Although, bitter leaf is bitter. It contains a lot of essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, vitamins B1 and B2. It also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, etc. It has an impressive list of health usefulness. So, in this article, I will enumerate 10 health benefits of bitter leaf.
Scientifically, it is called Vernonia amygdalina. It grows mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The plant is well utilized in traditional medicinal practice.
Historically, it can be used in treating various ailments such as malaria, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, gall stones, kidney diseases, lowering hypertension, and preventing cancer. It also proven to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
So, if you can get past the flavour, and focus on the benefits, you would be greatly rewarded. Such rewards include:
10 Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf
- It helps to fight free radicals
- It improves metabolic function
- The plant is good for the bones and teeth
- It helps in regulating the high blood pressure
- It helps in fighting diabetes
- It helps in relieving fever
- It enhances fertility
- It helps in relieving insomnia
- It helps to protect against prostate cancer
- It helps to relieve stomach aches
1. It helps to fight free radicals
Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in Bitter leaf that helps to fight against free radicals that have a harmful effect on the body system.
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2. It improves metabolic function
Vitamin B1; thiamine plays a role in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and glucose in the human body. It also serves as an important dietary supplement that oxidizes fatty acids for the synthesis of lipids, which is one of the body’s essential processes.
3. The plant is good for the bones and teeth
Vitamin C is also found in the plant. It is essential in the maintenance of bones and teeth.
It also contains traces of vitamin K, which is also necessary for maintaining healthy bones and preventing the weakening of bone tissues.
4. It helps in regulating the high blood pressure
A study has shown that bitter leaf has a particular process in the body that makes them regulate high blood pressure in the body. The antioxidant is also another factor that can help to regulate high blood pressure.
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5. It helps in fighting diabetes
Studies have revealed that the presence of phytochemicals, vitamins, and body nutrients like lipids, protein, glucose, and other components, can help to lower blood sugar levels.
6. It helps in relieving fever
A powerful antioxidant known as Flavonoids can be used to treat a variety of ailments such as high fever. But traditionally, the bitter leaf has been used to treat a bacterial infection known as typhoid fever.
7. It enhances fertility
A study has proved that the plant has a positive effect on sperm quality. In all contexts, the varieties of minerals and vitamins are beneficial to overall health, particularly to couples that want to conceive.
8. It helps in relieving insomnia
Insomnia has been a serious issue for some people. It ranges from an occasional inconvenience to a debilitating condition. Hence, bitter leaf has been used traditionally to treat insomnia.
9. It helps to protect against prostate cancer
Among older men, prostate cancer has been a serious problem and it is relatively common. Recent publications have revealed that bitter leaves can be used to treat prostate cancer. The same study also showed that the same plant may also improve survival rate as well.
10. It helps to relieve stomach aches
Traditionally, bitter leaf is well known to relieve stomach aches. A study has indicated that it can also provide some protection against stomach ulcers. It is also thought that the antioxidants in the bitter leaf also contribute to the positive gastric effect.
Preparation and Caution
For traditional medicine, bitter leaf is taken by chewing the tender stem to release the bitter liquid. Alternatively, you can pound the fresh leaves in the mortar and press out the juice. Add a pinch of salt to 3 tablespoons of the undiluted liquid and drink.
It is also necessary to consult your doctor about any medical concerns, conditions, and supplements that you are taking. Always take the advice of medical personnel on how to proceed with the treatment.
Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf
