Hi SpiceFam! Welcome back to another blog. It’s been a minute since I did one so here we go! In today’s blog we will be talking about a very popular spice in most Caribbean households (specifically my Grenadian household) called “bay leaf”.
This wonderful aromatic spice has and still is been used in my household for many things including making tea (one of my favs!), stewing meat and even placing a few leaves in bulk rice to avoid weevil infestations just to name a few. Bay Leaf is a well known spice grown not only in Grenada but several other parts of the world. With that being said, let us take a look at some scientifically proven benefits of using this awesome spice!
Bay leaves are used commonly as a cooking ingredient; and is considered as a herbal plant that is beneficial for both health and beauty as they are rich in nutritious substances.
Some benefits of Bay Leaf are:
- Constipation – Bay leaves can be inserted in our foods to help maintain a health digestive system; as the vitamins and minerals found in them help the digestive system, while solving digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhoea
- Increasing Immunity – Bay leaves, whether dry or fresh, can be added to our cooking (fish, meat etc), as the nutrients found in them are beneficial for keeping us healthy while improving our body immunity
- Protect Heart Health – Two important organic compounds called caffeic and rutin are found in bay leaves that improve heart health. Caffeic acid can help eliminate bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system, while rutin strengthens the capillary walls in the heart and the body’s extremities
- Relieving Pain – Oil extracted from bay leaves contains inflammation that relieves pains caused by strain, sprain, arthritis and rheumatism. This oil also helps relieve headaches and migraines. Bay leaves are beneficial in increasing blood circulation
- Prevent Cancer – Bay leaves consist of caffeic acid, quercetin, euganol and catechin, which protect and prevent the body from various cancers. They also contain a phytonutrient called parthenolide, that has proven to be effective in keeping excessive growth of cervical cancer cells
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety – The linalool that is found in basil and thyme , is also present in bay leaves. When used especially in aromatherapy, this compound can help lower the level of stress hormones in the body, as too much stress hormones can lead to serious health issues in the long term
Overall, bay leaves are really beneficial to one’s health. However, as in everything else, it must be consumed in moderation. Further information on this wonderful spice can be researched.
So there you have it guys! Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. See you in the next one.
