New Delhi, December 31 (IANS). From Banaras to Calcutta, everyone knows the hobby of eating betel leaf, but very few people know that betel leaf is full of medicinal properties. It improves digestion, removes bad breath and germs, reduces inflammation and protects the body by being rich in antioxidants.
Betel leaves have been shown to have the ability to control blood sugar, fight fungus and, in some studies, even prevent cancer cells. Consuming a little bit of plain leaf or lightly sweetened betel leaf daily can prove beneficial for health.
Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija explained in detail about the health benefits of betel leaves. These leaves have been used in Indian culture for centuries, but now scientific research is also confirming their benefits. According to Pooja, betel leaf benefits the body in many biochemical ways. Consuming it provides many major health benefits.
Betel leaf is very good for digestion. It increases saliva and stomach juice, which makes carbs easier to digest and keeps the stomach clean after eating. Betel leaves have the power to fight bacteria and fungus. Compounds like eugenol kill germs in the mouth, thereby maintaining good oral health. It reduces inflammation and blocks inflammation-causing substances in the body, like some medications do. Betel leaf being rich in antioxidants protects against free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. It is helpful in blood sugar control, allows insulin to work better and slows down the digestion of carbs, so that sugar levels do not rise suddenly.
Many researches have revealed that betel leaves have the ability to fight cancer. Some compounds stop cancer cells from growing and destroy them. It protects against fungal infections, especially fungi like Candida.
All these benefits are proven by scientific studies. However, experts say that betel leaf should be used alone or plain, not with tobacco or betel nut, because it is harmful. Chewing some fresh leaves daily or boiling them in water and drinking them can be beneficial. But do not take it in excessive quantity and definitely consult a doctor.
–IANS
MT/DKP