Health Impacts of Bitter Leaf

HEALTH IMPACTS OF BITTER LEAF

Known by its scientific name, Vernonia Amygdalina, the Bitter leaf, plant is a bitter herb that grows and is eaten in tropical regions. In addition to its ethnomedical uses, the biter leaf plant is used in West Africa to prepare regional cuisine such as Nigeria’s Onugbu soup and Cameroun’s national dish, Ndole. It is reported that the bitter essence of these leaves might be used as a quinine replacement.

HEALTH IMPACTS OF BITTER LEAF

Bitter leaf includes vital elements such fiber, proteins, and minerals, as well as vital vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B2. Additionally, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti cancer activities have been discovered. Here are a few health advantages of bitter leaf.

1. It fights cancer

Cancer cell proliferation is allegedly inhibited by bitter leaf. There is strong evidence from studies that cancer patients may benefit from edotide supplements or bitter leaf therapy. In a breast cancer cell line, it has been demonstrated that extract from bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) inhibits DNA synthesis at physiologically relevant quantities.

2. Treats Diabetes

Treatments on diabetes are done with the aim of lowering blood sugar. People have attested to bitter juice extract from bitter lead significantly lowering blood sugar levels, a fact which has been attested to by research. However as with all medicinal applications, consult a doctor and consume in moderation so you don’t face the risk of being hypo-glycemic due to over-consumption. It is also said to have anti-diabetic effects on diabetes mellitus.

3. Treats malaria

Bitter leaf has been used in a number of agbos (herbal mixtures) as an indigenous treatment for malaria in areas of Africa, particularly Nigeria. The anti-plasmodic qualities of bitter leaf, which aid in the fight against malaria, have also been verified by Western research.

4. Anti-inflammatory

It’s interesting to note that bitter leaf has also been used to treat wounds and inflammation. Applying bitter leaf juice to open wounds speeds up the healing process. According to research, bitter leaf can effectively heal acute inflammatory conditions.

5. Supports digestive health

Bitters, which are alcohol-based extracts of bitter herbs, have long been used historically to treat stomach and digestive problems, though it’s uncertain if they actually work.

6. Aids in the weaning procedure

To wean their infants off of breast milk, many African women apply intense bitter leaf juice to their breasts. Naturally, the bitter flavor helps the babies get disenchanted with the bitter breast milk, adjust to bottles and other semi-solid foods more quickly.

7. Bitter leaf reduces fever

HEALTH IMPACTS OF BITTER LEAF

Also, Flavonoids, found in bitter leaf, have strong antioxidant properties and can be used to treat a number of illnesses, lowering blood pressure including high fever. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that has historically been treated with bitter leaf in traditional medicine.

Summary

Although bitter leaf has some potential health benefits, it should not be taken in place of medical care but rather as a component of a well-rounded diet. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before beginning a new health program. Bitter leaves are rich in nutrients and antinutrients, but abrasion will significantly reduce both.