When I think of bay leaf, I immediately recall the aroma of delicious food cooking on the stove. This herb has been around for centuries for medicinal purposes as well as for flavoring food. Bay leaf is used in cooking for its distinctive, aromatic flavor that enriches broths, soups, and curries.
Read on to know about the incredible health benefits of bay leaf!
Bay leaves contain vitamins, minerals, and several phytonutrients such as rutin, salicylates, catechins, linalool, quercetin, eugenol, parthenolide, and caffeic acid, which offer a range of health benefits. The health benefits of bay leaves include detoxification, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, accelerated wound healing, and diabetes management. It also reduces heart disorders, optimizes digestion, and prevents respiratory issues and certain types of cancer.
Did You Know?
– In ancient times, bay leaves were used to alleviate bee and wasp stings.
– The Romans considered them to be a symbol of glory.
– Greeks and Romans believed that bay leaves symbolize wisdom, peace, and protection.
These leaves are pungent and have a sharp, bitter flavor. Due to their bitter taste, you cannot eat bay leaves directly, but you can use them to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is an important spice in Mughlai dishes, particularly biryani and korma. Bay leaves are also added to the Indian mixture of spices called “Garam Masala.”
Apart from its culinary uses, bay leaf has medicinal properties and is popular for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and astringent qualities. Myrcene, a component of essential oils extracted from bay leaves, is used in perfumery. It also acts as a repellant for flies, moths, and mice.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaf
Let us look deeper into some of the major health benefits of bay leaf.
Promotes Digestion
These leaves can treat various digestive disorders, like heartburn and flatulence, and are good for promoting digestion. The organic compounds present in bay leaves are very effective in settling upset stomachs and soothing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, the unique enzymes present in bay leaves can facilitate efficient digestion and nutrient intake by breaking down complex proteins in our diet.
Treats Respiratory Disorders
Bay leaves are efficient in fighting the symptoms of flu, cough, and infections. Applying bay leaf essential oil to the chest can help alleviate infections.
Due to its natural anti-bacterial quality, inhaling the vapors of the leaves can loosen up phlegm and eliminate dangerous bacteria that may be trapped in the respiratory tracts.
Manages Diabetes
According to studies, bay leaves have been effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they reduce blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Regular consumption of bay leaves can significantly lower the chances of diabetic episodes for patients who have already developed the condition or for those who are at risk of developing it.
Maintains Heart Health
The powerful phytonutrients rutin, salicylates, and caffeic acid found in bay leaves provide protection against various cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Caffeic acid eliminates HDL cholesterol from the cardiovascular system, while rutin strengthens the capillary walls of the heart.
Prevents Cancer
The unique combination of antioxidants and organic compounds in bay leaves, like phytonutrients like catechins, linalool, quercetin, eugenol, and parthenolide, helps protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. They possess cancer-preventive properties and, hence, provide protection against different cancers. Parthenolide specifically restrains the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.
Relieves Pain
Bay leaf essential oil extract has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce pain resulting from strains, sprains, arthritis, and rheumatism. Parthenolide can quickly reduce inflammation and irritation when you apply it topically to affected areas such as sore joints or areas affected by arthritis. It can also provide relief in general pains and aches.
Read about 10 inflammation-fighting foods here!
How do I include Bay Leaves in my Daily Life?
Apart from adding it to your soup or stew, bay leaf tea is also very beneficial for your health. Bay leaves are an integral part of Indian cuisine, and you can use them in different curries and gravies as a flavoring agent.
Bay leaf also has excellent healing qualities and is often used by herbal practitioners. You can use bay leaf essential oil to treat insect bites, as it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. You can also use it on minor cuts and bruises. Due to their high lauric acid content, bay leaves also serve as a great insect repellent.
Nutritional Information
100g of bay leaves provide 313 Calories, Carbs – 75g (Dietary Fiber – 26g), Protein – 7.6g, Fat – 8.4g, Sodium – 23mg
And a percentage daily value of Vitamin A – 124%, Vitamin C – 78%, Iron – 239%, Calcium – 83% (based on a 2000-calorie diet).
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