HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA.
Bitter kola has been eaten in Africa for many years, but scientists have just begun a study of the health benefits of this flowering plant.
Quick fact!
Did you know that Coca-cola coined its name from Bitter kola? Now you know.
The earlier recipes/blends of Coca-cola were gotten from the extracts of bitter kola. The company hasn’t used the kola as a flavor in their sodas in recent years. But, the reminder that the name of the company was inspired by the unusual plant.
Bitter kola is also known as Bitter Cola or Garcinia Kola, commonly found in Central and Western Africa. It has been used in traditional African medicine for a couple of centuries and is known to have many significant benefits to health. Such of those benefits include being able to fight bacterial and viral infections.
TASTE
Well, I’ll say that the name suits it so perfectly as bitter kola seeds have tensed bitter taste and flavor but give a slightly sweetened taste when you chew and it’s generally eaten raw.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA.
1 A study made in 2008 showed that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees showed that eating bitter kola can significantly reduce inflammation compared to a placebo.
Bitter kola has a high level of potassium level which acts as an agent in reducing inflammation.
2 Antibacterial Properties
A study that was made in the science journal of microbiology shows that bitter kola has antibacterial content in its seed and leaves. This is due to the presence of bioactive components in the extract such as tannin and saponins.
3 Good for Diabetic Patients
A chemical called Kolaviron found in bitter kola tends to fight against hypoglycemia present in people with type 2 diabetes. This was proven in some early studies and was carried out on rats though not yet tested on humans but, the findings are said to be promising.
4 It improves Immune System
Bitter kola contains a high antioxidant concentration which is essential to the immune system as it enables its fight against a disease that may tend to attack through the substances we consume or inhale.
Bitter kola acts as an antimalarial agent as a traditional herbalist has many years prescribed it for malaria treatment.
5 Bitter Kola Improves Sight
Bitter kola is said to reduce the pressure in the eye for newly diagnosed patients with glaucoma.
A condition within increased pressure within the eyeball causes gradual loss of sight and can result in permanent blindness.
Bitter kola as earlier said is eaten raw just like many other nuts.
You can sometimes find it in drinks used as flavors, just in case you eat it and don’t like the taste drinks can be a better option. And can also be introduced into your daily diet.
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