Bitter kola; Nutritional Values And Health Benefits

Bitter kola is a type of nut mostly found in several parts of Nigeria. Bitter Kola has been identified as a potent antibiotic which could be effective in the treatment of many diseases.

The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the tropical tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicines to treat many forms of ailments.

Chewing bitter kola relieves coughs, hoarseness, bronchial and throat troubles. Several studies discovered bitter kola to be a remedy for dysentery, osteoarthritis, antidote against poisoning and considered an aphrodisiac.

The health benefits of bitter kola are broken down into the following;

Improves Lung Functions

 
Bitter kola has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine. Bitter kola’s beneficial lung properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content.

Treats Malaria

 
The chemical constituents in bitter kola have been found to have anti-malaria properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections.

Relieves Osteoarthritis

 
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, bitter kola reduces inflammation and pain and increases joint movement. It is believed that bitter kola works well for patients with this ailment as a result of its antioxidant properties.

Recommended for HIV patients

 
Bitter kola is a potent antibiotic which could be efficacious in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Bitter kola is highly recommended in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its antibacterial, detoxification, and cleansing properties.

Treatment of Cold

 
Bitter kola is often used to treat the symptoms of colds. It is suggested, in particular, for coughs and sneezing.

Male Fertility (Impotence)

 
Bitter kola is sometimes believed to cure impotence.

Protects the Immune System

 
The nut is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be used to prevent infections and viruses, especially in relation to the immune system.

Remedy for Food Poisoning

 
When food is suspected to be contaminated by bacteria or someone accidentally eats food poison, traditional healers often recommend the mastication of bitter kola immediately after eating.

This usually prevent the development of any infection or poisoning. Herbalists even recommend that the seed and the bark of bitter kola should be eaten together in cases where food poisoning is suspected, “it helps to detoxify the system“.

It is not only an anti-poison, it also has the ability to repel evil spirits according to traditional beliefs. Though it sound superstitious, many believe it works and do have spiritual benefits.

NOTE; The side effects of taking excess bitter kola are “weight loss”, “increase in sex drive” and “extended sleep” which many be considered helpful to meet individual and marital demands.

However if after taking bitter kola you experience diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat or other signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.