Bitter kola, often referred to as garcinia kola is a common plant that grows in Central and Western Africa.
Did you know that the extract of this plant was among the first ingredients for Coca-Cola. There are so many health benefits of bitter kola, most of which will be discussed in this article.
It is widely believed that bitter kola can help treat the following illnesses below:
- Can help treat osteoarthritis
- Might treat infections
- Can improve the immune system
- May help treat glaucoma
- Can improve the function of the lungs
- It may be an antimalarial agent
1. Can help treat osteoarthritis
One typical type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is characterized by joint cartilage and underlying bone deterioration, which causes pain and stiffness, particularly in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by joint damage, obesity, aging, and hereditary factors.
Researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria examined the effects of bitter kola on osteoarthritis symptoms and came to the conclusion that it may greatly lessen pain and inflammation.
Also read: 7 Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind
2. Might treat infections
Over the years, bitter kola has been used to treat diseases ranging from the common cold to hepatitis.
According to a 2018 study, it can also help protect against viral, bacterial, and cough-related diseases.
3. Can improve the immune system
Bitter kola contains a lot of antioxidants. These antioxidants boost the immune system in addition to being crucial for the body’s key processes.
We can fight off illness and maintain our health more effectively when our immune systems are strong.
Sometime last year, American rapper, Meek Mill tweeted about how bitter kola helped him treat his stomach.
4. May help treat glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disorder where there is an increase in pressure inside the eyeball. It causes a gradual loss of vision and, if ignored, can lead to permanent blindness.
According to a study published in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, bitter kola is just as effective as better-established treatments for lowering eye pressure in people who suffer from glaucoma.
However, for this, it is also crucial that you adhere to professional medical advice and treatment.
5. Can improve the function of the lungs
According to the findings of a study done in collaboration with numerous colleges in Nigeria, bitter kola benefits the lungs and increases ventilation.
There is some evidence that it may have some preventive properties against asthma based on research done on the plant’s extracts.
6. It may be an antimalarial agent
Kolaviron, an antioxidant found in bitter kola, has been found to exhibit potential antimalarial effects in studies that were recently published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.
For many years, traditionalists have prescribed bitter kola to treat malaria infections.
Side effect
It is always advisable to use traditional treatment with caution. For bitter kola, here are some side effects to be wary of.
1. Blood pressure may rise as a result.
Avoid consumption if you have hypertension since, according to Medical News Today, the nut contains a stimulant with qualities that raise blood pressure.
2. Might induce sleeplessness
Kola nuts contain caffeine, so you could have trouble falling asleep after taking them. Caffeine makes you more aware, which may make it harder for some people to fall asleep.
Given that bitter kola has so many potential health advantages, you probably want to know the best way to prepare it.
Bitter kola has several health advantages, so you might be tempted to get some right away, but you should always use caution while at it.
Always seek the advice of professionals. While no dietary supplement is guaranteed to be effective, bitter kola does offer qualities that can promote the treatment of many illnesses and the prevention of others.
