Did you know that the Coca-Cola company, the makers of Coca-Cola carbonated soft drinks, got its name from the bitter kola tree? Not only that, some of the first recipes for Coca-Cola were made using the plant extract of bitter kola.
Even though the company hasn’t used natural kola to flavour their sodas in years, the name continues to be a reminder of the plant that inspired the well-known drink.
Bitter kola, scientifically known as Garcinia kola, is an African plant found in the Western and Central regions, which has long been valued for its therapeutic (medicinal) purposes. Though Africans use all parts of the bitter kola plant, only the seeds are usually eaten.
Bitter kola’s seeds have a sharp, bitter flavour that eases into a slight sweetness when you chew it raw. Its benefits are many, which makes it such a significant part of so many people’s diets.
We know you already know what bitter kola is, but you may not know there are incredible benefits of this tremendous fruit. In this post, we’ve explained health benefits of bitter kola. T
1. Fights against infections
Bitter kola has been used over the years to fight infections like common colds, coughs, bacterial infections, viral infections, and hepatitis. Eating bitter kola while ill can help fight against the sickness and make you feel better.
2. Weight reduction
Bitter kola is typically known for being a yearning suppressant and an excellent thirst stimulator. As such, it will help reduce weight since food intake diminishes, and the water consumed will be used to dispose of the overabundance of fat in your body.
3. Safe pregnancy
Bitter kola has been said to be helpful and valuable during pregnancy, as it helps to fight nausea and retching. It also improves the uterus, standardises blood flow, and gives solidarity to the hopeful mother.
4. Wellness of the lung
Bitter kola comprises saponins, which are cell supplementing. It has purging and detoxifying effects that help work on the lungs’ ability to grow the alveolar channels and sacs.
5. Treating malaria
Bitter Kola is believed to have antimalarial properties that fight against the illness. The seed contains kolaviron, an antibacterial compound which can reinforce cells and suppress inflammatory responses.
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