What are the health benefits of bitter leaf?
There are some truly wild, outlandish claims about the health benefits of the bitter leaf or, if you prefer, ewuro (Yoruba), etidot (Efik), onugbo (Igbo), chusar-doki (Hausa), ndoleh (Cameroon). All in all, it is purported to treat up to 25 common conditions, including fever, malaria, cancer, heart disease and a variety of skin infections. (It’s probably better for you than palm wine, right!) But what is it, and do any of the health benefits of bitter leaf stand up to scrutiny?
Bitter leaf is a shrub that grows in sub-Saharan Africa, typically to a height of up to 23 feet when fully grown. The shrub is renowned for its extremely bitter tasting but nutrient-rich leaves, which are attributed to the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and glycosides. The leaves are, typically, added to soups or crumbled into stews (eg efo riro). It is also used as an alternative to hops in beer production. To minimise the bitter taste, the leaves are washed and dried first.
What are some of the touted health benefits of bitter leaf?
Paradoxically, most of the nutrients, tend to be destroyed in the cooking process. Usually, stews containing the leaves are cooked for prolonged periods of time, partly to rid the leaves of the bitter taste, but in so doing ruining the nutritional benefits. (So it’s best to steel yourself and eat the leaf raw.) Read on for some of the claims of this magical leaf.
Contains lots of vitamins and minerals
According to a research article by Agbogidi, O.M. and Akpomorine, M.O., bitter leaf are ‘exceptionally rich’ in proteins, carotene, vitamin C and mineral elements including iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, folic acids and ascorbic acid’, making them ideal, in the authors’ opinions for children and breastfeeding mothers.
Prevents heart attacks
Bitter leaf is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acid. All of these polyunsaturated fatty acids are, indeed, protective against cardiovascular disease; however, this in itself is not enough to guard against heart attacks.
Helps reduce blood pressure
Saliu, JA, Ademiluyi, AO et al examined the antihypertensive properties of bitter leaf; their results can be found in the Journal of Food Biochemistry. The authors conclude that it does indeed have antihypertensive properties (including high levels of potassium) which may be exerted through ‘the inhibition of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase and ACE, coupled with the antioxidant activities.’ The authors suggest that bitter leaf phenolic-rich extracts are a nutraceutical option for managing hypertension.
Boosts your chances of getting pregnant
Word on the street is that consuming bitter leaf can boost your chances of getting pregnant, but that same street wisdom also tells us that eating too much bitter leaf can lead to miscarriage. Confused? Me too. According to one study conducted in rats, ‘…as antioxidants, the flavonoids and vitamins in bitter leaf extract could maintain sperm morphology, sperm survival and sperm function and therefore be regarded as a steady supply of additional nutrients to the treated rats over the control groups’. The same study references authors who have found that:
‘…treatment with antioxidants improves steroidogenesis by enhancing the primary effect of Leydig cell endocrine function along with increased circulatory testosterone production and stimulation of spermatogenesis’.
Nutritionist Dr Grace Johnson maintains that it can indeed boost fertility thanks to its ability to stimulate the reproductive system, ‘balance hormones and help the ovary to release healthy eggs’ per Guardian Nigeria.
Reduces fever
According to nutritionist Healthy Lifestyle, the antiseptic in the bitter leaf can help to bring down a fever:
‘The content of andrographolide lactones, glucosides, diterpene, and flavonoids serve to reduce fever.’
None of the above is ‘proof’ of the claims made about the health benefits. One aspect that is not disputed is the characteristic bitter taste. Can you vouch for the efficacy of bitter leaf? Let us know!
