What Is Bitter Leaf
Bitter leaf is a dark leaf that is bitter to the taste belonging to the Asteraceae family also known as vernonia amygdalina.
And the medicinal plant properties in this natural detox makes it to be very popular and its names in Nigeria are Onugbu and ewuro, hausas call it shiwaka while Awonwono (Ghana), Omubirizi (Uganda), Ndoleh (Cameroon), Ebichaa (Ethiopia), and Umubilizi (Rwanda).
Also, it is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals which help to detoxify the whole body and study as shown that it help to improve the Immune system.
It has many health benefits, and some of these benefits include: treating fevers, malaria, diarrhea, and stomach aches and vernonia amygdalina is the scientific name.
So, for instance, hypertensive and diabetic patients are usually enjoyed to consume bitter leaf because the potassium in it is a good remedy for hypertension since it prevents sodium from spiking up in the bloodstream by flushing out the accumulation of salt.
Also, bitter leaf juice is very good for nursing mothers, because it help to increase breast milk production. And it has been used overthe years as a liver, kidney and lungs cleanser.
And it has flavoring and other plant compounds which are of high nutritional values to many organ in the body and promotes overall health especially the liver.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT/ VALUE AND BENEFITS OF BITTER LEAVES
This is a leaf that has a bitter taste and is often used in medicinal teas or as juice extract. And bitter leaf juice can help a woman get pregnant.
The leaf contains many health benefits, including the ability to lower blood pressure and improve kidney function.
It can also be used to treat stomach upset, other digestive problems and does an excellent job by taking proper care of the kidney and liver.
And some people don’t like taking bitter leaf juice or even using it to prepare meals because of the leaf bitter thirst. But they don’t know what they are missing out on on its medicinal benefits.
How To Administer Bitter Leaf and Dosage
Bitter leaf is a popular herbal remedy used to treat a variety of ailments. The leaf, dosage, and extract can vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
This leaf extract is typically taken orally, either in capsule form or as a tea. The leaf can also be applied topically to the skin.
When using it for medicinal purposes, it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
How to Prepare Bitter Leaf Aqueous Extract (Juice) – Natural detox
Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a very popular leafy vegetable in many African countries. And it’s bitterness is also one of its strongest best benefits.
The extract from the leaves is used for various medicinal purposes. And bitter leaf has a lot of therapeutic health benefits, especially from its juice.
And bitter leaf extract (BLE) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties.
So, to prepare bitter leaf aqueous extract (juice), first wash the fresh bitter leaves thoroughly. Next, cut the leaves into small pieces and place them in a blender or food processor.
Add water and blend until the leaves are completely broken down. Pour the mixture through a strainer to remove any large pieces of leaf matter. The final product can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.
Use of Bitter Leaf in Poultry
Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a popular leafy vegetable. And it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases and conditions. The extract of this leaf has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The extracted water from the leaf can be used in poultry to help prevent disease and improve overall health. The extract can be added to the drinking water or added directly to the feed. And the water can also be sprayed on the birds’ feathers to help keep them healthy and free from parasites.
Precaution to be taken with vernonia leaves
Precaution should be taken when consuming vernonia leaves as they are bitter in taste. Vernonia amygdalina is a plant that is native to Africa and its leaves are often used in traditional medicine.
Although the leaves may have some health benefits, they can also be poisonous if consumed in large quantities.
And juice is used by local women in Guinea-Bissau to contract the uterus after childbirth and therefore should not be taking during pregnancy or if you’re trying to conceive, because high intake might cause miscarriage.
How to eat vernonia leaves (Bitter leaves)
To eat vernonia leaves, also known as bitter-leaf, first wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cook the leaves in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
Once cooked, the leaves can be enjoyed as is, or added to other dishes such as stews and it is used to prepare various delicacies and meals.
The leaves have a bitter taste, which is why they are often used in Nigerian cuisine to add flavor and depth to dishes.
Uses of Bitter Leaf Plant
The bitter leaf plant is a popular ingredient in many African dishes. It has a strong, bitter taste that can be used to add flavor to soups and stews.
The plant is also used to treat malaria, enhance fertility, cancer, high blood pressure, stomach ache, skin infections (like ringworm, acne), diabetes, cancer, insomnia, hepatitis, toothache, jaundice, diarrhoea, bilharzia, pneumonia, tuberculosis, stroke, arthritis, wounds, fatigue and cough.
And It is also used as an anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-helminthes; as a laxative, an appetiser, an aphrodisiac and for body weight loss.
Also, a daily dose of bitter leaf juice in our diet can eliminate bad cholesterol and reduces excess calories in our body.
And it helps in curing patients suffering from insomnia. So, take two glasses of bitter leaf juice every night to calm your body system and sleep easily. And adding a little honey will not be a bad idea.
Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf
This leaf has numerous medicinal values and benefits to human health and lifestyle. In fact, the bitterness in bitter leaf makes bitter leaf to have the following amazing health benefits
Lowers high blood pressure
High blood pressure is usually called the “silent killer” because most people who have it don’t have any symptoms.
And that silence can be deadly. High blood pressure can lead to a host of serious problems, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Also, many studies have discover that the antioxidants and fiber found in bitter leaf plant helps lower sugar levels.
And it has been shown to lower high blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. The bitter taste of the leaf is due to the presence of bitterness-inducing chemicals such as quinine and quinovic acid.
These bitter compounds have sweet benefits – they help to lower high blood pressure. Because a daily dose of bitter-leaf juice in our diet help to eliminate bad cholesterol and reduces excess calories in the body.
Bitter leaf soup is a popular dish in many parts of Africa, and its bitter taste is thought to be beneficial for hypertension.
It helps to balance the hormones And Enhances Fertility
Bitter leaf is very beneficial to the reproductive system of women. This leaf juice can help a woman to get pregnant because of the chemical compounds present in the leaf water such as edotides that promotes hormonal balance and boosts our immune system to help fight against toxification.
Women are usually advised to take bitter leaf to enable them to be more fertile, it help woman to become pregnant. Because the restoration of balance to the genital hormone tremendously increases the chances of being reproductive,
Soothes Skin Ailments
it aid in the treatment of skin conditions like such as ringworm, rashes, eczema and reduce psoriatic flare-ups (itchy skin eruptions). and also helps to cleanse the vital organs of the body such as the liver, the kidney and also help to prevent infections of deep wounds.
Stimulates uterine contractions:
bitter leaf has long been used to assist women with childbearing, during difficulty in delivery. Because it possesses uterine stimulatory properties that help to propel the child along the uterine and subsequently vaginal tract.
And It helps with removing the placenta (after birth).
helps prevent prostate cancer
Bitter leaf is known to help prevent prostate cancer. Because bitter leaf contains numerous anti-cancer properties like andrographolide compound which has been scientifically trialed to be effective in treating prostate cancers, gastric cancers, and colon.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system.
The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The main function of the prostate is to produce semen.
Prostate cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. And it increases the flow of urine, which helps to flush out toxins and prevents the buildup of cancer-causing agents in the prostate gland.
Enhances metabolic rate
It aid in your desire to achieve your weight loss goal. Because, bitter leaf helps in suppressing your appetite, thereby reducing your caloric intake over the course of the day.
And It aids in blood glucose management which aid enhanced fat utilisation. So, it’s components make it great therapy for burning off that extra fat..
So, your daily intake of bitter leaf juice in your diet will eliminate bad cholesterol and reduces excess calories in the body.
Bitter leaf helps relieve stomach aches
Bitter leaf is a traditional remedy for stomach aches. And a study in the Toxicology Reports journal shown that this plant can provide some protection from stomach ulcers.
So, by taking a cup of bitter leaf juice twice daily will help to bring relief from stomach problems. And the antioxidants in bitter leaf contribute to these positive gastric effects.
It can prevent or delay the onset of breast cancer and diabetes.
Cancer is a disease which involves the uncontrolled growth of cells. And various research have showed the that antioxidants in bitter leaves can help destroy free radicals that cause cancer.
So, study has revealed that this two compounds (vernomygdin and vernodalin) has anti-cancer effects. And tumor inhibitors are the Vernodalin and vernomygdin, two new cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia amygdalina Del.
And it also helps to reduce high sugar level in the blood, So, it’s very great for diabetic patients because it has an anti-diabetic effect in diabetes mellitus (Type 2 diabetes).
Health benefits of drinking bitter leaf juice
Bitter leaf is a popular leafy vegetable in many parts of Africa. It is known for its bitter taste. Nevertheless, the health benefits of taking this juice are numerous.
Some of these benefits include detoxifying the whole body, helping to fight prostate cancer, and keeping the prostate healthy. In addition, drinking bitter leaf juice helps to improve kidney function.
What are the side effects of bitter leaf juice?
Bitter leaf is a type of leaf that is often used in traditional medicine. The effects of bitter leaf are not well understood, but it is thought to have a range of benefits. These benefits include helping to lower blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and helping to protect the liver. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
And bitter leaf can also cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider before taking any type of supplement, including bitter leaf. The recommended dosage for bitter leaf is 300-500 mg per day.
How do you preserve bitter leaf juice?
Bitter leaf juice can be preserved by refrigeration or freezing the juice. Nigerian leaf extract is also effective in preserving the bitter leaf juice.
Does bitter leaf help sexually
This is a common leafy vegetable in Nigeria which is known to have many health benefits. One of these benefits is its ability to improve sexual performance.
This is due to the fact that bitter leaf contains many medicinal and chemical components that aids in enhancing libido.
Extracts of fresh bitter leaf have been shown to improve sexual performance in both men and women by increasing libido and improving blood circulation.
These effects are due to the various chemical components, such as alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. So if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sexual performance, then consuming fresh bitter leaf or taking bitter leaf supplements may be a good option for you.
