Also known as vernonia amygdalina, bitter leaf grows in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the plant is well regarded in traditional medicinal practice.
Historically, the leaf has been used as a treatment for many ailments from malaria, typhoid, diabetes, diarrhea, tuberculosis, gallstones and kidney disease, to the prevention of cancer and lowering of hypertension. The leaf has also been proven to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Below are 10 reasons why this unlikely plant juice is good for you
Aids In Weight Loss
The components in bitter leaf juice make it great therapy for burning off that extra fat you have been looking at getting rid of. A daily dose of bitter leaf juice in your diet can eliminate bad cholesterol and reduces excess calories in the body.
Reduces Cancer Risks
Bitter leaf contains numerous anti-cancer properties like andrographolide compound which has been scientifically found to be effective in treating prostate cancers, gastric cancers, and colon. Furthermore, studies have shown that bitter leaf extract can boost the immune system, inhibit tumor growth and prevent the development of cancer cells.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
The same bitterness in bitter leaf that makes it unappetising is also one of its strongest best benefits. The bitterness of bitter leaf juice helps to lower your sugar level and controls blood pressure. Doctors advise hypertensive and diabetic patients to consume bitter leaf as the potassium it contains is a good remedy for hypertension as it prevents sodium from spiking up in the bloodstream by flushing out the accumulation of salt.
Aids In The Treatment Of Abdominal Issues
Bitter leaf comes in handy in the treatment of abdominal issues like stomach upset, diarrhea, dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract diseases. Drinking a cup of bitter leaf juice twice daily helps bring relief from stomach problems.
Enhances Fertility
Bitter leaf is very impressive when it comes to its benefit to the reproductive system of women. Drinking bitter leaf juice can help a woman get pregnant as the chemical compounds present in bitter leaf extracts like edotides promotes hormonal balance and boosts your immune system to help fight against toxification. Once balance is restored to your genital hormone, your chances of being reproductive increases.
Tones up the liver and the kidney
The kidney is a very important organ in the body. If the kidney breaks down it would affect the workings of the entire body. Bitter leaf does an excellent job of taking proper care of the kidney and liver. Bitter herbs help to tone the vital organs of the body, especially the liver. Bitter leaf is very useful in the care of the kidney and the liver. It is for this reason that many refer to bitter leaf as a cure-all
Detoxifies the whole body:
Bitter leaf is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that detoxify the whole body and helps improve the Immune system.
Controls the synthesis of female hormones:
Due to the presence of nutrients especially ß-carotene, it controls the synthesis of female gender hormones. This allows women to stay active, young, and healthy for a longer period.
It helps pregnant and lactating mothers:
Bitter leaf juice increases milk production in lactating mothers and is also used for the contraction of the uterus during labour. It also improves appetite.
Healthy for Bones and Teeth:
Bitter leaf has Vitamin C as a strong anti oxidant. And we all know the health benefits of vitamin C with respect to teeth health. that’s why use of bitter lead can make your oral health better. Similarly, bitter leaf also has traces of vitamin K and many other minerals, that are good for your bones. The use of bitter leaf can prevent the weakening of bones tissues, also known as osteoporosis.
