Bitter kola is a ‘sacred’ fruit ever present in traditional ceremonies especially in the African setting. The potency of the fruit cannot be overlooked because of its several health benefits. As bitter as it tastes, the stronger the effect on the body. Its fruit, seeds, nuts, and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat different ailments. Bitter kola contains a high source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, fiber, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Here are the health benefits of taking bitter kola:
1. Sexual drive
Studies have shown bitter kola improves sexual performance particularly in men. It is recommended to chew the bitter kola for at least two minutes before intercourse.
2. Treats Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone that causes pain and stiffness, around the hip, knee, and thumb joints. According to the National Institutes of Health, osteoarthritis is caused by joint injury, obesity, and aging. However, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of bitter kola against arthritis symptoms and the result concludes that bitter kola significantly reduced inflammation and pain.
3. Fights STDs
Scientists continue their research on the cure for sexual transmitted diseases. More results have shown that the seed and leaf of bitter kola have antibacterial activity on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus pyogenes.
4. Improves lungs function
Taking bitter kola does not only strengthen the fibers and lung tissues, but also stabilises any other counter effect. More so, it helps in the maintenance of good respiratory tract and treat chest cold.
5. Boosts the immune system
The high amount of antioxidant found in bitter kola helps fight bacteria and other illnesses. It also helps the body to increase its immunity levels. Thus, when the immunity level of the body is increased, it becomes strong enough to fight against any foreign body.
6. Cures malaria
Studies have shown that chemical constituents in bitter kola have anti-malarial properties. This is why traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections. Also, the stem, bark, and seeds of bitter kola are used to treat acute fever, inflammation of the respiratory tract and throat infections.
7. Fights glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight and in worst case scenarios- permanent blindness. However, bitter kola has been found to be an amazing remedy for the eye. According to a Lagos University Teaching Hospital journal, eating bitter kola at least twice a day could successfully reduce the eye pressure.