Although scientific evidence of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties of chewing bay leaf has only been studied in animals, some experts like Dr. Bruno Román advocate for the benefits of this habit. According to Román, the eugenol present in this plant acts as a natural analgesic, helping with headaches, inflammation, and the digestive system. It also supports its antidiabetic and metabolic properties, with studies backing its role in lowering blood sugar. In addition, it has also been shown to promote a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol, as well as combat various types of cancer cell lines.
Benefits of bay leaf
In addition to seasoning and adding flavor to food, the highly noble laurel, commonly known as bay leaf, has been shown to provide more benefits to human health. It is also a medicinal plant that can help treat some mild conditions thanks to its ethanolic extracts or its leaves. It is important to note that there are no studies evaluating the benefits of “chewing a whole bay leaf every day” as a specific intervention, but there is research on the benefits of extracts, capsules, or infusions. However, there are experts like Dr. Bruno Roman who do advocate for the benefits of chewing this plant daily.
The scientific evidence supporting the benefits of chewing bay leaves has only been conducted in in vitro animal studies, aimed at measuring their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, or anticancer activity. However, Dr. Roman states that the eugenol present in the plant acts as a natural analgesic, being very helpful in alleviating headache pain. He also highlights its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, due to its cineole and eugenol content, helping with oral infections and reducing the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. According to Roman, it is also beneficial for digestive health.
Scientific evidence
The National Library of Medicine has scientific studies on the subject that reveal the health benefits of consuming bay leaves. It is important to remember that these studies were conducted in vitro on animals, although the findings are promising. The following benefits were discovered:
- Antidiabetic and metabolic effect. In animal models with induced diabetes, it was observed that bay leaf extract is capable of controlling blood glucose and significantly improving liver and kidney parameters. On the other hand, human studies indicate that consuming 1 to 3 g/day of bay leaves helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) after a period of 20 to 30 days.
- Antioxidant and anticancer activity in vitro. Ethanol extracts of bay laurel exhibit strong selective cytotoxicity against colon, ovarian, head, and neck cancer cell lines. It is important to note that these extracts maintain relative safety in normal fibroblasts, suggesting a specific therapeutic potential.
Frequently asked questions
What healing properties are attributed to bay leaf?
It contains eugenol and cineole, substances that act as natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. It helps relieve headaches, improve digestion, and fight bacteria in the mouth.
What does science say about its effect on cholesterol and diabetes?
Human studies indicate that consuming 1 to 3 g daily helps reduce LDL cholesterol. In animals, its extracts have been shown to be effective in controlling blood sugar and protecting the liver.
Is bay leaf effective against cancer?
Laboratory research has shown that its extracts can selectively kill cancer cells in the colon and ovary, although these results still need to be validated through extensive clinical studies in humans.
