Antara summarizes 10 health benefits of bay leaves
New: bay leaves may help blood sugar, cholesterol and immunity, but they are not a substitute for medicine.
Antara summarizes 10 health benefits of bay leaves, from supporting immunity to helping maintain blood sugar and cholesterol. The leaf, commonly used in Indonesian cooking, is said to contain flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, as well as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, fiber and zinc. Several studies show the polyphenols in bay leaves may improve insulin sensitivity, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. Its fiber and flavonoid content is also believed to help lower bad cholesterol, or LDL, while supporting a balance of HDL. However, Antara notes that some of these benefits still require further research in humans. Bay leaves also cannot replace medicine or therapy prescribed by a doctor.