Bitter leaf also known as vernonia amygdalina 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.
Keeping in mind that just touching bitter leaf can leave your hands tasting bitter for many hours, we can imagine the distaste you have right now at the thought of drinking bitter leaf juice.
Despite its bitterness, here are six reasons why you need to consume bitter leaf juice.
Bitter leaf improves metabolic function
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays an important role in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and glucose in the human body. Thiamine is an important dietary supplement occurring naturally in a bitter leaf that helps to oxidize fatty acids in order to produce the synthesis of lipids, which is one of the body’s essential processes.
Bitter leaf helps relieve insomnia
While some people fall asleep as soon as they hit the pillow, not being able to sleep is an issue for many. Insomnia can range from an occasional inconvenience to a debilitating condition. Bitter leaf has traditionally been used to help with insomnia.
Drinking a Bitter leaf solution at night, before bed is thought to bring on calmness and relaxation that aids sleep.
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It 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 reduce excess calories in the body.
Reduces cancer risks
The 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.
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 the balance is restored to your genital hormone, your chances of being reproductive increase.
Lowers high blood pressure
The same bitterness in the bitter leaf that makes it unappetizing 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.