The high content of antioxidants found in bitter kola does not only help fight bacteria and other microbes; it also helps the body to increase its immunity levels.
The word Bitter Kola must have been derived from its taste. If you’ve ever tasted this nut, then, you can attest to it being ‘super bitter’.
Garcinia kola, popularly known as Bitter Kola, is a tropical flowering plant found in western and central Africa and it produces brown, nut-like seeds. The nut which is about 3-5 cm in length has an ellipsoid shape. Bitter Kola contains dimeric flavonoid and lipase inhibitor and has been used in African culture for centuries for both traditional and medicinal purposes. To some, it is used to increase men’s sex drive and performance, while some others believe it to be an antioxidant.
While Bitter Kola performs both functions, its usage is however not limited to these activities alone. As a matter of fact, the fruit, seeds, nuts, and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in native medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever.
The bitter plant is believed to be a rih source of vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, fiber, calcium, potassium and iron. And it has been credited as having a lot of health benefits.
Below are 7 potent ones:
Bitter Kola Improves Sexual Performance
Research has shown that when it comes to the improvement of sexual performance, especially among men, bitter kola is potent.
This Kola does not only increase sex drive, but it also improves the sexual performance of men who consume it.
To get bitterkola to be super effective at this, it is advisable to chew the kola for at least two minutes before intercourse.
Serves as Anti-malarial Agent
Studies have shown that some chemical constituents in bitter kola have anti-malarial properties. Kolaviron is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemical. It is a major constituent of the garcinia (kola) seed which helps in treating malaria.
Many have tested and proven that the bitter kola stem, bark, and seeds are used for the treatment of acute fever, inflammation, respiratory tract infections and throats infections.
This is why traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola as part of the treatment of malaria. There are no definite side effects of having this naturally occurring blissful plant. But, anything taken in excess or wrong proportion may show its bad side.
Bitter Kola Serves as Natural Therapy for Cold & Cough
This is one of the oldest uses of bitter kola which extends till recent times. Bitter Kola nuts have been found to be potent as a natural remedy for chesty cough. Bitter kola helps to enlarge the alveolar sac and duct, thereby providing relief for cough and preventing the uncomfortable symptoms.
Much as bitter kola is effective in alleviating this condition, it is advisable that you consult your doctor before using this therapy, as excess intake of bitter kola which is high in caffeine can cause adverse reactions.
Helps Combat STDs
Since the emergence of sexually transmitted diseases, noble scientists have been battling night and day to find a lasting solution to the plague.
Although their battle may seem somewhat difficult as a result of the complicated nature of the diseases, results have however shown that the seed and leaf of this kola have antibacterial activity on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus pyrogens.
Improves the Function of the Lungs
The lung tissues are not only strengthened when bitter kola is consumed regularly in a considerate quantity, the kola also stabilizes any other counter effects.
In addition, it helps in the maintenance of clear respiratory tracts, as well as treating chest infections.
Still wondering why some smokers move around with bitter kola?
Helps Boost Immunity System
Bitter kola has a high quantity of antioxidants. This high content of antioxidants found in bitter kola does not only help fight bacteria and other microbes; it also helps the body to increase its immunity levels.
When the immunity level of the body is increased, the implication is that the body can easily fight against any foreign contaminant and disease.
Helps Reduce Constipation
Bitter Kola nut functions as a dietary fiber in food as it helps in the prevention and treatment of health conditions that relate to the digestive system which include but are not limited to: bloating, constipation and other conditions that disrupt bowel movement.