf plant originated from the Mediterranean region.
The use of bay leaves has been widespread during the Roman times and while changing climates
have decreased its natural growth area, many culinary industries still use bay leaves as part of
their culture.
Known for its extraordinary nutritional value, bay leaves have been proven to offer an extensive
list of health benefits.
*Anti-Inflammatory Function
Bay leaves contain parthenolide, a unique phytonutrient that helps to ease inflammation quickly
and effectively.
Although bay leaf extracts are normally used for topical application to affect areas, it offers the
same benefits when incorporated into any dish.
Therefore, it comes under anti-inflammatory foods.
*High Vitamin C
Fresh bay leaves contain an immense amount of Vitamin C, enabling it to provide similar benefits
as any other anti-aging herbs and spices.
As a powerful natural antioxidant, Vitamin C helps to prevent skin damage caused by free radicals
and actively purge them from the body.
This ensures that the skin restructure, and renewal process can be carried out with any interruptions
or obstructions.
In addition to its antioxidant benefits, bay leaves also speed up the wound healing process and offer
anti-viral effects.
*Prevent Cancer
Another benefit of bay leaves comes from its ability to ward off the development of cancer cells.
This is due to the role of various phytonutrients contained in this ingredient, mainly catechins,
parthenolide, and linalool.
Together with the antioxidants, these elements prevent healthy cells from mutating into cancerous
cells, thus effectively preventing cancer.
*Ease Diabetic Symptoms
According to the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, bay leaves has been scientifically
proven to aid in easing diabetic symptoms in patients.
It helps to improve glucose and lipid profile and enhance the insulin function of the body system.
As tested over a period of 30 days, patients recorded a decreased risk of diabetes as well as cardio-
vascular diseases.
Ground Cumin
A native spice of Egypt, ground cumin has been influential in Middle Eastern and Indian
cuisines for thousands of years.
Other than being a vital ingredient for curry recipes, ground cumin also possesses amazing
medicinal properties that firmly explains its presence in any kitchen.
*Improves Digestive Functions
Although the Indians have always hailed ground cumin for its effectiveness in treating digestive
issues, the medical literature on this topic has been surprisingly far and few.
One of the most prominent studies was conducted by the Department of Protein Chemistry and
Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, India.
The study gave a much-needed credence to the theory that ground cumin improves digestion.
This is achieved through its extensive nutrient composition as well as high antioxidant content.
*Enhance Cognitive Ability
Ground cumin is packed with iron content which increases hemoglobin production.
Independently, this effect prevents the onset of anemia.
However, with an increased blood circulation throughout the body, more oxygen supply is trans-
ported throughout the body, including the brain.
This allows the brain to function at a higher capacity and increase individual cognitive performances.
It also significantly reduces the risk of mental disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In other parts of the body, an increased metabolism rate helps to reverse the signs of aging and
improve overall health as well.
*Effective Management of Diabetes
Similar to bay leaves, ground cumin offers health benefits for preventing diabetes.
Based on research conducted by the Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, India, con-
sumption of ground cumin can effectively reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Early test results show that participants who consume ground cumin in their daily dietary plans
recorded a drastic drop in hypoglycemia.
It was also discovered that ground cumin intake decreases glucosuria, a condition characterized by
a high amount of glucose in the urine which can lead to hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Conclusion
Home-cooked meals can be a wonderful experience that offers a variety of options.
Other than looking for alternative methods to improve flavor, aspiring chefs should also research on
the characteristics of each ingredient to help incorporate them into each unique dish.
An ideal example can be derived from bay leaves and ground cumin.
Although they have been highly regarded for their health benefits within their local regions, there is
a serious lack of global recognition towards these ingredients.
Nonetheless, scientific studies have been picking up momentum in highlighting their special abilities
in improving individual health.
Other than enhancing general health conditions, both ingredients have been reported to offer effective
management of diabetes as well, further cementing their reputations as a necessary ingredient in
every kitchen.
About the Author
Margaux Diaz is a Health and Fitness Expert. She has an interest in building the knowledge and self confidence of people who really want to improve their life by proper health guidance and staying fit for a lifetime. She is an inspirational writer and has written numerous articles related to Health and Beauty. Connect with her on Facebook , Twitter and Google+
Image credits: www.shutterstock.com
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for providing this valuable information. I use bay leaves a lot in cooking – they had such a great flavor to meats and stews – it’s good to know that they are also filled with so much vitamins and health. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays! Pinned & tweeted!
Thank you for sharing this information about the health benefits of bay leaves and ground cumin. I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few questions.
One, in that 30-day trial of bay leaf, which was found to reduce diabetic symptoms, how much bay leaf did the subjects take each day and in what form? I’m curious because I wonder how that would compare to the occasional soup simmered with a few dried bay leaves and other herbs, which is how I use them most often.
Two, might you include links to the abstracts of the studies you mention so we could take a look at them? That would be mot helpful.
Thank you again for sharing this information. I’m stoked to find it, since these herbs are staples in my kitchen.
Thank you for sharing this information about the health benefits of bay leaves and ground cumin. I hope you don’t mind if I ask a few questions.
One, in that 30-day trial of bay leaf, which was found to reduce diabetic symptoms, how much bay leaf did the subjects take each day and in what form? I’m curious because I wonder how that would compare to the occasional soup simmered with a few dried bay leaves and other herbs, which is how I use them most often.
Two, might you include links to the abstracts of the studies you mention so we could take a look at them? That would be most helpful.
Thank you again for sharing this information. I’m stoked to find it, since these herbs are staples in my kitchen.
Hi Kathryn,
Those are great questions. I agree and we will look into them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I appreciate it.
These are two of my favorite seasonings to use, thanks for compiling all this great information! Home cooked meals are definitely the way to go because you can control what you eat!
I love how food can be healing as well as how herbs and spices can keep us healthy. I really enjoyed this post and I’m so glad you’ve shared it with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop. Sharing. I use Bay Leaves really regularly in my cooking and I’m going to try to use cumin more. I find it’s flavour very strong but I can definitely build up to using more!