Sourced from the Mediterranean region as well as North America and Central America, bay leaves come from bay laurel trees and have long been used in soups, stews, and sauces because of their strong, slightly bitter taste. If you’ve never tried bay leaves before, they have a similar flavor profile to oregano or thyme. And, like most herbs, in addition to being used to give food more flavor, bay leaves have also long been used to brew and enjoy as a tea. If you’re more into savory flavors than sweet ones, bay leaf tea is likely right up your ally. Chamomile, black, and green are the starter pack of teas: easy to find, chock full of benefits, and mild in taste enough to appeal to a wide range of palates. The trio certainly serves their own purposes, but if you’re looking to build out your tea stash with something a little more unexpected, bay leaf tea is a great addition. Like all teas, bay leaf tea benefits the body in its own unique ways. Here, registered dietitian and chef Jessica Swift, RD, explains the health benefits as well as any side effects or risks to be aware of. Plus, tips on brewing the perfect cup. What are the benefits of bay leaf tea? 1. it’s good for your heart The major benefit of regularly consuming bay leaf tea is that it’s good for your heart. This is because of its powerful combination of potassium, antioxidants, and iron. “Potassium is vital for heart health, helping with cardiac rhythm as well as lowering blood pressure,” Swift says. Antioxidants help lower inflammation by protecting against free radicals in the body and have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease. As for iron, it’s important for heart health because it protects against both heart disease and strokes.RELATED STORIESYou’re Definitely Not Storing Your Tea Correctly—Here’s How To Keep It Fresh…The Surprising Mistake You’re Making When Brewing Your Tea, According to a… While more research specifically focusing on bay leaf tea needs to be done, one study published in the journal Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that one to three grams of bay leaves consumed daily was associated with 26 percent lower cholesterol levels. Of course it’s important to note that adding bay leaf tea to your wellness routine with these benefits in mind is not powerful enough to work against food and lifestyle habits that harm heart health; it’s meant to be done in conjunction […]