Did you realize that Coca-Cola was named after the common African tree?
The original Coca-Cola recipes were created using the extract from the bitter Kola plant. While the company hasn’t employed the actual kola plant to flavor their sodas over the years but the name is an ode to the unique plant that was the inspiration for the famous drink.
Bitter Kola, also referred to as Garcinia Kola is a plant located throughout Central as well as Western Africa that has long been recognized for its healing properties. While traditional African medicine makes use of all the components that comprise the Bitter Kola plant but the seeds are consumed in the form of a meal.
Bitter kola seeds possess a sharpbitter taste which gradually turns to a mild sweetness when chewed and are usually consumed in raw form.
Health Benefits
Although bitter kola was consumed in Africa for a long time, researchers are just beginning to investigate the Health Benefits of Bitter Kola.
Based on these initial research, bitter kola might aid with conditions of health, including:
Infections
Bitter kola is a remedy that has been used throughout the years to combat illnesses ranging from common cold to Hepatitis. A study in 2018 revealed that bitter kola may aid in the fight against coughs, bacterial infections as well as viral diseases. In the event of an infection begins can aid in fighting the infection, and help you feel better quicker.
Inflammation
Bitter kola seeds are widely eaten in Africa to combat chronic inflammation such as arthritis. A study from 2008 showed that people suffering from osteoarthritis in their knees displayed significant reductions in inflammation after eating bitter kola as compared to an placebo. The high concentrations of potassium found in bitter kola might be a factor in the reduction of inflammation.
Diabetes
Early studies suggest that a chemical called kolaviron, which is found in bitter kola, may protect against hypoglycemia in those suffering from the type 2 form of diabetes. While this initial study was conducted on rats , and hasn’t yet been replicated on humans The early findings are hopeful.
Nutrients in a Serving
The FDA finds bitter kola to be generally safe to eat however, it is classified similarly to essential oils. There’s no information on portions or nutrition information. A study from 2013 discovered that bitter kola is rich on the nutrients listed below:
Carbohydrates
Fat
Protein
The study discovered that bitter kola contained the highest levels:
Vitamin C
Calcium
Potassium
Iron
Caffeine
How to Make Bitter Kola
Bitter kola can be consumed by itself, raw like other nuts. Be aware that it’s known as “bitter” to be the reason. Bitter kola may be an acquired flavor.
It is possible to find drinks flavored or made with bitter kola in African markets and on the internet. If you’re not a fan of the taste , but are looking to add bitter kola into the diet of your family, then these beverages might be an ideal choice.
