Surprising Health Benefits of Garcinia Kola (Bitter kola)

A recent study confirms that bitter kola (Garcinia kola) has certain anti-inflammatory properties, making it a more widely used natural medication around the world. In this article, we look at the amazing health benefits of bitter kola and answer some common questions you may have. 

Key Points 

• Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) is a tropical plant that is usually consumed for its medicinal qualities.
• It has a bitter taste but becomes somewhat tasty as it is chewed.
• Bitter kola may help with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
• Other health benefits of Garcinia kola include: improves immune system and respiratory health, promotes digestion, aids in weight loss and many more.
• When consumed in excess, bitter kola can cause nervousness, increased heartbeat, nausea, and headaches.  
• Consult a Doctor for any health concerns you may have about taking bitter kola.

What is Bitter Kola?

Bitter kola, which is also called Garcinia kola, is a plant that grows in Central and Western Africa. Although the bitter kola plant has several applications in traditional African medicine, the seeds are the most commonly eaten.

Bitter kola seeds have a strong, bitter taste that fades into a faint sweetness as you chew, and they are typically consumed raw. Bitter kola benefits include weight management, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-reducing abilities amongst others.

Bitter kola is a popular edible nut in Africa. It is often served to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies alongside kolanut in Nigeria. 

Bitter Kola Benefits You Should Know

Some of the bitter kola benefits include: 

1. Improves Immune System

The immune system protects the body against infections and illnesses. Bitter kola, when consumed in moderation, helps strengthen your body’s natural defence mechanism against infections and ailments. 

Bitter kola has been shown to be effective against infections such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, lowering the risk of bacterial infection. Bitter kola is also high in vital vitamins such as vitamin C, which boosts immune function.  

2. Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to an injury or infection. Bitter kola’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a natural alternative for treating chronic inflammation-related disorders.

Bitter kola helps to reduce joint pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients. 

This makes it a safe and natural way to manage arthritic symptoms. Bitter kola has also been used traditionally to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, providing relief from illnesses including asthma and bronchitis.

3. Promotes Healthy Digestion

Bitter kola is used in traditional medicine to relieve stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal problems.

It is a natural laxative that helps to regulate bowel movement and avoid constipation. Bitter kola’s antibacterial properties help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which promotes digestive health. 

4. Improves respiratory health.

Bitter kola contains active ingredients that treat common respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, and bronchitis.

Bitter kola has chemicals that clear nasal passages and minimise mucus buildup, making it a useful treatment for colds and sinus infections.

It possesses bronchodilatory characteristics that assist in relaxing bronchial muscles and enhancing airflow, which is very beneficial for asthmatic patients.  

5. Aids in Weight Management

Compounds in bitter kola encourage the breakdown of fat, which helps people lose weight. Bitter kola makes it easier to control caloric intake by reducing hunger pangs.

By improving metabolic processes, bitter kola makes it possible for the body to burn calories more effectively. 

6. Enhances libido

Bitter kola has long been used as an aphrodisiac in folk medicine, boosting libido and sexual performance in both men and women.

Bitter kola benefits men by offering promising potential in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, long-term consumption of bitter kola was reported to reduce sperm count, motility, and quality. 

7. Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable chemicals that harm cells, contributing to aging and chronic diseases like cancer.

Bitter kola’s high antioxidant concentration neutralises these damaging compounds, resulting in several advantages. Bitter kola improves youthful skin and slows the aging process by lowering oxidative stress. 

8. Improves Mental Performance

Bitter kola has caffeine in it, which wakes you up and helps you concentrate because it awakens the brain and nerves.

The nut reduces fatigue and raises energy levels, increasing productivity. Its antioxidants protect brain cells from injury, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

9. Improves Skin Health.

Bitter kola has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that can benefit skin health. It is typically used to treat skin illnesses such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.

Bitter kola promotes wound healing and decreases inflammation, resulting in a speedy recovery from skin injuries.

Eating two bitter kola nuts per day is generally considered safe. However, high doses of 400 mg/kg can be toxic to human organs and may cause liver damage and peptic ulcers.

How to Consume Garcinia Kola?

Like many other nuts, Garcinia kola (bitter kola) can be eaten raw after removing the outer brown peel to reveal the pale inner portion. It is often consumed as a snack or for medicinal purposes. 

For a milder taste, slice or grate it and infuse it into water or herbal tea. Some people use it in traditional medicine, combining it with honey or herbs for its health benefits. 

It is better consumed in moderation, as the bitter taste and caffeine-like qualities may irritate sensitive body systems. If you plan to consume it for specific health reasons, always ask a doctor for professional advice first. 

How Many Bitter Kola Per Day Is Okay?

Eating two bitter kola nuts per day is generally considered safe. However, high doses can be toxic to human organs and may cause liver damage and peptic ulcers.

Is Bitter Kola Good for the Heart?

Cardiovascular disorders are the major cause of death worldwide. Bitter kola has been demonstrated to widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow and lowering hypertension risk. 

Although bitter kola benefits the heart in some way, the results of research in 2008 show that it was not effective in curing cardiovascular diseases. 

Is Bitter Kola Good for Pregnant Women?

For pregnant women, bitter kola is a good choice for a snack. Bitter kola helps relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.  

One bitter kola bean contains as much caffeine as two glasses of coffee. Thus, pregnant women must drink the prescribed dose of one small cup of bitter kola water every day.  For those on medication, they should consult a doctor before drinking bitter kola water.

Is Bitter Kola Good for the Liver and Kidney?

Bitter kola is known for its hepatoprotective ability to cleanse the body, get rid of toxins, and keep organs working at their best.

Bitter kola improves liver function by lowering oxidative stress and protecting it from poisons and toxic substances. Its diuretic effects aid in the elimination of toxins through urine, keeping the kidneys healthy.

Conclusion

Bitter kola is a medicinal plant that offers numerous health benefits. It improves respiratory health by reducing cough and asthma symptoms.

Bitter kola has anti-inflammatory qualities, which help with arthritis and joint pain treatment. It also functions as a natural antioxidant, strengthening the immune system and aiding in the battle against infections. 

Bitter kola has been used in traditional medicine as a purgative, anti-parasitic, and antibacterial agent for throat infections, diarrhoea, and bronchitis, as well as an aphrodisiac.

The seeds have been studied for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, antimicrobial, and hepatic relief properties. Bitter kola benefits are numerous, but it must be consumed in moderation.

Don’t forget to consult a qualified doctor for health concerns around consuming bitter kola, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Garcinia Kola (bitter kola)

1. What are the side effects of eating bitter kola everyday?

It is typically regarded as safe to consume two bitter kola nuts each day. However, taking too much bitter kola might induce negative effects, such as insomnia, nervousness, heart palpitations, addiction, nausea or upset stomach, headaches, and increased heart rates 

2. Does bitter kola contain caffeine?

Yes, bitter kola contains caffeine in addition to alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, theobromine, and xanthine. Certain medications may interact with these compounds. As a result, before taking bitter kola, you should consult with a doctor.

3. Is bitter kola good for diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Bitter kola has shown potential for treating and preventing this condition.

Research shows that bitter kola helps lower blood sugar levels, making it an effective supplement for diabetics. It improves the body’s response to insulin, lowering the likelihood of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

4. Does bitter kola reduce BP?

The research at the University of Toronto in 2013 shows that bitter kola contains a vasoactive component in its alcohol extract that lowers blood pressure.

However, these studies deserve more scientific proof, and bitter kola should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medications or medical advice.

How Telemedicine can Help

Telemedicine allows one to speak or chat with medical professionals online. Its convenience and accessibility make it your best option in today’s world, where scheduling a doctor’s appointment has become increasingly difficult.

Telemedicine makes it easier and faster to consult a doctor from the comfort of your home. In just a few seconds, you can speak or chat with a doctor using your smartphone. 

You can also consult a doctor about your general health concerns, get prescriptions, get a second opinion, or receive health counselling.  

If you have any concerns or questions about Bitter Kola and its benefits to the body, please do not hesitate to talk to our doctors, who are available online 24/7.

References

Jan et al. (2023). Garcinia kola: a critical review on chemistry and pharmacology of an important West African medicinal plant

Alex et al. (2020). Oral consumption of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) lowers intraocular pressure

Chiara et al. (2023). Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances

Effiong et al. (2017). Influence of long-term ingestion of garcinia kola seed diet on sperm count, sperm motility, and fertility in the wistar rat

Nelisiwe et al. (2020). Promising role of medicinal plants in the regulation and management of male erectile dysfunction

Ufuoma et al. (2016).  Incidence and Self-Care of Nausea and Vomiting Among Pregnant Women Attending a Maternal Clinic

Ajoni et al. (2008). Protective Effect of Garcinia Kola (Kolaviron) Extract on Predisposition of Rats to Cardiovascular Diseases Following Separate Administration of Amodiaquine and 

Artesunate

Amenan et al. (2023). Antioxidant activity and efficacy of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) oil on pathogenic and alteration microorganisms of attiéké