Over the years, bitter kola health benefits has been unknown. It is usually seen as just a snack for elderly people who munch on it regularly, especially at outdoor parties where it is hawked by sellers. Little wonder our forefathers lived quite long lives, even though civilization was far from them, this was because they unknowingly fed themselves with amazing nutritional components just by munching this kola.
Bitter kola contains many medicinal properties that are beneficial to mankind, ranging from aiding the digestive system to supporting the respiratory system, making it strong and healthy, plus many other benefits which will be further expanded upon in this article.
Key Insights
- Bitter kola is an amazing nut packed with antimicrobial properties that counter any kind of respiratory sickness like cough, asthma and flu.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight against any kind of bacterial infection.
- It decreases fatigue.
- It helps the digestive system function well by supporting bowel metabolism, which in turn reduces bloating and constipation.
What Is Bitter Kola?
Bitter kola is a whitish nut, oblong in shape with a brownish shell. It is distinct among other nuts because of its bitter taste which transforms into a sweet taste the more it is chewed.
Bitter kola, botanically called Garcinia kola and otherwise called orogbo among the Yorubas, Aku ilu among the Igbos and Namijin Goro among the Hausas, is obtained from the kola tree and mostly found in Africa’s rainforest countries like Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria and Cameroon.
Nutritional Value: Key Vitamins and Minerals
It is essential to know the nutrients present in bitter kola and how well they are effective towards promoting healthy living as well as healing of wounds, sicknesses and diseases. Below are some of its nutritional components:
- amino acids such as valine, glutamic acid, and lysine
- fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid
- essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus
- vitamins in the right proportion: Vitamin A, B, E as well as vitamin C
Difference Between Bitter Kola and Kola Nut
One thing that comes to mind when both bitter kola and kola nut are mentioned is that they are the same thing because both appear similar when placed side by side, but there’s a huge difference between them. They differ in shape, color, taste, function as well as components.
By shape: While bitter kola is small, oblong in shape and round, kola nut is bigger in shape, fat and quite flat.
By color: While bitter kola has a brown shell and white inner part, kola nut has a wine-colored body with pink or nude inner part.
By taste: While bitter kola has an initial bitter taste and an sweet aftertaste after chewing, kola nut has a coffee-like taste.
By components: While bitter kola contains caffeine, kola nut does not.
Top 9 Bitter Kola Health Benefits for the Body
1. Fight against cancer
Bitter kola is packed with tannins and phlobatannins; these two amazing nutrients are responsible for preventing the formation of cancer cells as well as healing any kind of wound in the human body.
2. Fight against dysentery and diarrhea
Tannins present in bitter kola help the body fight against stomach upset, which causes diarrhea and dysentery.
3. Heals respiratory sickness, flu or cough
Bitter kola helps the body fight against bacteria-causing germs responsible for flu and coughs. It is well known for healing any form of respiratory sickness, such as asthma and similar conditions, because consuming it clears the airways in the body through the fresh air it promotes.
4. Fight against malaria
Bitter kola is filled with a chemical compound called kolaviran, which is responsible for protecting the red blood cells from getting damaged by any form of malaria-causing parasite. These parasites have grown resistant to drugs to the extent that taking several malaria medications has stopped working for many individuals.
5. Strengthens the human brain and immune system
Chemical compounds such as phenolic acids, anthocyanin, and flavonoids are present in bitter kola, and they help the body fight any form of free radicals, which in turn boosts the human immune system and helps the brain function well. It is packed with antioxidants which prevent cell damage in the human body.
6. Fight against arthritis and rheumatism
Consuming bitter kola in moderation gives enough support to human bones which in turn helps heal rheumatism and arthritis.
7. Fight against diabetes
Diabetes has become so common that even toddlers now battle with it at such a tender age. There are many factors which contribute to the rise of diabetes, but with bitter kola consumption, insulin is kept in check to avoid the rise of sugar levels in the body.
8. Support to the heart
One of the many nutritional components in bitter kola is kolaviran which is known for supporting heart strength. Consuming it reduces heart inflammation which in turn eliminates high blood pressure, high cholesterol and any other factors that may contribute to heart diseases in the human body.
9. Heals headaches
Due to the theobromine present in bitter kola, consuming it in moderation heals headaches and migraines. This theobromine allows improved blood flow by widening brain blood vessels which in turn heals migraines.
Side Effects: What to Know Before You Eat It
There are various side effects of bitter kola especially when it’s consumed without moderation or consumed by individuals who are allergic to it. Some of its side effects are listed below:
1. Nausea
Excessive intake causes stomach upset which in turn triggers nausea. This happens because when consumed excessively, too much stomach acid is produced in the stomach walls, which causes vomiting or a nauseous state.
2. Insomnia
Due to the caffeine presence, consuming bitter kola can cause sleeping disorders. Excessive intake may prevent individuals from sleeping at night which could trigger migraines and high blood pressure.
3. Increased heart rate
This is possible also due to the caffeine presence. Since it was mentioned earlier that bitter kola enhances energy level, high blood pressure patients should avoid it as it promotes fast metabolism and blood circulation.
Important Note: Consult with healthcare professionals before using bitter kola for medicinal purposes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.
FAQs
What is the best way to eat bitter kola?
The best way is to eat it raw, just the way it is presented, so that its potency can be fully achieved. It can also be added to hot water to extract its beneficial compounds, which serves as a natural remedy for cough and flu.
What does bitter kola do to the mouth?
Consuming it gives fresh breath to the mouth, and it also kills harmful mouth bacteria through the bitter yet sweet taste it produces.
How many pieces per day?
Moderation is key in everything that is consumed. Despite the amazing nutrients present in bitter kola, it is advisable to take this nut in proper proportions. One or two nuts per day is acceptable; exceeding two nuts is not advisable.
Who should not eat it?
Individuals on strict medications should avoid taking bitter kola without their doctor’s consent. People allergic to nuts should avoid taking it as well; high blood pressure patients should also avoid it.
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Conclusion
Bitter kola is an amazing nut that helps counter cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, cough, respiratory infections, mouth bacteria, disease-causing bacteria, and reduces the production of cancer cells in the body, among many other benefits.
You don’t need to break the bank just so some ailments can be treated. With bitter kola, you can be assured that all sorts of respiratory sicknesses are addressed because good health is a luxury.
Remember: Knowing the right natural remedy for certain ailments is beneficial to avoid frequent hospital visits and wrong diagnoses. However, always consult healthcare professionals before using natural remedies.
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