Bay leaf relieves stomach pain and controls blood sugar

Bay leaf reduces the amount of urease in the body – an enzyme that, when out of balance, can lead to several gastro disorders and the formation of kidney stones.

Laurel or lorber, laurel, periwinkle… in ancient times was considered a sacred tree. He was a symbol of the god Apollo who wore a laurel wreath on his head. Roman military leaders crowned every victory with a laurel wreath, and after every battle they rubbed their spears and swords with laurel leaves. This ritual of “disinfecting” weapons with bay leaves is associated with the antiseptic effect of this plant. Namely, laurel leaves contain 1 to 3 percent of essential oil, starch, bitter substances and tannin.

Bay leaf adds flavor to dishes

Bay leaf is a spice that is usually used to add flavor to meat dishes due to its light, herbal taste. It is sometimes sold in powder stores or as a fresh leaf, but it is most often found as a dry, whole leaf. The bay leaf is added during cooking and taken out before serving, because the leaf itself is difficult to chew and digest. And contrary to popular myth, bay leaf is not poisonous. It is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron and manganese.

The most important health benefits

Bay leaf has numerous health benefits. While adding minimal calories, bay leaf increases the amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in food.

Some significant health benefits of bay leaf are:

• improving the immune system because it is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, and these vitamins are known to support a healthy immune system

• bay leaf tea can help and relieve stomach pain

• tea is very aromatic, which can help relieve pressure in the sinuses or stuffy nose.

Bay leaf reduces the risk factors for type 2 diabetes

A 2008 study found that consuming one to 3 grams of bay leaf a day for 30 days helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. According to the study, taking capsules containing 1 to 3 grams of bay leaf a day can help reduce and control glucose and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. This is most likely because the bay leaf contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants.

These findings suggest that bay leaf could help regulate and even prevent diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. However, it should be noted that some evidence suggests that this could interfere with blood sugar control. Since research on the effects of bay leaf on diabetes is still in its early stages, be sure to consult your doctor before using bay leaf as a method of controlling diabetes.

It can prevent the formation of kidney stones

A 2014 study investigated whether bay leaf extract could help prevent kidney stones. It was discovered that, together with eight other traditional medicinal plants, bay leaf was able to reduce the amount of urease in the body. Urease is an enzyme that, when out of balance, can lead to several gastric disorders, including kidney stones.

Bay leaf has antibacterial and antimicrobial protective function

Bay leaf contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These effects have been shown against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella tiphimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, which are all causative agents of foodborne diseases.