9 Health Boosting Benefits of Bitter Kola
1. Helps Aid Weight Loss
It’s not just a rumor: kola nut, a related species to bitter kola, has been proven in clinical trials to help boost weight loss. According to data published by the National Institutes of Health, kola can have an effect on weight loss in several key ways.2. Eases Asthma and Respiratory Illness
One long-standing use and benefit of bitter kola among African populations has been its reputation as lung-healing. Researchers say it’s true: bitter kola can open lungs and may also fight bacteria in the body.
In lab studies, albino mice fed dried kola seed powder showed improved lung function. Specifically, alveoli, the tiny sacs that fill with air in the lungs, were better able to take in oxygen. This is significant because with asthma, constriction and closing of these and other structures hinder breathing.
Meanwhile, the antibacterial effect of bitter kola (garcinia kola) appeared to pack a double-punch to lung troubles.
The researchers believe this was due to the antioxidant effect of the seeds. Research concludes that bitter kola can be an important supportive element in issues such as bronchitis or asthma.
NOTE: NEVER stop medication for your asthma in order to try an alternative. Ask your doctor whether you should add bitter kola to your health regimen. If you suspect a serious illness such as bronchitis, be sure to see your doctor.
3. Protects Male Fertility
Here’s something interesting: bitter kola can protect sperm from damage due to environmental toxins, according to one fascinating study.The study, which took place on boars, showed that sperm were protected from an injection of a toxin. Cell damage was prevented and the sperm cells were overall healthier and more prolific.
The researchers believe it is an antioxidant known as kolaviron, present in kola nut, that provided this surprising effect.
Researchers today believe the environment can have a negative effect on sperm quality and total sperm count. And while a traditional use of kola as a potency booster has been put down to its caffeine content, it’s possible that antioxidants re doing the heavy lifting, researchers say.
In the above study, the antioxidant Vitamin C was added to bitter kola in order to boost the positive effects. This reinforces the theory that antioxidants could be the deciding factor.
4. Offers Help for Colitis Sufferers
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that can be devastating, affecting nearly a million Americans annually, according to crohnsdisease.com. UC is considered an inflammatory bowel disease. It comes with a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including:- Diarrhea, often with blood and pus
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Frequent urgency
- Weight loss, fatigue, and fever
- In children, a failure to “thrive” (grow)
In studies, bitter kola reduced inflammation, kept weight loss in check and produced an apparent easing of discomfort in rats. (Note that while kola is famous for weight loss, in people with inflammatory issues that cause unwanted loss of weight, it appears to prevent this side effect.)
NOTE: NEVER stop your colitis regimen, including any medications, or change up your regimen without consulting your physician.
5. Shields You Against Damage Due to Diabetes
Type II Diabetes can come with a list of complications. Organs such as the kidneys can be negatively affected by long-term, uncontrolled diabetes.In a groundbreaking study, bitter kola prevented damage to a number of bodily systems in diabetic rats. It’s important to note that it was the bitter form that appeared to produce this effect, pointing to bitter kola as a possible go-to preventive for people with diabetes.
If you have your condition under control but want a boost to help make sure you’re healthy for years to come, give bitter kola a try, experts say.
6. Reduces Eye Pressure in Patients With Glaucoma
According to medical data, bitter kola can reduce eye pressure. This makes it ideal for helping keep glaucoma in check.An aqueous solution of bitter kola was utilized in this report as part of a randomized, double-blind trial. At the end of the study, patients using the bitter kola drops had reduced eye pressure.
Glaucoma is a serious issue that can lead to blindness. Taking matters into hand early is your best possible chance of fighting this disease.
Visit your eye doctor annually and ask for glaucoma preventive testing. In the meantime, get adequate rest and exercise and add foods such as bitter kola to your regimen.
7. May Support HIV Medication Protocol
This is still somewhat controversial, and as always, we must state here that it is important that you follow your doctor’s recommendations if you have been diagnosed with HIV.However, for some time now, antioxidants have been researched as a possible key to boosting medical efforts against symptoms of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and its progression.
While official recommendations are most likely quite a way off, many health experts agree that antioxidants such as those found in bitter kola may help slow the progression of HIV. The primary disagreement seems to be not whether antioxidants do anything at all (most clinicians agree they do), but how much and what types should be used.
More groundbreaking studies are underway.
In the meantime, consuming foods high in antioxidants might boost your efforts to stay healthy and productive. The best part: they contain few side effects for most people.
8. Relief From Arthritis Pain
Here again, the anti-inflammatory effects of bitter kola come into play. Kolaviron, the key antioxidant phytonutrient in bitter kola, reduces inflammation in arthritis patients. And with reduced inflammation, pain often decreases, too.Bitter kola is so notable for this effect that it has been studied for its effects against specific forms of arthritis, including arthritis of the knee. Inflammation was notably reduced, with a significant increase in comfort and mobility.
9. A Traditional Cold Remedy
And yet another amazing health benefit of bitter kola is its antibacterial effects that can help fight upper respiratory infection.Bitter kola, chewed raw, is a traditional cold and bronchitis remedy among African populations. Current data supports this benefit. Studies have shown bitter kola to be effective against four different pathogens associated with colds and related illnesses.
Try some bitter kola as a daily regimen during cold and flu season to help prevent illness and to treat the bugs that are all around you during these key times.
About Bitter Kola
Bitter kola (garcinia kola) is one of 40 different varieties of kola nut. Bitter kola is a flowering plant native to certain regions of Africa and has been used there for centuries as a medicinal food.Kola has natively been used for ailments ranging from the common cold to lethargy, malaria, and male sexual health issues. Different parts of the plant, including the fruits/ (“nuts”) and the leaves, are utilized. Often, the leaves are chewed for their fast-acting potency.
With its uplifting effects due to its caffeine content, kola nut has traditionally been used to maintain energy and keep hunger at bay during long on-foot journeys, where food may be scarce.
Kola fruits, or nuts, are red, pink or white when fresh. Once they’re dried, they turn their well-known brown. The bitter flavor increases upon drying, but so does the potency, according to those who have tried this method.
Are Kola and Bitter Kola the Same Plant?
They aren’t exactly the same plant, but they are in the same family. Many of the effects of kola (kola nitida) are the same as those that bitter kola imparts. We’ve noted similarities and differences in the list of benefits above.The two most commonly used forms of kola are kola nitida and garcinia kola (bitter kola).
Where Do Kola Nuts Come From?
Kola “nuts” are actually the fruits of the kola tree.Kola originated in Africa, and was later exported to the Americas as a commercial crop. Today, more than 70% of domestic and exported kola is produced in various areas of Africa, with most of the rest coming from the American tropics.
Where to Buy Bitter Kola
Bitter kola in its nut or dried form can be difficult to come by in the U.S.We recommend asking your local health store if they plan on carrying pure kola. You can also shop online; many companies offer kola for shipment.
Is Kola Used to Make Coca-Cola (Coke)?
It was. Kola was present in the original form of the soft drink Coke, known then as Coca-Cola. According to the story, in the 1800s, a pharmacist named John Pemberton took an extract of kola and mixed it with sugar and other ingredients, including carbonated water.He touted it as an energy drink.
Unfortunately, other less innocent ingredients were added to the energy-boosting formula, including cocaine, which was not yet criminalized for recreational use in the U.S.
After laws changed, cocaine was taken out of Coca-Cola, and over time the kola was removed too in favor of cheaper, easier to procure ingredients.
Today, Coke doesn’t contain kola or cocaine.
What About Kola Extract?
Kola extract can be an easy an inexpensive way to get some bitter kola into your regimen. Make sure to follow directions exactly. NEVER exceed recommended dosages of bitter kola extract, as some side effects may occur (see below).Make sure you are buying a standardized form of the extract so you know you’re getting a fairly even amount of the active constituents each time you take bitter kola.
Also, verify that the manufacturer is a longtime supplier and has a positive reputation for producing a reliable, consistent product.
Side Effects
According to webmd.com, bitter kola:- May interact with sedative medications. DO NOT use bitter kola if you are taking sedative medications under the advice of your physician.
- May interact with medications for the liver.
- Can produce nervousness or sleeplessness. Very high doses may produce a fast or irregular heartbeat. NEVER exceed recommended amounts and discontinue use if nervous side effects occur. You may be caffeine-sensitive.
- May interact with sedative medications used for surgery. Do not use for two weeks before surgery or while using follow-up medications.
- Is considered “possibly safe” during pregnancy. However, many obstetricians advise pregnant women to stay away from caffeine-containing foods. Ask your doctor.
Start with small amounts of this potent wonder-fruit and see how you feel. Over time you’ll find your “sweet spot” where you’re receiving positive health benefits, but aren’t experiencing nervousness or other unwanted effects.
When you get to that point– enjoy! The health benefits of bitter kola can make your quality of life better and boost your well being. Be sure to take or eat bitter kola in the morning so you’re relaxed by nighttime. You’ll get all the great effects that can sustain you through your busy day.
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