incredible seven health benefits of bitter kola
Although the original blends of Coca-Cola did contain the plant, the bitter kola, the modern version of the famous beverage no longer does, which explains the similar name.
Bitter kola has been used for a long time in traditional African medicine and is said to have a number of health advantages, including the capacity to treat viral and bacterial infections.
The plant’s flavor is true to its name! The edible seeds have a distinct bitter and faintly sweet flavor. According to studies, bitter kola contains significant amounts of fat, protein, carbs, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, and caffeine. When ingested, it also offers a number of nutrients.
The sour kola nut offers a number of health benefits, including:
Because bitter kola is regarded as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine, it is said to increase sexual desire, pleasure, and performance. In order to improve your sex life while keeping these qualities in mind, why not try some bitter kola?
Osteoarthritis may be treated using the nuts.
A common form of arthritis with symptoms that can range from unpleasant to incapacitating is osteoarthritis. Joint cartilage and underlying bone deterioration, which causes pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints, are its defining characteristics. Obesity, aging, hereditary factors, and joint degeneration can all contribute to osteoarthritis.
The benefits of bitter kola on osteoarthritis symptoms were studied by researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, who found that it may significantly reduce pain and inflammation. The plant also enhanced the patients’ ability to move their joints.
The bitter kola’s antimicrobial qualities
According to a study that was published in the Science Journal of Microbiology, both the bitter kola nuts and leaves have antibacterial properties. When bitter kola was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli, the plant was able to suppress these microorganisms. It was found that the bioactive elements of the extract, such as tannin and saponins, were what gave the extract its antibacterial effects.
Your lungs may perform better thanks to the nuts.
The results of a study conducted in partnership with various Nigerian colleges show that bitter kola improves lung function and breathing. Based on studies done on the plant’s extracts, there is some evidence that bitter kola may have some asthma-preventive qualities.
Bitter kola nuts may be advantageous to the immune system.
Antioxidants, a term for any substance that fights free radicals, are abundant in bitter kola. Free radicals are created by a number of routine body processes, such as physical activity and our immune system, as well as environmental stressors including tobacco smoking, UV radiation, and air pollution. Free radicals damage DNA, cell membranes, and other elements of the cell. In addition to being essential for the body’s main functions, antioxidants also strengthen the immune system. When our immune systems are robust, we can fend off disease and maintain our health more successfully.
6. It might be a treatment for malaria.
In research that were just recently published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, kolaviron, an antioxidant contained in bitter kola, was found to exhibit potential antimalarial properties. Traditional healers have been prescribing bitter kola to treat malaria infections for many years. These assertions are currently being supported by scientific study.
Glaucoma may be treated with bitter kola.
Glaucoma, a condition marked by elevated pressure inside the eyeball, gradually impairs vision and, left untreated, may result in total blindness. A research in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology found that bitter kola is equally efficient in reducing eye pressure in newly diagnosed patients as more conventional therapies. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you recently found out you have glaucoma, you still need to follow professional medical advice and treatment.
adverse effects of bitter kola
It’s important to utilize conventional pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements in moderation. Bitter kola is known to have a number of drawbacks.
As a result, blood pressure can increase.
If you have hypertension, stay away from bitter kola because, according to Medical News Today, the nut contains a stimulant that might increase blood pressure.
Bitter kola can keep you awake.
You may have problems falling asleep if you consume kola nuts because they contain caffeine. Because caffeine increases alertness, it may be more difficult for some people to fall asleep.
Tremors could develop from it (involuntary movements)
Additionally, the bitter kola nut may have a deleterious impact on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, which could lead to trembling, anxiety, and quivering, according to Medical News Today.
Get ready and be cautious.
Given the numerous possible health benefits of bitter kola, you undoubtedly want to know the best way to cook it. Traditional medicine allows the use of the entire bitter kola plant, but it is more common to ingest the raw, unprocessed nuts.
