Bitter kola benefits are numerous, and if you have not been making the most of it, this is the perfect time to learn more about it. Bitter kola is also known as Garcinia kola; it is a very common plant in Africa and is used for several purposes, especially for traditional medicine, events, and often for snacking.
The edible seed contains many health benefits, but as the name implies, it is not sweet; it has a strong bitter taste that fades into sweetness after chewing. For this reason, many people do not find it pleasant to consume.
However, bitter kola has so much to offer that shouldn’t be ignored, so in this guide, we will be discussing 16 amazing bitter kola benefits that can help you live a healthier life.
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16 Amazing Bitter Kola Benefits
1. Serves as Anti-poison
One of the most amazing bitter kola benefits is that it serves as a remedy for all kinds of food poisoning; it can detoxify and stop the growth of bacteria from food poisoning.
So many people have used bitter kola for many centuries to help curb bacteria and antiviral infection, so whenever you feel you have ingested a contaminated food source, bitter kola is your bet at a first aid treatment.
2. Fights Against Inflammation
African people have enjoyed this benefit of bitter kola for years; they have used bitter kola seeds to cure inflammation because the plant has a high level of caffeine and other ingredients.
Bitter kola relieves rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease and can also help reduce joint inflammation and discomfort due to its high potassium content.
3. It can Help Treat Malaria
It has been said that bitter kola contains kolaviron, a characteristic cell reinforcement and mitigating phytochemical with high antimalarial properties.
This compound in bitter kola is very effective in fighting against malaria; you can also include the stem and bark of the plant to increase its effectiveness because they are known to have powerful medicinal properties.
4. Aids Weight Loss
One of the least considered bitter kola benefits is that it aids weight loss. Studies have shown that its active ingredients, quinone and kolaviron derivatives, may help increase metabolism and burn fat in the body.
Some people also think its bitter taste helps suppress appetite. Bitter kola is also known to help reduce fat accumulation because it is a natural thirst stimulant that can help you consume more water and less food.
5. Enhances the Immune System
With all the inflammatory and antioxidant properties in bitter kola, it is no surprise that it can protect the immune system and offer support against toxins. Some people use bitter kola to make drinks and beverages so they can incorporate it into their diet.
It has been said that the plant helps the body build resistance against foreign particles like bacteria and viruses and, in the run, gives you a healthier immune system.
6. Provides Remedy for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common illness that can be severe if left unchecked. Luckily, one of the many benefits of bitter kola includes its high level of beta-carotene, which is excellent for eye medication.
Bitter kola helps reduce pressure on the eye and treat glaucoma. Chewing bitter kola twice a day is recommended for the treatment of glaucoma, and it may also interest you to know there are eye drops with bitter kola extracts that can make your treatment easier.
7. Boost Energy Levels
Bitter kola has a high amount of caffeine that can help boost your energy levels and fight fatigue. The plant also contains theophylline, theobromine, and other compounds that have similar effects on the body.
However, it is important to know that excessive caffeine use can cause sleeplessness, restlessness, and increased heart rate, so do not overuse it.
8. Improve Lung Function
The bitter kola plant contains saponin, which is a cell reinforcement compound. It also has purging and detoxifying effects and is very effective in building lung capacity. Bitter kola can help grow the alveolar sacs and channels and thus reinforce the fibrous tissues of the lungs.
9. Serves as an Anticancer Remedy
Another amazing benefit of bitter kola is that it has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, and these potentials can help reduce the risk of cancer. Modern medicine has also embraced bitter kola as an effective remedy for deadly diseases like cancer.
10. Reduce Blood Sugar
Bitter kola is also a potent blood sugar regulator, it has served as traditional medicine for many years that helps regulate blood glucose levels. Its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-malaria properties aid the prevention and treatment of diseases, including diabetes, and bitter kola can also reduce cravings for sweet and unhealthy snacks.
11. Regulate Blood Pressure
Recent studies have shown that bitter kola has an active ingredient called ethanol, a very active substance that can help improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. It decreases the tension in the arterial walls, thus allowing the free flow of blood throughout the body.
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12. Improves Digestion
One of the best things bitter kola can offer is its high fibre content which aids digestion speed. The bitter kola plant has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems like constipation, bloating, and indigestion. It also has many vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall immune system and improve your metabolic process.
13. Decreases the Symptoms of Depression
The unique combination of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other chemical compounds can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that bitter kola is a natural remedy for managing stress, anxiety, and depression because it can improve mood, energy, focus, and concentration.
14. Valuable in Pregnancy
The benefits of bitter kola are many, and one of the most significant ones is its fantastic role in pregnancy. The bitter taste can help prevent vomiting, nausea, and irritation that usually occurs during pregnancy.
It is a safe supplement for pregnant women to ensure a healthier uterus and improve the overall immune system. In addition, bitter kola also reduces the risk of post-natal depression and other childbirth complications like dehydration, infection, and uterine prolapse.
15. Helps to Fight Infection
Among the many benefits of bitter kola is its ability to treat and fight infections like cough, fever, cold, hepatitis, and others. Eating bitter kola seeds can give you quick relief from these common infections.
Bitter kola is said to help strengthen the pipe and alveolar sac in the lungs and, as such, can lessen colds and ailments affecting the chest.
16. Serves as Aphrodisiacs
In traditional medicine, bitter kola is also considered an aphrodisiac. Over the years, it has been used to increase sexual desire, pleasure, and performance, and it has also been said to help treat impotence in men. Bitter kola can help improve your sex life and increase your fertility.
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Bitter kola has much to offer you, and the best part is that it is inexpensive, always available in many regions, and has no side effects if consumed in moderation.
So if you have not been enjoying the numerous benefits of bitter kola, this is the best time to start adding it to your diet. It is an excellent snack regardless of its bitter taste, and the stem and bark are also very effective when you combine them with the seeds. So do not let the taste stop you anymore. Start maximizing the many bitter kola benefits from today.
