BY CHISOM IBEMERE
Bitter leaf is a staple vegetable that majorly grows in tropical Africa. It is known with different names in Africa which are Ewuro in Yoruba, Onugbu in Igbo, Etidot in Efik, Shuwaka in Hausa and so on. The leaves serves as vegetables in different soups in African countries. They are washed to reduce it’s bitter taste in soup or stews. They are used in making Tea, Salad and blended or squeezed to make Juice and Drinks.
Bitter leaf has an impressive nutritional benefits which are mostly overlooked by individuals. They have therapeutic properties which are benefitial to the general wellbeing of the body organs. In the olden days, bitter leaf are used in the treatment of a lot of ailments like tuberculosis, typhoid, diabetics, diarrhoea, hypertension and cancer. It has both antifungal and antibacterial qualities. They are great for the digestive health. They protect the body from stomach pains, ulcers and reduces the acidity in the stomach.
Bitter leaf has high contents of anti-oxidants like vitamin E, C that helps to improve metabolic actions. They fight free radicals or foreign bodies that may impose harm to the body. They also has Vitamin K which are used for the bones and teeth health. They strengthes the teeth and keep the bones strong and free from the risk of Osteoporosis.
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Bitter leaf keeps the vital organs of the body in good working conditions especially the kidney, liver and the hearts. They are rich in Vitamins, proteins and loads of minerals that helps to boost the immune system and ensures the overall wellbeing of the body. The juice which are gotten from the leaf extracts helps to keep the mind sane and great for people dealing with insomnia which is the inability to sleep.
Several research which have been carried out on bitter leaf had confirmed it’s pharmacological usefulness. They serve as anticancer, anti parasitic, anti malaria, anti bacteria
and anti fungal agents. All parts of the bitter leaf plant have a bitter taste with great medicinal value starting from the root up to the leaves.
Bitter leaf juice are used to prevent or treat STDs, intestinal worms, skin related problems like acne, eczema, ringworms. They help relief cough. It helps women during lactation as it gives room for more production of milk and aids the contraction of the uterine wall and also enhances appetite.
