Beware of the Side Effects of Salam Leaves Behind Abundant Benefits

Side effects of bay leaves have the potential to interfere with health. Although the leaves which are commonly used as flavoring dishes are believed to have a myriad of health benefits, but not everyone is suitable to consume them. In addition to the delicious smell, bay leaf has always been believed to have nutritious ingredients for health, ranging from lowering cholesterol, launching digestion, to preventing cancer. Even so, its use must be careful, because some studies have found that bay leaves can cause side effects if consumed by people with certain medical conditions. Let us discuss one by one about the benefits and side effects of bay leaves.

Take the Benefits of Greeting Leaves for Health

Bay leaf is thought to have several health benefits, including:

Lowering blood sugar and cholesterol

Bay leaves contain polyphenols which function as powerful antioxidants. These substances are believed to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetics.

Treating kidney stones

Bay leaf is believed to reduce the amount of the urease enzyme that causes kidney stones and stomach disorders. Nevertheless, the benefits of bay leaves still need to be further investigated.

Prevent cancer

Research shows that bay leaf extract can prevent cell growth and gastric cancer. Not only that, this leaf extract is also considered effective in dealing with inflammation, joint pain, and dandruff.

Then what are the side effects of Salam leaves?

Avoid consuming bay leaves as a whole. Bay leaves cannot be digested by the body even after chewing. This has the potential to cause interference with the throat or digestive tract. When you want to consume bay leaves, make sure the bay leaves to be consumed have been washed and cooked until thoroughly cooked. The reason, in raw or undercooked bay leaves, there may still be bacteria that can cause infection. In addition, bay leaves are not recommended for consumption by:

Diabetics

Bay leaves are believed to reduce blood sugar levels, thus helping cure diabetes. However, this is not without risk. Bay leaves can cause hypoglycemia due to decreased blood sugar levels that are excessive and difficult to control. So, don't forget to consult your doctor first to find out the safe dose.

Pregnant and nursing mothers

Pregnant or nursing women need to be careful when they consume bay leaves. Until now, there is no accurate information about the safe dose of the use of bay leaves for pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, pregnant or nursing women are advised to consult with an obstetrician before consuming bay leaves.

Patients who will undergo surgery

If you are scheduled to undergo a surgical process in the near future, avoid consuming bay leaves, at least two weeks before undergoing surgery. Bay leaf is thought to slow down the workings of the nervous system and brain, so it risks disrupting the effects of anesthetic drugs during surgery and afterwards. In general, consuming bay leaf as a food is quite safe. You may occasionally add bay leaves as a complement to cooking. But if you want to take it as a herbal medicine, it is better to consult first with your doctor. The reason is, bay leaves may have side effects or affect the medicines you consume.