DESCRIPTION – Bay leaves are a fragrant leaf of the bay tree used as an herb. Bay leaves are available whole, fresh or dried, or ground into a powder. They have a floral, herbal aroma reminiscent of oregano and thyme and are used more frequently than any other herb.

PREPARATION AND USE –
• Add bay leaves to slow-cooked meals: If you're cooking beef stew, short ribs, or pasta on the stovetop or in a crock pot, try adding 1 or 2 whole bay leaves.
• Use bay leaves to add an earthy touch to soups, stews, and sauces.
• Boil or steam fresh foods with bay leaves to enhance their natural flavor: try adding 2 or 3 leaves to the water you use to cook tender or delicate offerings such as root vegetables, greens, and fresh fish and seafood.
• Scatter bay leaves around your kitchen to ward off common pests. Leave a few dried leaves on your pantry shelves or around your dry food storage containers to ward off mice, ants, flies, cockroaches, weevils, and other unwanted creatures.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS –
• Good for diabetes control and can reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by preventing gastric damage and promoting urination.
• Bay leaf is also a source of essential oil. The essential oil extracted from this leaf can be used to relieve various respiratory conditions.
• Fights fungal infections
• Helps reduce stress and anxiety
• Can control inflammation

NUTRITIONAL VALUES – Per 100g
• Calories - 314 kcal.
• Carbohydrates - 25%
• Protein - 16%
• Fat - 12%
• Vitamin C – 77%
• Calcium – 238%
• Iron: 186%
• Vitamin B6 – 85%
• Magnesium – 30%