Bitter kola, also known as bitter cola or Garcinia Kola, is a plant native to Central and Western Africa that has long been prized for its medicinal benefits. Although all parts of the Bitter Kola plant are used in traditional African medicine, the seeds are the most commonly consumed.
Although bitter kola has been consumed in Africa for many years, scientists are only now beginning to investigate its health benefits.
Bitter kola is well-known for its medicinal properties, as the seeds, nuts, and bark have been and continue to be used to treat a variety of ailments. Bitter kola may be beneficial for a variety of health issues, including:
1. Infections
Bitter kola has long been used to treat infections ranging from the common cold to hepatitis. According to a 2018 study, bitter kola can help with coughs, bacterial infections, and viral infections. When an infection begins, eating bitter kola may help fight the infection and make you feel better.
2. Inflammation
In Africa, bitter kola seeds are often consumed to treat inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. In a 2008 study, people with osteoarthritis in their knees who ate bitter kola had a significant reduction in inflammation when compared to a placebo. Bitter kola’s high potassium content could be a factor in its anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Antimalarial
Bitter kola is thought to have chemical characteristics that enable it to act as an antimalarial catalyst. Kolaviron, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemical with strong antimalarial effects.
4. Diabetes
Early research suggests that kolaviron, a molecule contained in bitter kola, may protect persons with type 2 diabetes from hypoglycemia. Although the first study was conducted on rats and has yet to be replicated in humans, the preliminary results are encouraging.
5. Osteoarthritis
Bitter kola is a well-known disease modulator that can help with osteoarthritis symptoms. Garcinia kola appears to provide considerable analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects for patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to studies. As a result, garcinia kola is thought to be a promising osteoarthritis disease activity modulator with a high chance of success. It aids in the treatment of inflammation, discomfort, and stiff joints. A joint injury, weight, ageing, or inherited factors can all contribute to arthritis and painful symptoms. As a result, consuming this miracle plant can assist in resolving all of these issues and curing them at their source.
6. Aids as Lung Cleanser
Garcinia kola contains saponin, an antioxidant that promotes lung health. It has cleansing and detoxifying properties. As a result, the lungs’ function is improved by widening the alveolar ducts and sacs, which strengthens the fibre in the lungs’ tissue. It has a high antioxidant content, which is beneficial to a healthy body.
7. Health for Pregnant Women
Bitter kola, contrary to popular belief, is claimed to be beneficial and useful in and for pregnant women, as it aids in the prevention of nausea and vomiting, improves the health of the uterus, provides strength to the expectant mother, and normalises blood circulation.
8. Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Garcinia kola (bitter kola) is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction since research has revealed that it has aphrodisiac properties (causes or increases sexual desire) in males.
9. Weight Loss
Bitter kola is a natural hunger suppressant and a wonderful thirst stimulant, and as such, it aids in weight loss, as the body requires a lower intake of food and a significant intake of water to get rid of extra fat and stay healthy.
10. Treatment of Breast Cancer
Bitter kola has an anti-cancerous effect, making it useful in the treatment of breast cancer. Nature also possesses a treatment for something that is incurable.
11. Anti-Poison
When consumed together, the bark and seed aid in the detoxification of the human body during food poisoning. Because of its cleansing characteristics, the saponin present in bitter kola is utilised as a liver tonic, helping with gall bladder activities.
12. Help Boost Regulatory Systems
Bitter kola affects several regulatory systems in the body, including the immunological system. It helps the body adapt to stress while also acting as an anti-infective.
Nutrients per Serving
Bitter kola is typically considered safe to eat by the FDA, however, it is classified similarly to essential oils. That means there isn’t a lot of information on serving sizes or nutritional facts.
Bitter kola, on the other hand, was found to be high in the following nutrients in a 2013 study namely Carbohydrates, Fat, and Protein.
The same study also found that bitter kola had high levels of Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, and Caffeine.
Based on the facts obtained, bitter kola is a healthy, profitable, and indigenous plant that is neglected and should be used for its medicinal properties to alleviate this illness.
