16 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola You Should Know

Beyond its bitter taste, there are amazing health benefits of bitter kola you should know. Its curative potency far outweighs its bitterness which only lasts a while when chewed.

Herbs are proven to be highly effective to treat so many diseases – both curable and terminal ones. From the health benefits of ginger, to that of the juicy sugarcane, it’s high time you knew the incredible health benefits of bitter kola.

And that’s why we’ve written this article for you.

In this article, we have compiled 16 amazing health benefits of bitter kola you should know.

But before we delve into details of the health benefits of bitter kola, we’ll have a look at a few captivating facts about bitter kola.

Let’s get started.

History of the Bitter Kola

The bitter kola, scientifically named Garcinia kola, is a plant commonly grown in rain forests around Central and West Africa. It’s a specie of the Guttiferae (clusiaceae) plant family.

It is found mostly in regions of Benin, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gabon, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. It survives in damp and moist environments.

Old men often chew the bitter kola because they traditionally believe it prolongs life. Research today shows that bitter kola comprises nutrients which help to rejuvenate vital body organs. It possesses several other medicinal benefits which lengthen the years of old people.

Till date, the bitter kola is still being cultivated, preserved, and exchanged for money.

How Bitter Kola Is Preserved

Various local materials can be used to preserve the bitter kola. It can either be preserved moisturised by wetting, or made to lose weight and dried in different ways.

Some local materials used to preserve the bitter kola are jute bags, sandy soil, clay pots and plantain leaves. The bitter kola’s potency, color, weight and other things are considered to determine the best preservation method.

Contents of the Bitter Kola

The bitter kola is rich in vitamins A, B (1,2,3), C and E. Calcium, fiber, potassium, iron, plus other essential antioxidants are present in the bitter kola.

All of the plant parts – nut, bark, seeds and fruits – have been used in several ways to treat illnesses in ancient times. Further findings showed that the bitter kola is entirely medicinal.

Side Effects of Bitter Kola

Bitter kola has no major side effects. When you take bitter kola for long, you might experience these minor effects:

Dry mouth
Insomnia (sleeplessness)
Diarrhea (frequent stooling)
High heartbeat
Tummy cramps
Hives (itchy skin)
Nausea

Most side effects listed are related to the stimulating effects of caffeine in the bitter kola. Symptoms from allergic reactions do occur with the use of bitter kola. When you notice this, stop its use and see a doctor asap.

Having had a sneak peek into the history, preservative methods, contents and side effects of the bitter kola, let’s now move on to some of the health benefits of bitter kola.

Ladies and gentlemen, find below 16 amazing health benefits of bitter kola you should know.

The 16 Health Benefits of Bitter Kola

The following are the proven health benefits of bitter kola.

1. Treats Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis among the middle-aged. The joints which surround the hips, knees and thumbs usually become stiff and painful.

It’s a result of ageing, obesity, or damaged joint. Research conducted in one of the best federal universities in Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University, confirms bitter kola as a cure for osteoarthritis.

When you regularly take the bitter kola, pains from inflamed joints reduce drastically.

2. Treats Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s)

Bitter kola is used to treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s). It’s rich in antibiotics which has particularly helped to treat HIV/AIDS virus.

It serves as antibacterial, detoxifier, and cleanses the body system.

3. Boosts Immunity

Bitter kola helps to boost the immune system. Its richness in antioxidants and vitamins do more than cure diseases. It builds the body immune system.

4. Fights Impotence

Bitter kola helps to fight impotence amongst men. It is known for increasing sexual urge, libido strength and sexual performance.

It also aids coitus in intercourse. Of all herbs known to fight impotence, bitter kola has the highest mention and efficacy.

5. Treats Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Glaucoma is a threat to good eyesight. It’s a condition where the eyeballs are under pressure. It could lead to blindness if not treated.

The bitter kola is prescribed to reduce eye pressure. It is to be chewed twice daily to tackle Glaucoma.

6. Fights Constipation

With its function as a dietary fibre, bitter kola successfully fights constipation. The bowels are flushed clean when bitter kola is regularly chewed.

It also handles every disorder which relates to the digestive system.

7. Aids Cancer Treatment

Bitter kola kills cancerous cells and stops tumor growth in the human body. It was researched that phytoestrogens – a chemical compound in the bitter kola – is used to treat cancer.

Prostate cancers have been cured using extracts from bitter kola leaves. It contains a non-steriodal compound which aids to terminate the growth of prostate cancerous body cells.

8. Boosts Mental Health

Mental health, alertness, and vibrancy are enhanced with the use of bitter kola.

The caffeine content in the bitter kola stimulates and increases mental strength from the CNS (Central Nervous System). Mood, awareness and cognitive abilities are enhanced with the aid of the bitter kola.

9. Increases Fertility

The bitter kola is a good remedy for women with cases of infertility. To improve fertility, make sure you chew it regularly.

10. Fights Cold

From ages past till date, bitter kola provides relief from chest and general cold symptoms by enlarging the aleovela sac and duct. The caffeine content in the bitter kola does this.

However, it must be taken cautiously with the doctor’s guide, to ensure you’re taking a moderate doze of caffeine.

11. Treats Malaria

The bitter kola is usually prescribed by traditional healers for malaria infection.

The bitter kola seed has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phyto-chemical called kolaviron. It is an antimalaria agent which helps in malaria treatment.

12. Stabilizes Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels has to do with diabetic patients. Type 1 & 2 diabetic patients should lay hold on the bitter kola to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

13. Fosters Diuretics

Diuresis is an increased secretion of urine. With chemical contents such as caffeine and theobromine in the bitter kola, salt and water are expelled from the body. Minor sicknesses in the body are flushed out through urine via the same process.

14. Helps Reduce Weight

Regular intake of the bitter kola helps reduce the urge to eat heavily. If you care to lose weight and without hitting the gym, chew the bitter kola regularly. You’ll demand less of food, and you’ll crave for more water. Then, you’ll lose weight gradually.

15. Helps Lungs Function Properly

Lung tissues and fibres are stronger when bitter kola is consumed regularly. It is rich in antioxidant which is healthy for the lungs. Bitter kola takes care of respiratory issues and helps the lungs function properly.

16. Rejuvenates Body Organs

Several body organs are restored to function properly and actively with the aid of the bitter kola.

Organs of digestive, respiratory, CNS (Central Nervous System) are rejuvenated to function healthily when bitter kola is consumed moderately.

Bottom Line

These awesome health benefits of bitter kola are proven and very effective. With a conscious and cautious intake of the bitter kola, you derive cure to several ailments in your body.

Though bitter when chewed, bitter kola has its reward and sweetness in its medicinal purposes. This is why you should consider this list of health benefits of bitter kola for your natural health solution anytime.

Other Great Articles On The Blog

16 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola You Should Know

History of the Bitter Kola

How Bitter Kola Is Preserved

Contents of the Bitter Kola

Side Effects of Bitter Kola