Bitter kola, also known as bitter cola or Garcinia Kola, is a plant found in Central and Western Africa. It has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Although traditional African medicine uses all parts of the Bitter Kola plant, the seeds are most commonly eaten.
Some of the first recipes for Coca-Cola were made using the extract of the bitter kola plant. Though the company hasn’t used actual kola to flavour their sodas in years, the name remains a reminder of the unusual plant that inspired the iconic drink.
Bitter kola seeds have a sharp, bitter flavour that eases into a slight sweetness as you chew, and they’re typically eaten raw.
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:
Infections
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.
Nutrients per Serving
The FDA considers bitter kola generally safe to eat, but classifies it similarly to essential oils. That means there’s not much information available about serving sizes or nutritional data. However, a 2013 study found that bitter kola was high in the following nutrients:
Carbohydrates
Fat
Protein
The study same study also found that bitter kola had high levels of:
Vitamin C
Calcium
Potassium
Iron
Caffeine
There are several health conditions that might be improved by the consumption of kola nuts.
Prostate cancer: Although extensive studies have not been conducted, early research indicates that certain compounds found in the kola nut may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. The research is still being debated, but it is thought that the phytoestrogens in kola nuts may kill cancer cells and stop tumours from growing.
Slow metabolism: People with a slow metabolism could benefit from using products that contain kola nuts. Conditions that may affect a person’s metabolism include low testosterone, Graves’ disease, and Cushing syndrome.
Migraines: The kola nut may be helpful for people who have migraine headaches. Migraines often affect the blood vessels in the head and caffeine has been used for headache pain. The theobromine and caffeine contained in the kola nut may dilate or widen blood vessels in the brain, which might decrease migraine pain.
Asthma: Although it may not be recommended as a treatment for respiratory conditions, kola nuts might be useful for people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. The caffeine in kola nuts may act as a bronchodilator, which means it opens the airways to make breathing easier.
Uses
In certain African countries, the kola nut is chewed during ceremonies and rituals. It is also used to sweeten breath. Another application of the kola nut in the western world is as a flavouring agent for sodas.
The kola nut is also used as an additive in energy drinks and performance enhancers. In some cases, it is used in the form of an extract or powder.
The nut is boiled to extract the kola or it can be ground into a powder. In certain parts of the world, the nut is used as a type of alternative medicine.
Risks
Kola nuts and products containing kola nuts may not suit everyone. Anyone who is allergic to nuts should also avoid kola nuts. An allergic reaction to kola nuts may include symptoms, such as:
hives
upset stomach
breathing difficulties
People with certain medical conditions might also be advised not to use products that contain kola nuts. For instance, kola nuts may not be good for people with high blood pressure or certain cardiac conditions due to their stimulant effect.
Anyone who has difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep may want to avoid the kola nut, as well. The high level of caffeine found in the nut and supplements with it in, may stimulate the central nervous system and make sleeping difficult, especially for people who are sensitive to caffeine.
Side effects
The risk of side effects may vary and increase, depending on how much of the nut is eaten. Possible side effects of the kola nut include:
- Increased blood pressure: Because the active ingredients in the kola nut are stimulants to the body, the nut can raise blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication should check with their doctor before using any product containing kola nuts.
- Problems sleeping: Using products containing kola nuts can lead to insomnia or problems falling or staying asleep. Those with sleep disorders may be advised to avoid stimulants that contain caffeine, including kola nuts.
- Shakiness: Since kola nuts can affect the central nervous system, they can lead to shakiness, tremors, and anxiousness. People with anxiety may be especially prone to shakiness from kola nuts.
- Nausea: Overeating kola nuts may lead to an upset stomach. Some people may also experience stomach pains because of the increased production of stomach acids, which kola nuts might cause.
Takeaway
Kola nuts may be a helpful natural remedy for some common conditions. However, as they contain substances that act as stimulants on the body, kola nuts may not be appropriate for everyone.
If products containing kola nuts are intended to treat medical conditions, a person should talk to their doctor before consuming them. Kola nuts may interact with certain medications and, therefore, may not be recommended.
People should keep in mind that it is always best to speak to a doctor before taking any supplements, including those containing kola nut.
