Why you Should Start Eating bitter Kola

The World Health Organization [WHO], stated that the need to study medicinal plants cannot be overemphasized. This is as a result of the many health benefits attributed to plants, the widespread use of plants in traditional medicine, the need to rescue traditional medicinal plants and knowledge about them from eminent loss and extinction.Known as Aki Ilu in Igbo, NamijinGoro in Hausa and Orogbo in Yoruba, Bitter Kola [Garcinia Kola] seeds are chewed to treat bronchitis, throat infections and an infusion of the root with little salt is a remedy for Asthma according to Dr. Gordian Obute of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt. The fruit, seed, nut and bark of Bitter Kola have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat many forms of ailment, he added.

Studies have shown that the chemical constituents in Bitter Kola have anti-malaria properties. This is because of its quinones and kolaviron contents which are found to have anti-malaria effects. The bark, the stem and the seed of Bitter Kola all contain anti-malaria properties.

Further researches have also validated the century long practice of using Bitter Kola to treat chest colds. A study published in the Journal of Pulmonary Medicine shows that Bitter Kola improves lungs and respiratory functions by enlarging the alveolar ducts [a small air bag in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood] and improving the strength of the fibers in the lung tissue. This is attributed to Bitter Kola’s high antioxidant content.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institute of Health. The causes of osteoarthritis include joint injury, obesity and aging. Researchers have discovered that Bitter Kola has clinically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on patients with osteoarthritis.

More so, Bitter Kola nut can be chewed for the treatment of symptoms of cold like cough and catarrh. It is also believed to cure male impotency and the building of strong immunity against infectious diseases.

Bitter Kola also serves as a snake and insect repellant. Researchers believe that the nut helps to expel dangerous snakes and destructive ants from your home. It can also be taken to detoxify the body system when food poisoning is suspected.

Forget the taste...eat to health and stay wealthy. *winks*