Bitter kola and honey is one mixture that seems a bit ironic. Bitter kola, as you would have deduced from the name, has a very bitter taste. Honey, as you know it, is a very sweet substance. So, mixing the two is something that seems very unusual yet rewarding. Bitter kola and honey are two things with a lot of health benefits. Native to parts of Africa, bitter kola has been used to treat things from cough to dysentery to diabetes. Honey offers a lot to the body more than just its sweet taste and it has been a great ingredient for local medicine.
So, going by what the two have to offer individually, you can already tell that they offer a lot of health benefits when taken together. We would be looking at some of these benefits in this article. Below are some effective health benefits of bitter kola and honey.
1. Cough Remedy
Taking bitter kola and honey serves as a quick remedy for cough. While bitter kola can cure cough effectively by itself, mixing it with honey would make it work faster. Another good thing about taking bitter kola with honey is that it helps to neutralise the bitter taste of the kola, making it more bearable. This is a great option for those who would not ordinarily chew bitter kola.
2. Sore Throat Remedy
For many years now, mixing bitter kola and honey has been a sure cure for sore throat. This is because bitter kola and honey both contain anti-inflammatory properties that would help to soothe the inflammation in the throat and stimulating mucus to get rid of the dryness.
3. Weight Loss
One benefit of bitter kola and honey that many people often skip is that it aids weight loss. This is done by slowing down the digestion process and the rate at which the body burns the food. This makes it a great option for those who are trying to lose weight.
4. Anti-Inflammation
Another astounding benefit of bitter kola and honey is that they help manage inflammation. Bitter kola contains potassium, which is great for dealing with inflammation while honey has a lot of other anti-inflammation properties as well. The mixture would help to reduce the inflammation as well as soothe the pain associated with the inflammation. This makes it great for conditions like arthritis and other ailments that are caused by inflammation. Some other studies have claimed that bitter kola an honey exhibit antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
5. Rich In Antioxidants
Bitter kola and honey are two things that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals that contaminate cells. Some of these contaminated cells become cancer cells which could lead to worse problems. These antioxidants kill these free radicals and stimulate the growth of fresh cells. Honey is packed with very powerful antioxidants that can destroy cancerous cells.
6. Healthy Skin
A mixture of bitter kola and honey would give you healthy skin. Like we noted above, bitter kola and honey reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often the cause of acne, eczema, and other skin problems. It also slows down the aging process by helping you avoid wrinkles and other physical signs of ageing.
7. May Protect against Diabetes
Another possible health benefits of bitter kola and honey is that it may Protect against diabetes. A few medical studies suggest that a chemical called kolaviron, found in bitter kola, may protect against hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Although this research was done on rats and has not yet been reproduced on humans, however, the results are promising.
Bottom Line:
Individually, bitter kola and honey each have their own separate medicinal properties. They have been taken as a combo for treating ailments. The health benefits of bitter kola and honey are manifold. Unlike most herbal medicines that affect the kidney, taking bitter kola and honey do not. One 2014 study found out that intake of a mixture of bitter kola and honey does not affect the kidneys. However, you should consult a physician before you start taking bitter kola and honey for it’s health benefits.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
