Things You Didn't Know About Bitter Leaf

Botanica name: Vernonia amygdalina

Common name:
It is called "Ewuro" among the yoruba people (Ibadan), "Etidot" among the ijaw people(Cross-river), Igbo people call it "Onugbu" and it is called "shiwakas" in Hausa language.

Ever heard of Bitter leaf? As its name suggests, it is a plant whose main characteristic is it bitter stem and leaves. There also exists a species of the plant which produces a ‘sweet‘ leaf.
Bitter leaf is also referred to as ironweed.
Bitter leaf is able to flourish in a variety of climates unlike other plants which are often native to certain areas. Although most popularly used for food, bitter leaf has also traditionally been used for its medicinal properties now proven by medical research.

With around a thousand varieties, the bitter leaf plant’s uses range from antimicrobial to decorative. Some of the most common uses are noted below.
Common uses of Bitter leaf

1. Stomach ache

Chewing the tender stem and swallowing the juices is a well known remedy for stomach aches. Alternatively pound the fresh leaves in a mortar to extract the juice. Add a pinch of salt to three tablespoons of the undiluted juice and drink. This version is reported to bring immediate relief.

2. Skin Infections

For skin infections such as ringworm, itching, rashes and eczema, the pure, undiluted extract of bitter leaf is excellent. Simply apply it to the affected part daily.
The roots are used by sufferers of gingivitis and toothache due to antimicrobial properties which prevent the growth of bacteria.

3. Good for the liver

Weighing between 1 and 3 kilograms, the liver is essential for the metabolism of fats and protein and must therefore be well taken care of. Alcohol, sugar, and processed foods we often feed ourselves can weaken the liver and make it susceptible to infections.
Damage to the liver is often difficult to reverse and bitter leaf has long been used as a toner for this and other vital organs of the organ of the body.

4. Diabetes

As with the liver, bitter leaf helps repair the pancreas as well as cut down sugar levels in the blood. Agitate and squeeze ten handfuls of the fresh leaves in ten litres of water and drink two glasses thrice daily for one month.

5. Insomnia

Bitter leaf extract has been known to work magic for many unable to get restful sleep.
Taken two glasses of bitter leaf solution every night help to experience great calm and well being.

6. Fatigue

Often feel weak and tired? Do you lack vitality and vigour? Squeeze the leaves in water and drink a glass three times daily. Soon you will experience a new lease of energy.

7. Stroke

Bitter leaf solution has a calming effect on the nerves, strengthens the muscles and cleanses the system.

8. Arthritis

Arthritis or rheumatism patients who have tried bitter-leaf solution as described above attest to its effectiveness. It soothes inflamed joints and eradicates the pain.

Read More

The Benefits of Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Do you know which color of vegetables is the most nutritious and beneficial in our food supply?
   The answer comes as no surprise: dark green, leafy vegetables.

  These vegetables are packed with vitamins A, C, E and K minerals and an abundance of
phytochemicals so vast that nutrition
professionals are still trying to uncover all of
their goodness.

  Examples of dark green, leafy vegetables are kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage.

  Green foods are crucial to our health for a
plethora of reasons including their role in
strengthening the immune system, cancer
prevention, improved blood circulation, blood
purification, lowering cholesterol, promotion of healthy intestinal flora, increased energy,
detoxification through improved liver, gall
bladder functions, kidney function, and even
clearing congestion.

  If you still aren’t convinced of the importance of leafy greens, check out these five important benefits you’ll get if you consume them on a regular basis.

••   Easily Manage Your Weight

Adding more leafy greens into your daily diet
can play a dramatic role in your efforts to lose
weight or to maintain a healthy weight. They’re
so nutrient dense that you can consume a lot of food for just a few calories. In fact, most greens have less than 25 calories per cup which means you can fill up on as much as you like without packing on the calories.
Leafy greens are virtually fat free and the little bit of carbohydrates they provide are full of fiber which is also important in aiding weight loss.

••   Keep Your Heart Healthy

Leafy greens are known for controlling blood
pressure and blood sugar levels which in turn
lowers the risk of heart disease and heart
attacks. Furthermore, the more of these
vegetables you eat the less room you have for
fattier, less healthy fare and the more satisfied
and full you’ll feel throughout the day.

••   Keep Your Body Healthy

Consuming at least two servings of leafy greens
on a daily basis will help keep colds, wrinkles
and other illness away. This is because green
vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards are
full of phytonutrients and antioxidants which are known to fight anything from the common cold to cancer.
Fresh or cooked, the important part is
making sure that these veggies are made a
regular part of a healthy diet.

••   Avoid Type 2 Diabetes

Due to the high amount of magnesium and the
fact that leafy greens are on the low glycemic
index, they’re perfect for those who are dealing with diabetes or trying to avoid it. Incorporating dark leafy green vegetables into your daily diet while limiting sugary, processed foods can make a big difference in your blood sugar levels and help keep potential disease such as diabetes at bay.

••   Protect Your Eyesight

Dark leafy greens contain a high amount of
lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids
that are considered vital nutrients to help
prevent degeneration of the eyes. These kinds of veggies even protect against cataracts and can even help the elderly to avoid blindness due to macular degeneration.

Find us on facebook

Find us on twitter

Find us on Google+

Read More