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THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT BAY LEAF - BENEFITS

Bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used in cooking. Bay leaf is best known in French as Bouquet Garni. Bay leaf is also featured in Spanish, Italian, and creole cooking where it is commonly added to flavour fish and shellfish dishes, such as bouillabaisse. It is also an excellent addition to many soups, stews and sauces. There is a belief that bay leaf must be removed from a dish after cooking because of its stiff edges which can be sharp and can cause a cut in the mouth or throat. The fresh leaves do not develop their full flavour until several weeks after picking and drying. The leaves contain about 1.3% essential oils, consisting of 45% eucalyptol, 12 % other terpenes, linalool, geraniol and some other natural chemical constituents. It also contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid which aids in weight loss.

Bay leaves have a sharp bitter taste if eaten. When dried, the fragrance is herbal and somewhat similar to Oregano and Thyme. Myrcene, a component of many essential oils used in perfumery can be extracted from the bay leaf.

USES
They are mostly used in rice dishes like Nigerian party jollof rice.
They are used in soups, stews, meat, seafood, vegetable dishes and sauces.
They can be crushed or ground before cooking. Crushed bay leaves impart more fragrance than whole leaves and do not need to be removed but it is much stronger.
They can be used to repel flies, cockroaches and mice. The vapours they release kill insects slowly yet effectively.

HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Aids Diabetes Treatment

Bay leaves were found to play a role in glucose metabolism. It reduces bad cholesterol levels and increases levels of HDL{(High-density lipoproteins)the good cholesterol} in patients with type 2 diabetes.


  • Fights Inflammation

Bay leaf inhibits the enzyme known to trigger inflammation. Bay leaf contains Sesquiterpene Lactones, known to fight inflammation by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide which leads to inflammation.


  • Combats Cancer

Cineole, the main compound in bay leaves was found to suppress the growth of leukaemia cancer cell lines.  It is effective in breast cancer therapy. Studies found that the leaf extract induced cell death in breast cancer cell lines.
In an Australian study, the bay leaf had shown positive results in the prevention of colon cancer.


  • Fight Fungal Infections

Studies show the antifungal properties of bay leaf, especially against candida infection (yeast infection). The leaf had prevented the adherence of candida to the cell walls, thereby keeping it from penetrating the membrane.


  • Improves Digestion

Organic compounds found in bay leaves are very effective for settling upset stomachs, or soothing irritable bowel syndrome. The unique enzymes found in bay leaves help facilitate efficient digestion and nutrient intake.


  • Protect Heart Health

Caffeic acid and rutin are important organic compounds, found in bay leaves; that enhance our heart health. Rutin strengthens capillary walls in the heart, while caffeic acid help eliminates bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system.



  • Bay leaves induce regular and normal menses when taken orally. It also cures vaginal discharge.



HAIR BENEFITS
To improve the health of your hair follicles and eliminate dandruff, steep bay leaves in water and rub them on your scalp after shampooing. The chemical ingredients in them can eliminate dry skin and dandruff. Bay leaf is also effective in treating hair loss.


SKIN BENEFITS
Skin infections can be cured by using the bay leaf as they have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Bay leaves reduce the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks.
It relieves stressed-out skin
It is used to treat snake bites, bruises, insect stings, etc.

Bay leaves have tons of benefits for skin, hair and health as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many skincare products use bay leaves as an active ingredient.

There is absolutely no doubt that adding bay leaves to every meal is a sure way to staying healthy!!!



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Comments

  1. Joseph Elheart Omorazojie30 September 2019 at 02:55

    How is it applied or can be used to repel insects.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thonia King23 October 2019 at 00:13

      The fragrance is used to repel insects. Boil it and leave the water opened to circulate the entire household.

      Delete
  2. GADDAR-GIDDIM INC30 September 2019 at 07:46

    VERY EDUCATING! THUMBS-UP DEAR!!

    ReplyDelete

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