BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA

In Nigeria, we are really blessed with fruits and Vegetables. Enormous quantities of fruits and vegetables are produced and staggering figures are sometimes given as estimated annual production. Fruits and vegetables play a very important role in the nutrition and health, especially as they contain substances which regulate or stimulate digestion. Fruits and vegetables also contribute to the income of both the rural and urban dweller.

The industrial potential of many fruits and vegetables available in Nigeria is enormous. Fruits and vegetable production in Nigeria is a serious business because it provides a means of livelihood for some people and also play an important role in the improvement of the health of Nigerians.

One of the many important produces from Nigeria is Bitter Kola. It is a type of nut mostly found in several parts of Nigeria and West-Central Africa as a whole and the tree grows in the (tropical) rain forests. Its biological name is “Garcinia kola” and belongs to the family of “Guittiferal”.

It is known as Orogabo in Yoruba land, Namijin-goro in Hausa land and Akuilu amongst the Igbos. It is an important cultural symbol for many ethnic groups. It is given to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies, and it is used in medicine. Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering.

It is commonly used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have a variety of health benefits. It has been identified as a potent antibiotic which could be effective in the treatment of many diseases. The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the tropical tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicines to treat many forms of ailments. This high measure of cancer prevention agents found in severe kola doesn’t just assist with battling microscopic organisms and different diseases, it likewise assists the body with expanding its insusceptibility levels and when the resistance level of the body is expanded, it becomes sufficiently able to battle against any unfamiliar toxin.

Chewing bitter kola relieves coughs, hoarseness, bronchial and throat troubles. Several studies discovered bitter kola to be a remedy for dysentery, osteoarthritis, antidote against poisoning and considered an aphrodisiac.

Some of the most commonly benefits of bitter kola include:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Bitter kola is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling in the body.
Antioxidant properties: Bitter kola is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.
Boosts the immune system: Bitter kola contains compounds that can help boost the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off illness and disease.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of bitter kola and its potential benefits. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or herb.

I will continue to appreciate herbal medicines with little to no side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs with gazillion known side effects. Nigeria is one country that mother nature has blessed with lots of Organic and herbal products.

We should learn to eat and buy Nigerian to promote good health and grow the Naira. #EMBA