Despite having a flavor that many people find unbearable, bitter leaf offers an astounding number of health advantages. Therefore, if you can get over the taste, you'll be rewarded in several ways.
Bitter leaf, also known as vernonia amygdalina, is a plant that grows in most of sub-Saharan Africa and is highly valued in traditional medicine.
The leaf has historically been used to cure a variety of illnesses, including gallstones, renal disease, diabetes, diarrhea, TB, malaria, typhoid, and decreasing blood pressure. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the leaf contains antifungal and antibacterial effects.
1. Bitter leaf reduces fever
Flavonoids, which are found in bitter leaf and have potent antioxidant properties, can be used to treat a number of medical conditions, including high fever. Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness that has historically been treated with bitter leaf in traditional medicine.
2. The plant is healthy for teeth and bones.
Bitter leaf contains vitamin C, an excellent antioxidant mineral that is necessary for the body's functions, including the preservation of bones and teeth.
It also has trace amounts of vitamin K, which helps the body maintain strong bones and prevents osteoporosis, a condition in which bone structure weakens.
3. Bitter leaf enhances metabolism
Thiamine, a form of vitamin B1, is crucial for the body's metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and glucose. Thiamine is a vital nutritional supplement found naturally in bitter leaves that aids in the oxidation of fatty acids to create the synthesis of lipids, one of the body's crucial activities.
4. The bitter leaf eases sleeplessness
While some people are able to fall asleep as soon as their head touches the pillow, many people struggle with this problem. From a little annoyance to a crippling disorder, insomnia can vary. The bitter leaf has long been used to treat sleeplessness.
Before going to bed at night, drinking a bitter leaf solution is said to induce serenity and relaxation, which promote sleep.
5. It counteracts free radicals
Vitamin E, another component found in bitter leaf, works as an antioxidant to combat free radicals that can disrupt the body's systems.
6. It could lessen the risk of prostate cancer
Particularly in elderly men, prostate cancer is a rather prevalent malignancy. Following a doctor's instructions for therapy is crucial for the successful treatment of prostate cancer, but a research published in the Nutrients journal suggests that bitter leave may also be effective in preventing the illness. The plant may increase survival rates, according to the same study.
7. Stomach discomfort can be relieved by bitter leaf.
The well-known folk treatment for stomach problems is bitter leaf. Additionally, a research published in the Toxicology Reports journal revealed that the herb could offer some protection against stomach ulcers. Antioxidants included in bitter leaf are suggested to be a part of these beneficial effects on the stomach.