Disadvantages and Side Effects of bitter kola in the body…
Before I talk about the side effects of bitter kola nut it is important for www.nimedhealth.com.ng to look also into its health benefits.
Please not that butter kola does not cure CORONAVIRUS OR Ebola!
But, it has some other cool health benefits which might interest you. However, the main purpose of this article is to educate us on the disadvantages and side effects of bitter kola.
Keep reading…
I guess that every Nigerian or West African must have seen or, knows what the bitter kola is or, have seen it before even if they have never tasted it.
The botanical name is “Garcinia Kola” and down here it’s known as “bitter kola” maybe because of the bitter taste it has in the mouth when eaten.
It is called “Orogbo” in Yoruba. The lgbo call it “Aki ilu”. I think it’s called “Mijin gworo” in Hausa language.
What is it called in your language? Kindly share with us in the comment section, let’s learn.
I seldom take it though but, when I do, what I like most is the feeling one gets when one drinks water after tasting it.
BENEFITS OF BITTER KOLA
#1**ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
PHYTOCHEMICAL AGENT.
The bitter kola contains a substance called Kolaviron which is a potent antioxidant and also anti-inflammatory.
Scientists also believe through research that Kolaviron may be developed as a herbal based natural product with therapeutic potential in the management of neurogenerative disorders associated with cholinergic neurotransmitter systems.
# 2 **ARTHRITIS
Researchers at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife in Nigeria the effects of kola nuts on arthritis.
They found out that it reduced the inflammation and pain significantly in patients of osteoarthritis and this was due to its antioxidant effect, according to the researchers.
# 3** HELPS LUNG FUNCTION
A study done by the Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine found out that kola nut improved respiratory function after 28 days of using the extract. It dilates the alveolar sacs of the lungs by strengthen the lung tissue fibres. Bitter kola nut is also a sputum expeller during cough. This is also believed to be because of its antioxidant contents.
# 4** REDUCES PRESSURE IN THE EYES
Research found out that an ophthalmic solution
containing Garcinia reduced eye pressure significantly.
We are aware that an increase in eye pressure when uncontrolled can lead to glaucoma, according tO a report by the New York Times Health Guide. Glaucoma can lead to blindness.
SOME DISADVANTAGES AND SIDE EFFECTS OF BITTER KOLA
In the course of these studies, some side effects were reported and they include the following. Please note that these may or may not happen to you, depending on your body response and also the quantity of kola consumed.
If you experience any of these, especially allergies in any firm, simply stop eating and seek medical help.
The side effects are:
**Diarrhea
**Hives/Allergies
**Increase in sex drive
**Weight loss…this is a benefit to some people
**oversleeping
**bitter kola is not safe in pregnancy… It can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage in pregnant women
*Some people have also reported irregular heartbeats.
So, these are the few benefits of the bitter kola you usually see some men and women hawking in trays on their head and wrapped in transparent cellophane bags.
You can give it a try, if you can tolerate the taste
This article is the intellectual property of Obeta Max with contributions from www.nimedhealth.com.ng.
