The amazing health benefits of the Bay Leaf

I have been making homemade soup for over Musings with a decade for months out of the year. One goal I have is to start a business making “Soup for Seniors” and delivering the soup to people's homes in mason jars. More about that and my soup making another time this winter.

I love to have my soup for lunch every day! (My soup in the picture above) Today I want to share with you what I have learned recently about bay leaves! I have used one or two bay leaves in my soup making every time. This herb has been around for centuries for medicinal purposes as well as for flavoring food. Now I did know that when boiled there is no flavor, but I knew there had to be a reason I put them in my soup, and now I know why!

The bay leaf is extraordinary for its many health benefits, such as helping treat cancer, gas and bloating and digestion. There’s even some evidence it may help treat dandruff, muscle and joint pain, and skin infections. Find out how to use this ancient herb in order to get some of these amazing benefits.

The addition of bay leaves to meat converts triglycerides to monounsaturated fats.

Bay leaf, including bay leaf essential oil, offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.

Evaluation of the use of bay leaf extracts showed that both the leaves and fruits were potent against Breast Cancer cell models. The study notes bay leaf as Melinda a potential natural agent for breast cancer therapy by comparing cells that were induced with the extracts and those that were not.

In vitro studies were conducted using extracts of the bay leaf against colon cancer cell growth. By using a process of incorporating ingredients, such as bay leaf into food, results exhibited the potential for colon cancer-regulating properties, showing relevance to protection against colorectal cancer during the early stages of detection. Bay leaf can help lower blood sugar levels.

Research suggests that by taking ground bay leaf two times per day, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels (LDL) dropped in participants in the study. It’s important to note that this study included the regular medication that the subjects were using for diabetes. However, the benefits were positive, also showing that it increases the good cholesterol (HDL).

Bay leaves may have an impact on the gastrointestinal system by promoting urination, which helps release toxins in the body. Within bay leaves are certain compounds containing enzymes that may help eliminate an upset tummy and soothe irritable bowel syndrome, reducing bloating and gas.

I hope you enjoyed this article! Stay tuned for more tips!