Food

15 Benefits of bitter leaf and side effects

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2024

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Table of Contents

Health benefits of bitter leaf
Side effects of bitter leaf
- Related
Discover the 15 Shocking Health Benefits Of Bitter Leaf and side effects.
The herb commonly known as the bitter leaf is a small tree that can grow up to 5 m. The evergreen tree grows in countries with a tropical climate, mainly in Africa.

The tree has brown or gray bark with a rough texture. It has streaked green leaves with an oblong shape and fine, soft hair on the underside.

It grows wildly outside, such as in a wasteland, on the roadsides, in the fields, or even in the forest. People also grow the plant in their garden for home medicinal needs.

Read on and learn more about the health benefits of the bitter leaf, so that you can obtain many benefits in favor of the integral care of your health.

The genus Vernonia consists of hundreds of species. But usually, when people talk about the bitter leaf, they mean Vernonia amygdalina, Vernonia colorata, and Vernonia calvoana.

These species grow widely and are traditionally consumed in many parts of West and Central Africa.

The leaf has a unique taste: bitter and sweet. Despite its bitterness, many people consume the leaf for its medicinal and nutritional benefits.

Some African countries even export the dried leaves of the Vernonia amygdala to other continents for their restorative quality.

Traditionally, people in Africa have been using leaves to treat several ailments due to their nutritional values and therapeutic properties.

Health benefits of bitter leaf

1.- Benefits of bitter leaf for cholesterol

The cholesterol level is one of the most important health indicators in the human body.

When our cholesterol level rises, we run the risk of many health problems, especially strokes, heart attacks, and Alzheimer’s.

Therefore, to stay healthy, bad cholesterol levels should be lowered. One of the effective ways to prevent the rise of bad cholesterol is to consume bitter leaves.

The February 2008 issue of the “Journal of Vascular Health and Risk Management” had a report on how bitter leaf can level out bad and total cholesterol in our body.

Using animal subjects for the experiment, researchers who participated in the study found that bitter leaf extract lowered LDL cholesterol by 50%.

At the same time, the level of HDL or good cholesterol also increased.

Similar studies have not been conducted in humans. However, the study suggested that it most likely provides a similar effect in humans.

2.- Contains Powerful Antioxidants

Human cells are always under constant threat and attack from dangerous free radicals. The process of oxygen metabolism produces free radicals as an excess product.

These free radicals interact with molecules in our cells, causing damage to nearby stresses and DNA.

Free radicals can be helpful to your body in a small amount, but if the amount is not controlled, it becomes a dangerous problem.

It can lead to fatigue, muscle pain, memory loss, headaches, vision problems, wrinkles, and in the long run, numerous serious health conditions.

Because of this, we need other substances that can fight free radicals, known as antioxidants.

This free radical nemesis can easily be found in abundance in bitter leaves.

As reported in the December 2006 issue of the journal “Food Chemistry”, the antioxidant properties of a bitter leaf can be used by humans to combat the oxidation process and the danger of free radicals.

When incorporated into the diet, this will also improve your health and protect your body against various dangerous diseases.

3.- It is a rich source of fatty acids

Fatty acids are abundantly present in bitter leaf benefits, including linoleic acids and linolenic acids. Both fatty acids are not produced by our bodies.

However, they both serve important roles in boosting our health. Due to our body’s inability to produce these fatty acids, we need to obtain fatty acids from our diet.

According to the study that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November 2001, these two fatty acids have a protective characteristic against cardiovascular diseases. When taken regularly as part of the diet, fatty acids can prevent various health problems.

Research subjects who took the highest amount of linolenic and linoleic fatty acids have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease by about 40%.

In contrast, those who took the least amount and frequency of both fatty acids are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

4.- Cure the common flu

Some researchers have shown that bitter leaf extract combined with Siberian ginseng serves as a good herbal remedy for treating the common flu.

The concoction must be taken within the first 72 hours of infection for it to work. In about two to three days, all common flu symptoms, including sneezing, headache, and runny nose, will go away as the energy level returns to normal.

Some studies also showed that bitter leaf extract and Siberian ginseng are also very effective in treating the common cold in children.

This effectiveness is mainly due to the antimicrobial properties and the vitamin C in the extract that can improve the body’s immune system against diseases and eradicate viruses at the same time.

The concoction can also warm the body and prevent the cold from happening.

When you start to feel bad, you should drink the bitter leaf mixture to prevent flu or other related illnesses.

5.- Benefits of bitter leaf for diabetes

A bitter leaf contains a generous amount of andrographolide, the compounds that are effective in lowering blood glucose levels.

According to the study conducted by Gajah Mada University researchers in 2004, drinking boiled bitter leaf water can lower glucose levels in male rats as animal subjects. While the research was not done on the human subject, this research is positive.

Another animal test also confirmed this quality. Some African researchers from the Bandung Institute of Technology conducted an experiment with rabbits for the same topic.

Researchers found that the andrographolide in bitter leaf extract possesses a hypoglycemic effect or the ability to lower blood sugar.

One of the possible benefits of this feature is the ability to prevent and treat diabetes mellitus.

The disease characterized by high blood sugar due to lack of insulin can be treated by regularly drinking the mixture of bitter leaves.

In addition to drinking the concoction, you should also consume plenty of fibrous fruits and vegetables, maintain a physically active life, and give up smoking because it negatively affects glucose uptake into cells.

6.- Treat dysentery

Bitter leaf mixture can also be an effective herbal remedy for treating dysentery. Dysentery is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the colon.

Symptoms are stomach cramps along with severe diarrhea and blood or mucus in the stool. While hydration is fatal, the remedy is also urgently required.

The health benefits of the bitter leaf offer a powerful ability to treat dysentery.

To get the corrective property of the leaves, you need to crush some dry bitter leaves and put them in boiling water.

Then turn off the stove and filter the mixture before drinking the water. You should consume the herbal drink three times a day: in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.

7.- Benefits of bitter leaf for breast cancer

Breast cancer is a threat to many women around the world. In the United States alone, BreastCancer.org estimates that no less than 10% of women will suffer from at least one form of breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Your risk of breast cancer can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a low-fat, green diet, and weight balance.

To equip yourself with a better weapon against breast cancer, consume bitter leaves regularly.

The antioxidant properties present in the leaf can fight cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

The study carried out by some scientists at Jackson State University managed to demonstrate this wonderful quality of bitter leaves.

The researchers conducted a test-tube study on the effect of bitter leaf extract on human breast cancer cells.

According to the study that was published in the February 2004 issue of the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, it can be concluded that bitter leaf can inhibit the growth and spread of human breast cancer cells.

8.- Prevents other types of cancer

Besides breast cancer, bitter leaf benefits also work effectively as a cure for other types of cancer.

Andrographolide compounds that are present in the bitter leaf can inhibit the growth and development of cancer and tumor cells.

The anti-cancer properties in the bitter leaf are revealed through various studies.

In one of the studies, the leaf is effective in fighting lymphocytes attacked by leukemia.

A study by some Japanese researchers found that bitter leaves can stop the activities of gastric cancer cells.

It does this by preventing and altering the synthetic process of cancer cell DNA.

It is also very easy to use bitter leaves as a herbal remedy to treat cancer.

You just have to prepare fresh bitter leaves and boil them with water.

Once the mixture is warm or cool enough, drink it in one sitting. Drink the concoction two to three times a day while continuing the treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

9.- Benefits of bitter leaf for headache

Bitter leaf benefits are also very effective in treating a headache, including types of headaches caused by flu and fever.

To get the benefit, make a bitter leaf mixture by crushing a handful of bitter leaves and mixing them with water. Boil the tea and drink it once it cools down.

10.- Benefits of bitter leaf for malaria

Malaria is an infection caused by the Plasmodium parasite that is carried into the blood by mosquito bites.

Plasmodium is commonly found in tropical countries, therefore, in many tropical countries, suffering from malaria remains a risk.

Malaria is a dangerous disease that potentially causes deaths. Fortunately, bitter leaves can be an effective herbal treatment for infection.

One of the active substances present in the leaf is andrographolide. Andrographolide is known for its antiparasitic property.

According to some studies, the substance is an active ingredient that inhibits the growth of the parasite and can therefore be extracted for antimalarial medication.

Andrographolide achieves this result by disrupting the defense system of Plasmodium and preventing its development.

As the parasite’s immune system goes down, the oxidative process is affected and the parasite is easily destroyed.

However, the scientific world has not concluded the proper method and dosage for the treatment of malaria using the extract of bitter leaves.

Therefore, you should never use it as your primary treatment, unless you cannot get access to the medications prescribed by the doctor.

11.- Treat typhus

Worldwide, there are at least 26.9 million cases of typhoid fever reported annually. The diseases generally take about 200,000 deaths.

Typhoid fever is an infection from the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium that is transmitted from one human to another.

The bacteria enter the human body system through feces or infected food and drink.

The bacteria first enter the human body through the mouth and then travel to the intestine and into the bloodstream. This is where it gets dangerous.

Typhi spreads to other organs and tissues without much defense by the human immune system because bacteria can safely live inside host cells.

High fever and stomach pain are the main symptoms of the infection.

If typhoid patients do not receive proper treatment, they will be at risk of death because the bacteria kills 25 percent of those infected.

However, when it is treated early, it will be successfully eradicated.

Antibiotics are generally prescribed by doctors to kill the bacteria. During this period, bitter leaf mixture or bitter leaf supplements in other forms can also be taken to accelerate healing.

Andrographolide, tannin, flavonoid, and saponin have antibacterial properties that will be a good help to eliminate bacteria.

12.- Benefits of bitter leaf for blood pressure

Hypertension is also a disease that affects many people in the world. Avoiding this common disease is not an easy task, however, the disease poses a danger when not properly treated.

Prolonged, untreated high blood pressure will cause some complicated problems, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney problems, blurred vision, and even death.

Doctors generally prescribe drugs such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers for their hypertensive patients.

However, these chemical medications are not the only treatment for hypertension.

There are several herbal alternatives for people suffering from hypertension and one of the effective herbal ingredients is a bitter leaf.

Bitter leaves can prevent and treat hypertension because they contain a large amount of potassium that can stimulate the body’s salt secretion.

In addition, the leaf also contains very little sodium, which is supposedly responsible for the increase in blood pressure.

Also, the potassium in the bitter leaf will dilate the arteries and prevent arteriosclerosis. As a result, it also eases blood flow and stabilizes high blood pressure.

13.- Improves the immune system

Another benefit of bitter leaf is the ability to boost your immune system. Our immune system is our best defense against infections and diseases that threaten our health.

When your immune system is weakened, you are under threat from many contagious diseases.

Fortunately, drinking bitter leaf tea or taking bitter leaf extract can give your immune system a significant boost.

It is the reason behind the popularity of bitter leaf tea as an herbal drink in some parts of the world.

14.- Treat hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is the condition when uric acid in the blood is abnormally high. Typically, this abnormal condition manifests itself in gouts, such as monoarthritis in the big toe, knee, and joints.

It can also trigger a form of hematuria, which is pain felt in the area of the abdomen, flank, or groin region accompanied by nausea.

Chronic pain can disrupt activities and sleep. To treat the disease, a proper diet must be planned and followed.

It is also recommended to incorporate bitter leaves in the daily diet of patients to aid treatment.

The ketones, aldehydes, and flavonoids in the bitter leaves will neutralize the uric acid level and eliminate the symptoms.

15.- Benefits of bitter leaf for skin

Some substances in bitter leaf benefits are natural antibacterial agents that will kill bacteria that cause inflammation on the skin when acne occurs.

In addition, these substances also have antioxidant properties that naturally fight free radicals that accelerate the aging process.

Drinking bitter leaf tea will keep wrinkles and sunspots at bay. Your skin tissue will be rejuvenated and you will look younger and healthier.

Side effects of bitter leaf

There isn’t sufficient credible information available on the side effects of bitter leaf.

However, scientific evidence instructs that bitter leaf should not be consumed in great amounts – because, at high doses, it comes to be toxic and poisonous to human cells.

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6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil

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Food

6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil

Published

1 month ago

October 20, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil
How to make orange essential oil
- How we can prepare our essential orange oil.
Recommendations.
Discover the 6 Benefits of Orange Essential Oil + Recipe.Health Benefits of orange essential oil: The orange is a fruit known for its nutritional contributions, especially for being one of the most popular sources of vitamin C that exist, however, you really know the benefits of orange essential oil, it is used a lot in the world of aromatherapy because it is considered an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretic.One of the properties of orange essential oil is to be a powerful antidepressant and relaxant, which is used a lot in the world of aromatherapy, we will not only talk to you about its wonderful properties, but we will also teach you how to make your oil at home without so much trouble, so what remains is to invite you to continue reading this interesting article.
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6 Benefits of sweet orange essential oil

As we mentioned earlier, the orange essential oil is excellent for treating emotional states, which is why it is widely used in the world of holistic medicine, especially aromatherapy, and its benefits can improve not only your emotional state. but also the physical.

1.- Antidepressant.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: One of the benefits of orange essential oil is that it is considered an antidepressant and relaxant par excellence, it is used to help calm stress, promote relaxation of the body and mind.

The essential oil of orange leaves a very pleasant sensation in those patients who suffer from anxiety or depressive pictures, which helps them to heal and feel better about themselves and their environment.

2.- Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: We can highlight its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, with this we can fight and prevent infections, thanks to the fact that it prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, which ends up favoring the disinfection of wounds.

On the other hand, this oil is ideal to help eliminate pain or discomfort typical of external or internal inflammations, not to mention its powerful properties to prevent viral symptoms such as flu or cold, in the same way, it is highly recommended to relieve stomach ailments and strengthen our system immune.

3.- Antispasmodic.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Another benefit of using orange essential oil for massage application is that it is antispasmodic par excellence, with just a few drops on the skin, it can help us overcome muscle spasms and relax the area, not to mention that it helps prevent future cramps.

4.- Stimulates the lymphatic system.

This rich and aromatic oil can be used in immersion baths, since it has diuretic properties, which favors the stimulation of the lymphatic system, helping us to eliminate accumulated toxins, and combat fluid retention, deflating the legs and getting rid of that sensation. of heaviness and rigidity that we can feel at the end of the day.

5.- Benefits of sweet orange essential oil sexually

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: One of the lesser-known properties of orange essential oil is that of being an exceptional aphrodisiac, although it is not very high if it gives short-term results, it has been used in cases of impotence, erection problems, frigidity or decrease libido and sex drive, so if you want to spice up your sex life, feel free to use this powerful oil.

6.- Benefits of sweet orange essential oil skin

For our skin, one of the benefits of orange essential oil is that it prevents premature aging since it helps to stimulate the production of collagen in our skin, you can benefit by adding a few drops of this oil to your cream, and you will notice shortly time as your skin looks younger, fresh and fresh.

How to make orange essential oil

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: We have already talked about the benefits of orange essential oil, but now is the time that you learn how to make yours at home and that you can enjoy its therapeutic properties whenever you want, not to mention its uses in cosmetics and physical health.

• Oranges

• Vodka.

• Jar with lid.

How we can prepare our essential orange oil.

Its preparation is very simple, and you do not require prior knowledge or artifacts in your kitchen, you must have all the ingredients at hand and follow the instructions to the letter, in this way you can obtain essential oil of orange from good quality and very inexpensive, so let’s get started.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: As a primary step to make the essential oil of oranges, you must peel the fruit, there must be no whitish traces of the orange peel, you can help yourself by scraping them to remove them completely, in the same way, consider that the greater amount of orange peels, the higher the concentration of the essential oil.

Now take a glass container that has an airtight lid, it must be clean and dry, there the orange peels are added and the vodka is added until the peels are completely covered, it closes very well and shakes very hard for a couple of seconds.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Once this step is done, this mixture is placed in a dark and cool place for at least a week, you must shake the bottle during this period, to obtain the highest possible content of orange essential oil.

As the week passes, the mixture is strained with the help of a coffee filter, this is done so that the impurities that come off do not pass, it is poured into a jar and the orange peels are removed, this container is placed in a place with good ventilation, for the alcohol to evaporate.

As the days go by, you will notice that the remaining liquid no longer smells of alcohol, you can already say that you have your orange essential oil, ready to be packaged and used, it is recommended that it be preserved in a dark jar with a lid in a place fresh, that way it will retain its benefits.

Recommendations.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: As you will see, making an essential oil of orange is very simple to do, although it takes some time, once you manage to obtain it, you will have so many benefits that you will not regret doing it.

Although it has many benefits, it can also have certain side effects, so that people who suffer from diabetes mellitus, those who are under medical treatments that contain cyclosporine, people who suffer from chronic hypertension, and prostatic hypertrophy, should not consume this oil. nor use it externally.

Health Benefits of orange essential oil: Among the most common side effects, we can find alterations in the heart rate or blood pressure, so its use is not recommended when taking stimulants such as coffee, in the cases of pregnant women and children, the dose cannot be exceeded recommended, it is best to consult with the treating physician before taking or using it.

Knowing the benefits of nature and technology can help us improve our health and the way we see life. If you want to know more about our topics, we invite you to continue reading our interesting posts and to follow us on our social networks.

Food

4 Benefits of mizuna and side effects

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

Nutrtion data of mizuna
Health benefits of mizuna
Possible risk
Mizuna recipe
- Ingredients
Step by Step procedure
- Related
Discover the 4 shocking health benefits of mizuna and side effects.Surely on more than one occasion, you have consumed mizuna without knowing exactly what you were doing. We are going to tell you what its properties are.
Mizuna is an organic vegetable that can be used to make different vegetable dishes, such as salads.

It is characterized by its contribution of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, as well as its concentration in vitamins. For this reason, it is advisable to include it in the diet.

It is one of the most common vegetables in most of the prepared salads that are marketed at an industrial level. However, very few people identify this edible.

Nutrtion data of mizuna

The first thing to do is define the specific appearance of the mizuna. It is a three-leaf vegetable that is marketed in green shoots. It is usually offered packaged, which guarantees its freshness.

From the nutritional point of view, it is necessary to highlight the content of vitamin C and vitamin A.

In addition, it has micronutrients of group B and some minerals in lower proportions. Now, what stands out is antioxidants.

This type of vegetable concentrates a large number of phytonutrients inside.

These elements are capable of neutralizing the formation of free radicals, thus helping to maintain homeostasis.

On the other hand, they are also important to modulate inflammatory states.

Finally, the contribution of fiber that mizuna provides cannot be ignored. This substance is essential to achieve good intestinal health.

Mizuna is included in many commercial salad dressings that are already sold clean.

Health benefits of mizuna

Now we are going to comment on the main health benefits obtained from the introduction of mizuna in the usual diet. This, as long as the eating plan is varied and balanced.

1. Benefits of mizuna for immunity

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system.

Maintaining its levels in the appropriate range contributes to reducing the incidence of many infectious diseases, such as respiratory diseases.

This is evidenced by research published in Frontiers in Immunology.

2. Benefits of mizuna for skin

The vitamin A content of mizuna is key to preventing problems related to skin health, according to a study published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice.

Not only does it accelerate wound healing, but it also prepares the tissue for exposure to sunlight. In this way, the damage associated with ultraviolet radiation is minimized.

3. Benefits of mizuna for aging

Nutrients with antioxidant capacity are determining elements in the prevention of aging.

The neutralization of free radicals prevents their accumulation in the tissues, which generates protection against the development of pathologies and inefficiencies at the physiological level.

According to a review published in the journal Current Aging Science, the regular inclusion of a generous amount of compounds with antioxidant activity in the diet is considered one of the most efficient routes to slow aging.

4. Benefits of mizuna for digestion

Fiber is a compound that helps improve intestinal health. It is a non-digestible element that increases the volume of the fecal bolus, thus stimulating transit and serving as an energy substrate for the bacteria that make up the microbiota.

Possible risk

The only risk derived from consuming mizuna has to do with eating the vegetable without washing it properly beforehand. To get rid of the remains of dirt or earth, it is enough to clean it with fresh water under the tap.

However, when it is marketed in supermarkets, it is usually done under a packaging method, so the previous cleaning processes have already been applied.

Mizuna recipe

The best way to include mizuna in the diet is salads, accompanied by other vegetables that also provide quality nutrients.

It is possible to prepare green juices as well, but in this way, the fibers are mechanically destroyed.

Ingredients

1 tomato.

1 onion.

1/2 lettuce.

Sprouts of mizuna.

Sunflower seeds to taste.

A tub of fresh cheese.

Extra virgin olive oil and salt.

Sunflower seeds not only add texture to a salad, but they also contribute nutrients.

Step by Step procedure

To prepare the mizuna salad you need to start by washing all the vegetables well under the tap.

Both mizuna and lettuce should be cut by hand into relatively small pieces. The tomato and onion are diced with a knife.

All these elements are introduced into a bowl, sprinkling a couple of tablespoons of sunflower seeds.

On top, some slices of fresh cheese are placed and it is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and salt to taste. It is also possible to add other complementary spices, such as oregano.

Mizuna: a healthy vegetable

Mizuna has beneficial health properties, especially when it is included in the context of a balanced and varied diet.

It supposes a contribution of high-quality antioxidants and vitamins, key elements for the prevention of many chronic and complex diseases.

In addition, it is a vegetable to which almost everyone has access. It is usually sold packaged in bags, which guarantees its freshness and durability. It is inexpensive and versatile on a culinary level.

Food

Impressive health benefits of banana flowers

Published

7 months ago

April 29, 2024

admin

Table of Contents

1. Regulates the menstrual cycle
2. Cure anaemia
3. Excellent food for diabetics
4. Fight against viral infections
5. A natural anti-depressant
6. An ally for breastfeeding mothers
Discover the impressive health benefits of banana flowers.
Lately, we have seen how the ripe banana could prove to be a great ally for our body thanks to its anticancer cells, see the article.

But in reality, every part of the banana tree, be it the fruits, leaves, stems, flowers, all represent huge health benefits.

We are all aware of the high nutritional value of the banana and its flower is no exception! Rich in vitamin A, C, E but also in potassium and fibre, it has immense medicinal properties.

Here are some of the health benefits of banana flowers:
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1. Regulates the menstrual cycle

Banana flower is an excellent natural remedy for excessive menstrual bleeding. Eating the banana flower cooked with yoghurt or sour milk stimulates the hormone progesterone in the body and reduces bleeding.

2. Cure anaemia

The fibres of banana flowers contain high iron content and help in the production of red blood cells. These red blood cells increase the body’s levels of haemoglobin.

3. Excellent food for diabetics

Regular consumption of banana flowers lowers blood sugar levels and maintains insulin levels.

4. Fight against viral infections

Banana flowers are extremely beneficial in treating viral infection. Ethanol extracts from flowers limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

5. A natural anti-depressant

The presence of high magnesium content in banana flowers makes you in a good mood. This essential nutrient is ideal for fighting depression, relaxing you, and allowing you to regain certain well-being.

6. An ally for breastfeeding mothers

A little-known galactagogue, the banana flower is a very good food to stimulate milk production.
1. It also helps heal ulcers, constipation, reduces high blood pressure, ensures the efficiency of renal function …