What benefits does bay leaf have? When cooking, we use bay leaf as a condiment in the Mediterranean diet , but it also provides us with minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to our health. Taking bay leaf in the form of an infusion on an empty stomach can help us feel less bloated, have skin with more collagen, improve digestive activity and reduce anxiety mushroom tea.
Bay leaf is a good source of vitamin C, B6 and A. Historically known for its great medicinal properties, today it is curiously little used as a food for making infusions and this is probably because its consumption carries associated risks that have spread, but which, in reality, can be prevented if we know them well.
Today we bring you 5 benefits of bay leaf tea that according to experts help us improve our health. Do we see them?
WHAT BENEFITS DOES BAY LEAF TEA HAVE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH?
According to experts at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad (Pakistan), the bay plant is full of antioxidant benefits and is a good source of minerals and dietary fiber . Traditionally, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems to improve digestion or flatulence , although in recent times it has been better known as a good flavor enhancer in certain foods.
Although this plant has a good reputation in terms of its benefits, it is true that some others have been attributed to it that at the moment are not proven or there is no scientific evidence of them. That is why it is important to review what the real benefits of bay leaves are to date. Let’s list them.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
According to a study by ACS Publications , bay leaf has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the fact that it contains eugenol, a component that helps reduce inflammation in your body in general, so if you take it infused with water, it will make you feel less bloated.
REDUCES ANXIETY
Bay leaf has also typically been used in aromatherapy sessions as an inducer of a state of relaxation . This is due to its organic components such as pinene, which releases essential oils that reduce our cortisol and therefore free us from our anxiety.
IMPROVES OUR DIGESTIVE ACTIVITY
Various studies show that the active compounds contained in bay leaf function as a powerful inducer of gastrointestinal flow, which accelerates the speed of the digestion process and acts as a protector against possible injuries that occur in the intestinal system such as ulcers or gastric lesions.
IMPROVES THE APPEARANCE OF THE SKIN
Due to its antioxidant properties and its great contribution of minerals and vitamins, it has a direct relationship with the state of our skin. It stimulates collagen production and promotes the appearance of more elastic, firm, smooth and luminous skin. In addition, it promotes wound healing according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information that supports it.
IMPROVES OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
By containing the powerful antioxidant component already mentioned, eugenol, it protects our body from free radicals and, according to this study by MEDWELL Publications , it also has phagocytic properties.
BAY LEAF TEA CONTRAINDICATIONS
The side effects of consuming bay leaves are not alarming, but they should be known. Diabetics should mainly be careful , since it has been shown that it can reduce blood sugar levels, and pregnant women should refrain from taking it because it could cause an abortion . In both cases, the negative consequences would only occur with excessive ingestion of bay leaves , which under normal circumstances does not usually occur.