The Usefulness Of Veronia Amygdalina Commonly Known As Bitter Leaf

Bitter leaf is a shrub or small tree. It can grow to the height of 23 feet. Its leaves are grey or brown coloured. The herb is an indigenous African plant; which grows in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Bitter leaf is called Congo Bololo in Congo Democratic, while its scientific or botanical name is Veronia Amygdalina.

Bitter leaf is commonly used in Africa to spice up delicacies. It is used in many ways. It can be cooked, sliced, juiced or chewed raw.

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Different people add bitter leaves into their meals for different reasons. In this write up, we are going to highlight its natural strength and benefit to health. The usefulness of bitter leaf includes, but not limited to the following:

1. Bitter can be used for the prevention of malaria as it contains an antidote. Though, it is more effective when combine with other leaves such as lemon-grass and ginger. It can cure recurring malaria, or relapses of the disease. How do I prepare it? Wash the three ingredients thoroughly and boil for about twenty minutes. Allow it to cool down. Drink a glass thrice daily for a week. In Nigeria, many people used the above concoction to treat malaria.

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2. Bitter Leaf boost immune system. How does bitter leaf perform the function of boosting the immune system? It boosts your immune system by helping fight against toxification. Toxification or toxicity exaltation is the conversion of a chemical compound into a more toxic form in living organisms or in substrates such as soil or water. The conversion can be caused by enzymatic metabolism in the organisms, as well as by abiotic chemical reactions.

3.  Bitter helps in fight against Sugars. Whether the juice or leaves, its bitterness helps to reduce sugar in the body and regulate blood pressure. This becomes possible as it contains andrographolide content that contributes to sugar reduction in the blood and reduces the risk of diabetes. Taking bitter leaves or its juice consistently reduces sugar level and harmful acids in the system which are the main causes of cells and blood vessels inflammations that usually leads to cardiovascular diseases.

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4. Bitter leaf regulates low density cholesterol levels in the blood and hence preventing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes

5. It enhances fertility. Bitter leaf improves fertility due to its ability to boost the function of the reproductive system. It balances hormones and plays active part in helping the ovary to release eggs.

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6. Bitter leaf is a vegetable with medicinal properties such as mineral nutrients, proteins, and other metabolites. It nourishes the body with proteins, vitamins and minerals. According to Mac Johnson, bitter leaf is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals due to the presence of nutrients in it especially Beta Carotene.

 7. Bitter leaf enhances milk production in breast feeding mothers.