This paper has been published by the Journal Consomer Eroski, Eroski Foundation, of which was performed the next copy.
The digestive properties of the bay
Noted for its benefits to the respiratory system and to fight bacterial infections Mouth
One of the most widely used spices in the Mediterranean are the laurel leaves of the Lauraceae family. To this group belong as aromatic trees such as cinnamon-tree (cinnamon), camphor (camphor) and avocado (avocado). The huge number of meals that are prepared to use its distinctive flavor makes it one of the most popular herbs. Used as a condiment and for their interesting healthy properties. It is an excellent digestive as it opens the appetite, combat gases and protects the liver.
Digestive and aperitif par excellence
- Picture: Miriam Kato -
The laurel leaves were used as a condiment and medicine for their qualities to enhance and soothe digestion. In composition, distinguished various organic acids, unsaturated fatty acids, substances with antioxidant and antibacterial and minerals such as manganese, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In its active, cineole and eugenol, they confer properties to stimulate the appetite, so its use is indicated in the development of recipes for people no appetite, nursing or who need to eat more to meet your requirements or to fatten. In these cases, more useful and effective infusion of laurel take a while before meals.
He was also awarded in herbal carminative properties, that is, some ability to reduce the formation of gas and bloating, as well as protective functions of the liver. The latter effect is noted for its cholagogue action by stimulating the production and secretion of bile, an aspect that aids digestion of fats. For all these properties, use appropriate bay in the kitchen and, in particular in the preparation of Christmas dishes, which are usually strong, very energetic, and little digestive acids.
The laurel reduces the formation of gas and bloating
After a heavy meal, a bay leaf infusion is advisable to ease digestion. This suits those with liver dysfunction indigestion or gall bladder, and notice slow digestion, heaviness, bloating and abdominal pain after meals.
To prepare the infusion, are added about 20 grams of laurel leaves (better the middle leaves) in one liter of water. Boil three to five minutes, remove from heat and allowed to warm and stand with leaves. The infusion may be taken several times a day. If you drink before meals, served as an appetizer and an appetite, if taken after meals, soothes indigestion and bloating. Fresh leaves retain their properties better than dry because, over time, the active ingredients of laurel subside.
Infusion expectorant and bactericidal
The bay has therapeutic effects on the respiratory system. Favors the expulsion of mucus from the airways and contains bactericidal substances, making it well suited for conditions such as bronchitis and pharyngitis.
Some research has focused on identifying and confirming the antibacterial potential of the decoction of some plants to combat diversity of bacteria isolated from the oral cavity. The decoction or cooking is a method for extracting the active ingredients of a different plant to the infusion. The plant decoction (whether leaves, seeds, stems ...), add the cold water that is heated to a simmer and simmer for several minutes. In the infusion hot water is added to plants. In both cases, the preparation is left standing a few minutes, before brewing and drinking.
In a study conducted by the Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi (Pakistan), used bay leaves ("Laurus nobilis"), black peppercorns ("Piper nigrum" L.), aniseed ("Pimpinella anisum" L.) and coriander ("Coriandum sativum" L.). The decoction of black pepper is considered the most effective against oral bacterial infections, followed by the bay leaves, while the effect was small anise and coriander, no.
SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
The part most commonly used and popular are the leaves of laurel, while other preparations concentrated active ingredients, such as bay oil, tea, tablets or essential oil. This forces always take the right dose and with the advice of an expert in herbal medicine.
Consumption concentrated infusions or decoctions bay can cause nausea, vomiting and irritation of the gastric mucosa and therefore is not recommended in case of gastritis and ulcer or have a weak stomach. There are reports of contact dermatitis and phenomena of photosensitization reactions occurring in the skin on contact with sunlight, after topical application of creams or oils laurel extract.
LAUREL UP IN THE SOUP
The bay is a must for many people. Its leaves (fresh or dried, whole or in pieces) are added to soups and stews and as it cooks, giving a deep, rich aroma and flavor. It is an herb that congenial bean dishes like red beans with cabbage, lentils or chickpeas with sausage with pine nuts.
In the recipe of Consumer Eroski can taste a variety of recipes at bay, such as green rice or back to the pan, plus soups, stuffed fish like tuna, meats, stews and casseroles and sauces. Serves as an excellent flavoring pickles, vegetables in the recipe, marinated chicken or mussels, and fermented food like sauerkraut.
Author: By MAITE ZUDAIRE
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