Bay Leaf

Bay Leaf

The Bay Leaf, scientifically known as Laurus Nobilis, comes from a tall, conical, evergreen tree which grows up to 30 feet in height and the leaves appear to be shiny, dark green and measures approximately 3 to 4 inches in length.  While other countries have to import the bay leaf itself, we in Trinidad and Tobago are fortunate that it grows right here and anyone can plant one in their backyard. 

The Bay Leaf is believed, by some, to symbolize wisdom, peace and protection.  This spice contains many notable plant derived compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health such as antiseptic, anti-oxidant, digestive and even anti-cancer properties.  Fresh leaves are a rich source of Vitamin C, also known as absobic acid, which is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidants that helps to remove harmful elements from your body and is also effective as an immune booster, wound healing and has anti-viral protection.   Bay Leaf is also an excellent source of Vitamin A which ia essential for visual sight and healthy skin. 

One tablespoon crumbled contains 6 calories, 0grams of fat, 0mg cholesterol and 0mg of Sodium, 10mg of Potassium, Vitamin A 2%, Calcium 1%, Vitamin C 1% and Iron 4%.  The percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet however, your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Health benefits of bay leaf

• Bay leaf was highly praised by the Greeks and the Romans, who deeply believed that the herb symbolizes wisdom, peace, and protection.
• The spice contains many notable plants derived compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
• This spice has many volatile active components such as a-pinene, ß-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, and chavicol. These compounds are known to have been antiseptic, anti-oxidant, digestive, and thought to have anti-cancer properties.
• Fresh leaves are very rich source of vitamin-C; provide 46.5 mg or 77.5% of RDA per 100 g. Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid) is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant that help remove harmful free radicals from the body. Ascorbic acid also has immune booster, wound healing and anti-viral effects.
• Furthermore, its fresh leaves and herb parts are very good in folic acid; contain about 180 mg or 45% of daily-recommended values per 100 g. Folates are important in DNA synthesis and when given during the peri-conception period, they can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
• Bay leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A; contain 6185 IU or 206% of recommended daily levels per 100 g. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant and is essential for healthy visual sight. It is also required for maintaining mucusa and skin health. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin A has been found to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• The spice is indeed a very good source of many vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function, and regulating body metabolism.
• This noble spice is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome-oxidase enzymes.