7 Health Benefits of Bitter Kola And Side Effects

Bitter Kola, botanically known as Garcinia kola, is a popular plant from the evergreen kola tree in Central and Western Africa that has long been valued for its medicinal properties.

Also called Kolanut, it has a sharp, bitter flavor that eases into a slight sweetness as you chew, and they’re typically eaten raw. Bitter kola is widely known for its medicinal benefits, as the seeds, nuts, and bark have been and are still being used to treat.

In Nigeria, it is an important cultural symbol for many ethnic groups. It is given to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies, and it is used in medicine. Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering.

Health benefits of bitter kola

The bitter kola has some benefits for health. Here we explore those benefits:

1. The aphrodisiac credentials

Traditional medicine considers bitter kola to be an aphrodisiac, so it’s believed to increase sexual desire, pleasure and performance. With these qualities in mind, why not try some bitter kola to help turbo-charge your sex life!

2. The nuts may be a remedy for osteoarthritis

With symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating, osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It’s characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints. The causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity, aging as well as hereditary factors.

Researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested bitter kola on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and concluded that bitter kola may significantly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the condition. The plant also increased joint movement in patients.

3. Bitter kola has antibacterial qualities

A study published in the Science Journal of Microbiology has shown that both the bitter kola seeds and leafs have antibacterial properties. Bitter kola was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, and the plant was able to inhibit these microorganisms. The antibacterial activity was found to be due to the presence of bioactive components in the extract such as tannin, and saponins.

4. The nuts may improve the function of the lungs

Results from research conducted in conjunction with several Nigerian universities showed that bitter kola has a positive effect on the lungs and can improve ventilation levels. Extracts of the plant have also been studied in relation to asthma, and there is the suggestion that bitter kola may have some protective effects against the respiratory disorder.

5. Bitter kola nut may improve the immune system

Bitter kola has a high concentration of antioxidants, which is a term for any compound that counteracts free radicals. While environmental stressors such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays and air pollution cause free radical production, they are also produced by many normal processes in the body including exercise and our immune response. Free radicals damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. So, as well as being essential assistance for important functions in the body, antioxidants also support the immune system. With a strong immune system we are better able to fight disease and stay healthy.

6. It may be an antimalarial agent

Bitter kola contains the antioxidant kolaviron, which according to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, shows positive results for antimalarial properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections, and now, scientific studies are starting to support their beliefs.

7. Bitter kola may help to fight glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight, and can result in permanent blindness if left untreated. A study in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, showed that bitter kola is useful for reducing the pressure in the eye for newly diagnosed patients, and was as effective as more conventional treatments. It is important to note that you must follow professional medical advice and treatment if you have glaucoma, even if the condition is newly diagnosed.

Side effects of bitter kola

It is important to take any supplement or traditional medicinal product in moderation. Bitter kola has a number of known side effects.

1. It can increase blood pressure

If you’re suffering from hypertension, avoid bitter kola, because as reported by Medical News Today, the nut contains a stimulant with properties that increase the blood pressure.

2. Bitter kola can cause insomnia

Due to the presence of caffeine in kola nut, you may find it difficult to sleep after consumption. Caffeine increases alertness, which may make falling asleep more difficult for some people.

3. It can cause tremors (involuntary movements)

Medical News Today also reports that bitter kola nut can have a negative impact on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, which can lead to shakiness, anxiousness, and quivering. (NGNEWS247.COM)