Bay leaves contain various essential vitamins and minerals for health. The benefits of bay leaves include boosting immunity and reducing the risk of kidney stones.
Bay leaves are often used as a food seasoning because of their distinctive aroma. However, not many people know about the health benefits of bay leaves.
The benefits of this plant lie in its leaves and oil, as they contain various active compounds such as niacin, fiber, tannins, and vitamin C.
Health Benefits of Bay Leaves
Bay leaves contain vitamin A, fats, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Additionally, this herbal plant has many active components, such as a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, a-pinene, ß-pinene, myrcene, methyl chavicol, limonene, linalool, neral, eugenol, and chavicol. These compounds act as antiseptics, antioxidants, and have anticancer properties.
Like other herbal plants, the health benefits of bay leaves are very diverse. Some include:
1. Boosting the immune system
The first benefit of bay leaves is boosting the immune system. This benefit comes from vitamins A, B6, and C, which are good antioxidants. All these vitamins can support the immune system by supporting the function of white blood cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils).
2. Supporting digestive and kidney health
In fact, herbal tea made from boiled bay leaves can support the health of the digestive and kidney systems. For digestion, the boiled water of these leaves helps relieve stomach pain, prevent stomach damage, and smooth urination. This process helps the body release toxins and is good for kidney health, including reducing the risk of kidney stones. This is due to the active compounds in the plant that work by reducing urease, an enzyme that causes stomach problems and kidney stone disease. Moreover, the organic compounds in these leaves are very effective in relieving irritable bowel syndrome, making the process of digesting food easier.
3. Reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Another benefit of bay leaves is lowering blood sugar. This benefit comes from the polyphenols that act as powerful antioxidants. These substances can help in the recovery process of diabetes sufferers. Additionally, this herbal plant helps keep the heart healthy by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is due to the active compounds in the plant that can lower cholesterol and flavonoids that are antihypertensive. To obtain these benefits, you can consume 1 to 2 grams of bay leaves per day for 30 days. However, research on this benefit in diabetes is still in its early stages, so further studies are needed to prove its effectiveness.
4. Preventing stress and depression
Not many know that the linalool content in this herbal plant can reduce stress and anxiety levels in the body. The benefit of bay leaves provides a calming effect, making the brain and body more relaxed, reducing anxiety that triggers stress or depression.
5. Relieving mosquito bites
Additionally, the benefit of bay leaves is also related to mosquitoes. The lauric acid in these leaves is an effective compound for repelling mosquitoes. Moreover, applying the leaves with a bit of oil helps reduce itching and mosquito bite marks on the skin.
6. Bay leaves help treat diarrhea
The next benefit of bay leaves is treating diarrhea. This health disorder appears with symptoms such as increased frequency of bowel movements and watery stool consistency. To help relieve these symptoms, you can consume herbal medicine made from fresh bay leaves.
7. Benefits of bay leaves for hair problems
Besides helping maintain hair moisture, bay leaves can also help deal with stubborn dandruff. To do this, you can soak the leaves in water for a few hours. Then, rub the leaves on your scalp after shampooing.
8. Containing anticancer substances
A study in the Journal of Nutrition Research mentions that bay leaves contain anticancer agents. The unique combination of antioxidants and organic compounds in the leaves, such as phytonutrients, catechins, linalool, and parthenolide, can help protect the body from the effects of free radicals that cause cancer. However, further research is still needed regarding the benefits of bay leaves for cancer.
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