In a nutshell, I would like to explore the amazing health benefits of Bitter Kola, called “Oji” in Igbo language in the course of this expository article.
Bitter kola also known as Garcinia Kola, an African wonder nuts is a species found in Central and Western Africa, especially in the South-Eastern and South-Western parts of Nigeria.
Bitter Kola is widely known for its medicinal benefits, as the seeds and nuts are used to treat varying ailments.
According to research, bitter kola has tremendous uses traditionally, due to its antiparasitic , anti-microbial and purgative in nature. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, typhoid, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and bacterial infections (Atawodi et al., 2005).
Anti-cancerous: Bitter kola can be used in treating breast cancer as it has an anti-cancerous effect. Nature has (Atawodi et al., 2005)a cure for something incurable as well (Atawodi et al., 2005).
Anti-Poison: The bark and the seed when eaten together helps in detoxification of the human body during food poisoning. Saponin found in bitter kola is used as a liver tonic, assisting in the gall bladder functions because of its cleaning properties (Atawodi et al., 2005).
Life Prolongation:
Certain African cultures and scientific studies believe that bitter kola breaks down glycogen in the liver, prolonging life (Emmanuel & Gabriel, 2011).
Repellant for snakes: Bitter kola is used to repel snakes in places where life is prone to snakes (Nair, 2000)
Evil Spirits: Delving into a little bit of spirituality, although those you do not believe in spirits, may not agree, the tribes and ancient peoples believed that the plant has abilities to repel evil men and spirits (Farombi et al., 2005). Such believes are still held up by some, even today.
Bitter kola has enormous health benefits as well as nutritive benefits that could be explored by adding it to both human’s and animals’ diets.
The traditional uses of this plant have been viewed based on its historical beliefs (eg. Repelling evil spirits) and other medicinal uses (eg treating cough, relieving stomach cramps, etc).
Health Benefits
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News writer / September 12, 2021
