Amazing Facts about Bitter Leaf

Bitter leaf also known as Vernonia is a genus of about 1000 species of forbs and shrubs in the family Asteraceae.

It's a household diet for most homes across certain African societies.

Several species of Vernonia, including V. calvoana, V. amygdalina, and V. colorata, are eaten as leaf vegetables.

Common names for these species include bitterleaf, onugbu in the Igbo language, ewuro and ndole.

They are common in most West African and Central African countries.

They are one of the most widely consumed leaf vegetables of Nigeria, where the onugbu soup is a local delicacy of the Igbo people, and of Cameroon, where they are a key ingredient of Ndolé. The leaves have a sweet and bitter taste. They are sold fresh or dried, and are a typical ingredient in egusi soup.

Health Benefits that will blow your mind!

Vernonia amygdalina is well known as a medicinal plant with several uses attributed to it, including
 1)for diabetes,
2)fever reduction, and
3) recently a non-pharmaceutical solution to persistent fever,
4)headache,
and joint pain associated with AIDS (an infusion of the plant is taken as needed).

These leaves are exported from several African countries and can be purchased in grocery stores aiming to serve African clients. The roots of V. amygdalina have been used for gingivitis and toothache due to its proven antimicrobial activity.

Ofe onugbu (bitter leaf soup) is very nutritional and medicinal, please go back to your roots, as much as possible avoid most artificial sweetners or seasoning which may cause damage to your health on the long run.

Reference: Wikipedia