10 Amazing Health Benefits of Bitter Kola

Did you know that Coca-Cola got its name from a common African tree?

Some of the first recipes for Coca-Cola were made using the extract of the bitter kola plant. Though the company hasn’t used actual kola to flavor their sodas in years, the name remains a reminder of the unusual plant that inspired the iconic drink.

Bitter kola, also known as bitter cola or Garcinia Kola, is a plant found in Central and Western Africa that has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Although traditional African medicine uses all parts of the Bitter Kola plant, the seeds are mostly commonly eaten.

Bitter kola seeds have a sharp, bitter flavor that eases into a slight sweetness as you chew, and they’re typically eaten raw.

In terms of taste, the plant is well named! The edible seeds have a notably bitter taste, while there is also a slight sweetness to them. When consumed, bitter kola offers many nutrients, and studies have shown that the plant is high in carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamin c, calcium, potassium, iron and caffeine.

Bitter kola has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries, and is considered to have many beneficial properties, including being able to help fight bacterial and viral infections.

Health Benefits of Bitter Kola 

Although bitter kola has been eaten in Africa for years, scientists are just beginning to study the health benefits of this flowering plant.

According to these early studies, bitter kola may be able to help with health problems including:

1.  Inflammation

Bitter kola seeds have commonly been chewed on in Africa to fight against inflammatory conditions like arthritis. One 2008 study showed that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees showed significantly reduced inflammation when eating bitter kola compared to a placebo. The high levels of potassium in bitter kola may be a contributing factor in reducing inflammation.

2.  Diabetes

Early studies suggest that a chemical called kolaviron, which is found in bitter kola, may protect against hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Although this first study was done on rats and has not yet been reproduced on humans, these early findings are promising.

3.  Infections

Bitter kola has been used over the years to fight infections from the common cold to hepatitis. A 2018 study showed that bitter kola can help combat coughs, bacterial infections, and viral infections. Eating bitter kola when an infection starts may help fight the infection and make you feel better more quickly.

4.  Immune System 

Bitter kola has a high concentration of antioxidants, which is a term for any compound that counteracts free radicals. While environmental stressors such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays and air pollution cause free radical production, they are also produced by many normal processes in the body including exercise and our immune response. Free radicals damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. So, as well as being essential assistance for important functions in the body, antioxidants also support the immune system. With a strong immune system we are better able to fight disease and stay healthy.

5.  Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight, and can result in permanent blindness if left untreated. A study in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, showed that bitter kola is useful for reducing the pressure in the eye for newly diagnosed patients, and was as effective as more conventional treatments. It is important to note that you must follow professional medical advice and treatment if you have glaucoma, even if the condition is newly diagnosed.

6.  Antimalarial Agent

Bitter kola contains the antioxidant kolaviron, which according to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, shows positive results for antimalarial properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections, and now, scientific studies are starting to support their beliefs.

7. Antibacterial Qualities 

A study published in the Science Journal of Microbiology has shown that both the bitter kola seeds and leafs have antibacterial properties. Bitter kola was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, and the plant was able to inhibit these microorganisms. The antibacterial activity was found to be due to the presence of bioactive components in the extract such as tannin, and saponins.

8.  Osteoarthritis

With symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating, osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It’s characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints. The causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity, aging as well as hereditary factors.

Researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested bitter kola on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and concluded that bitter kola may significantly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the condition. The plant also increased joint movement in patients.

9.  Aphrodisiac Credentials

Traditional medicine considers bitter kola to be an aphrodisiac, so it’s believed to increase sexual desire, pleasure and performance. With these qualities in mind, why not try some bitter kola to help turbo-charge your sex life!

10.  Improve the Function of the Lungs 

Results from research conducted in conjunction with several Nigerian universities showed that bitter kola has a positive effect on the lungs and can improve ventilation levels. Extracts of the plant have also been studied in relation to asthma, and there is the suggestion that bitter kola may have some protective effects against the respiratory disorder.

Side Effects of Bitter Kola

It is important to take any supplement or traditional medicinal product in moderation. Bitter kola has a number of known side effects.

1.  It can increase blood pressure

If you're suffering from hypertension, avoid bitter kola, because as reported by Medical News Today, the nut contains a stimulant with properties that increase the blood pressure.

2.  Bitter kola can cause insomnia

Due to the presence of caffeine in kola nut, you may find it difficult to sleep after consumption. Caffeine increases alertness, which may make falling asleep more difficult for some people.

3.  It can cause tremors (involuntary movements)

Medical News Today also reports that bitter kola nut can have a negative impact on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, which can lead to shakiness, anxiousness, and quivering.

Preparation and Cautions

Now that you are aware of the many potential health benefits of bitter kola, you’ll want to know how best to prepare it. In traditional medicine, all parts of the bitter kola plant may be consumed, but it is more common for the nuts to be eaten on their own and raw.

Bitter kola can be eaten on its own, uncooked, like many other nuts. Keep in mind, however, that it’s called “bitter” for a reason. Bitter kola can be an acquired taste.

You can sometimes find drinks made or flavored with bitter kola at African markets and online stores. If you don't like the taste but want to introduce bitter kola to your diet, these drinks may be a good option.

While the many health benefits of bitter kola may have you heading straight to the store to buy a supply, please always be careful when taking any dietary supplements. Always consult your doctor, and remember to continue to follow their advice on how to treat any condition you may have. Bitter kola does have properties that can support the treatment of many illnesses and the prevention of others, while no dietary supplement is a substitute for professional medical advice.