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7 Incredible Health Benefits Of Bitter Kola

The Early Blends Of Coca-Cola Contained The Plant, Explaining The Similar Name, While The Current Formula Of The World Famous Drin

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The early blends of Coca-Cola contained the plant, explaining the similar name, while the current formula of the world famous drink is no longer flavoured with actual bitter kola.

Bitter kola has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries, and is considered to have many beneficial properties, including being able to help fight bacterial and viral infections.

In terms of taste, the plant is well named! The edible seeds have a notably bitter taste, while there is also a slight sweetness to them. When consumed, bitter kola offers many nutrients, and studies have shown that the plant is high in carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamin c, calcium, potassium, iron and caffeine.

1. The aphrodisiac credentials

Traditional medicine considers bitter kola to be an aphrodisiac, so it’s believed to increase sexual desire, pleasure and performance. With these qualities in mind, why not try some bitter kola to help turbo-charge your sex life!

2. The nuts may be a remedy for osteoarthritis

With symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to debilitating, osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It’s characterised by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints. The causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity, aging as well as hereditary factors.

Researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested bitter kola on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and concluded that bitter kola may significantly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the condition. The plant also increased joint movement in patients.

3. Bitter kola has antibacterial qualities

A study published in the Science Journal of Microbiology has shown that both the bitter kola seeds and leafs have antibacterial properties. Bitter kola was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Pyogenes, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, and the plant was able to inhibit these microorganisms. The antibacterial activity was found to be due to the presence of bioactive components in the extract such as tannin, and saponins.

4. The nuts may improve the function of the lungs

Results from research conducted in conjunction with several Nigerian universities showed that bitter kola has a positive effect on the lungs and can improve ventilation levels. Extracts of the plant have also been studied in relation to asthma, and there is the suggestion that bitter kola may have some protective effects against the respiratory disorder.

5. Bitter kola nut may improve the immune system

Bitter kola has a high concentration of antioxidants, which is a term for any compound that counteracts free radicals. While environmental stressors such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays and air pollution cause free radical production, they are also produced by many normal processes in the body including exercise and our immune response. Free radicals damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. So, as well as being essential assistance for important functions in the body, antioxidants also support the immune system. With a strong immune system we are better able to fight disease and stay healthy.

6. It may be an antimalarial agent

Bitter kola contains the antioxidant kolaviron, which according to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, shows positive results for antimalarial properties. Traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections, and now, scientific studies are starting to support their beliefs.

7. Bitter kola may help to fight glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of sight, and can result in permanent blindness if left untreated. A study in the Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology, showed that bitter kola is useful for reducing the pressure in the eye for newly diagnosed patients, and was as effective as more conventional treatments. It is important to note that you must follow professional medical advice and treatment if you have glaucoma, even if the condition is newly diagnosed

How Children Can Gain Weight Healthily

With All Of The Talk About A Child Obesity Epidemic, Many Parents Are Likely Surprised That Some Have To Look For Tips On Gaining

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With all of the talk about a child obesity epidemic, many parents are likely surprised that some have to look for tips on gaining weight.

Gaining weight should be easy, right? Just do all of the things that experts advise that you don't do when you are concerned about being overweight. Of course, that doesn't really work.

For one thing, kids who have problems gaining weight usually don't have a very good appetite, so they don't eat much. And simply trying to overeat or to eat whatever you want to gain weight isn't necessarily going to be healthy.

Gaining Weight Healthily

Although many parents think that their kids don't eat as well as they would like, unless they are actually not gaining weight well, it may not really be an issue. If your child is thin and eats too much junk food, encourage healthier eating and get him to take a multivitamin if you really think he is missing out on important nutrients.

Gaining weight can especially be a problem for some kids taking stimulants, such as Adderall XR, Concerta, or Vyvanse, to treat ADHD, even after adjusting the dosage or changing medications.

Whatever the reason, some general tips for healthy weight gain can include:Not skipping meals.Considering eating four or five small meals a day, instead of trying to eat three bigger meals, since your child likely won't eat all of them anyway.Encouraging one or two regular healthy snacks each day.Avoiding low-nutrient, energy-dense foods, such as junk foods with empty calories, including candy, chips, and soft drinks.Eating high-nutrient, energy-dense foods, which are high in calories, but also have vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as whole milk, yogurt made with whole milk, peanut butter, etc.Avoiding low-energy or non-energy-containing drinks, such as diet soda and fruit drinks.Limiting drinks at mealtimes, so that your child doesn't fill up and may want to eat more food.Consulting a registered dietician for extra help, especially if your child has malabsorption or a chronic illness causing him to be underweight.

Most importantly, encourage your child to eat when he is most hungry, and to at least eat something, instead of totally skipping a meal, if he isn't hungry at a certain time of day.

For example, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of powdered milk to 8 ounces of whole milk (150 calories) can add an extra 30 to 60 calories to your child's glass of milk. Or you could add a packet of meal replacement powder to a glass of whole milk and add an extra 130 calories to that glass of milk for a total of 280 calories.

Tips

You can also substitute powdered milk for water in some recipes, like when making pudding or oatmeal.

Or you could add a serving of cheese to some of your child's favorite foods to boost them by about an extra 60 calories.

Even a banana can get a boost of calories by adding a tablespoon of peanut butter, to get your child an extra 100 calories for this snack.

A Word From Verywell

Keep in mind that many of these tips for gaining weight aren't usually necessary for toddlers who only eat one meal a day. This can be developmentally normal at this age, as many toddlers and some preschoolers may only eat one good meal a day and they will only pick at the other meals.

This kind of toddler diet is usually normal as long as your child doesn't overdo it on milk and juice and he is gaining weight well

Helpful Foods

In general, while you want your child who needs help to gain weight to eating high-calorie foods, these should be high-nutrient or nutrient-dense, energy-dense healthy foods and not simply junk food. So you want foods with a good amount of protein and fat and other nutrients in a small package, such as:

Whole milk or 2% milk

Cheese or yogurt made with whole milk or 2% milk

Fried eggs

Peanut butter

Cereal with whole milk

Orange juice

Trail mix with dried fruit, seeds, and nuts

You might also make a list of the foods that your child actually likes to eat and then try to find more nutrient-dense and energy-dense versions of those foods. This should include fruits and vegetables and a variety of foods from all of the food groups.

Supplements

Although nutrition experts usually don't recommend giving kids supplements to help them gain weight, it can often help to supplement the food they are eating and drinking with extra calories, such as by adding the following nutrient-dense foods to certain other foods:

Powdered milk

Margarine

Cheese

Wheat germ

Peanut butter

Instant breakfast mix

Honey

Avocados

Sour cream

Mayonnaise

Salad dressing

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