Is bitter kola good during pregnancy? Bitter kola, also known as garcinia kola, has provided numerous health benefits for centuries. It is very effective in treating many illnesses such as glaucoma, cough and diarrhoea, boosts human metabolism and is believed to increase longevity and so on.
Despite these advantages, abusing bitter kola can have serious side effects. For this reason, some individuals have been advised to avoid bitter kola at certain points in their lives. Pregnant women are an illustration. What side effects does bitter kola have while pregnant? …. ……….. Is bitter kola beneficial to unborn children? This post will discuss these issues and the advantages of bitter kola for health.
Effect of Bitter Kola on Pregnancy
Bitter kola contains caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant that wakes you up and keeps you awake. . ,,,,, (bitter kola). Most people use this stimulant at night or during the day when they should be sleeping to stay alert and awake.
However, while doing so will keep you awake and alert during that time, the consequences for doing so will be extremely detrimental. At the same time, others think that pregnant women can benefit from bitter kola. According to studies and other sources, one bitter kola can contain up to 200 mg of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of coffee.
Eating Bitter Kola During Pregnancy
This high level of caffeine in bitter kola can increase the adrenaline, blood pressure and heart rate of the pregnant woman and affect the woman’s sleeping pattern, which is not a good condition for a pregnant woman. A pregnant woman should get enough sleep and normal blood circulation and heart rate until she delivers.
Other effects of bitter kola on pregnancy are the caffeine in bitter kola also affects the baby’s sleeping pattern, weight, metabolism, movement and subsequent serious health problem for the baby and can even lead to miscarriage of the unborn baby.
So pregnant women are advised to stay away from bitter kola. Especially during the early stage of her pregnancy, as the baby is still maturing and can’t adapt to the rate of caffeine in bitter kola, which can pose a negative effect on the baby and the mother.
Health Benefits of Bitter Kola
Despite the effect of bitter kola on pregnancy. It still provides lots of amazing health benefits to men and women. Below are the health benefits of bitter kola.
1. Bitter Kola And Weight Gain
Do you know that regular water intake gives you proper digestion and reduces your belly fat? How can you drink more water? By eating bitter kola.
Have you noticed that you always feel thirsty anytime you eat bitter kola? This is because bitter kola increases your urge to drink more water, and drinking more water helps to digest your food easily and helps you lose weight and belly fat.
2. Bitter Kola And Longevity
Africans have used and consumed bitter kola for centuries due to its medicinal properties and the powers they believe it possesses. Africans, especially elderly ones, believe that the consumption of bitter kola prolongs life. You’ll never see them lack bitter kola in their homes.
Research has also proved that bitter kola chemical compounds help break down glycogen in the liver, an essential process in the body system.
3. Bitter Kola And Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eyeball and can lead to blindness if not taken care of. Regular consumption of bitter kola helps to reduce the pressure in the eye, according to a Lagos university teaching hospital journal.
4. Bitter Kola And Immune System
Your immune system will be prone to diseases and attacks if weak. The antioxidants in bitterness help to boost your immune system, making it strong and helping you to fight bacteria and protect you from disease and attack.
5. Bitter Kola And Stamina
Weak stamina makes you tired easily after doing very little work and leaves you unproductive at the end of the day. Eating one bitter kola in the morning will help boost your energy to go through vigorous daily activities.
6. Bitter Kola And Constipation
Constipation makes you feel very uncomfortable. Eat one bitter kola. This will help relieve your system by removing gas from your system. Also, eating one bitter kola will help facilitate your digestion, which boosts your metabolism.
7. Bitter Kola And Food Poisoning
Any time you eat something contaminated or you suspect food poisoning. Chew bitter kola seed and the bark. This will help detoxify the body system and get rid of the poison.
8. Bitter Kola And Cough
Chemicals in bitter kola are very effective in cleansing the excess mucus in your throat. Anytime you’re choked with cough or experience chronic cough. Always chew bitter kola. It will help relieve the cough in less time
9. Bitter Kola And Lung Function
Ever wondered why smokers move around with bitter kola? It has been effective in the treatment of cold for centuries and helps to strengthen lung tissues and fibres due to its high antioxidant content.
10. Bitter Kola And Malaria
Due to their anti-malaria properties, chemical constituents present in bitter kola help fight malaria parasites. That is why traditional healers have prescribed malaria treatment over the years.
These are the health benefits of bitter kola, be careful not to abuse it to avoid the negative side effects of bitter kola. When consuming, remember to consume it in moderation. Pregnant women should as well avoid it in order not to suffer from the effect of bitter kola on pregnancy.