IMPORTANCE OF BITTER KOLA TO HUMANS

Bitter kola, also known as garcinia kola is a tropical flowering plant found in western and
Central Africa and it produces brown, nut- like seeds.
When eaten, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. The name is derived from its bitterness.
It has been used for both traditional and medicinal purposes in African culture. It contains dimeric flavonoid, lipase inhibitor which is believed to have many healing benefits. The elderly people were eating bitter kola because they believed it could prolong life.

  Bitter kola contains chemical compounds that will help the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
   Bitter kola is anti-poison. It helps to detoxify the system where food poisoning is suspected.

                  HEALTH BENEFITS

   IT IS USED TO CURE MALARIA;  The chemical constituent in bitter kola have anti-malaria properties. It also contain quinones and kolaviron which can inhibit malarial activity.

    IT IMPROVES LUNG FUNCTIONS; It has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine because of the high content of antioxidant.

     REDUCES EYE PRESSURE: An increase in eye pressure leads to glaucoma.

     IT HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS: Bitter kola is a natural hunger suppressant and also increases the urge to drink more water.

    FOR TREATMENT OF HIV: It is a potent antibiotic which could be efficacious in the treatment of HIV and AIDS because of its antibacterial,detoxification and cleansing properties. The saponin in bitter kola is responsible for its cleansing effect. Saponin is mainly used as tonic for the liver. It enhances the functions of the liver and gall bladder.

    IT IMPROVES MALE FERTILITY: It cures impotence. Frequent taking of bitter kola boosts a man's performance in bed with a woman.

     IT IS A REMEDY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS: Osteoarthritis is the most common form  of arthritis, characterised by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints. Osteoarthritis can be caused by joint injury, obesity and aging.

Bitter kola can reduce inflammation and pain and increase joint movement.

    Another importance of bitter kola is that it repels snakes.
    It could also be used to prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)