MONKEY KOLA FRUIT
If you have never eaten this crunchy fruit, then trust me, you are missing a lot! The scientific name of monkey kola is Cola lepidota K. Schum! Hmmm… what a long name right? No wonder the many benefits which we would see in the later parts of this article.
The monkey Kola is widely cultivated in many parts of Nigeria. Although the common name of the fruit is monkey kola, it is known as Ochiricha or Achicha in Igbo, Obi Edun in Yoruba, Goron birri in Hausa, and Ndiyah in Ibibio or Efik. There are three main species of monkey kola: yellow, white, and red monkey kola. The yellow monkey kola is the most popularly known among the three categories. The yellow Monkey kola type has more nutritional and therapeutic benefits than the red and white monkey kola varieties.
Apart from the fact that fruit sellers are making gold mines from Monkey Kola, it comes with numerous health benefits:
1. Good for the heart
One of the most abundant nutrients in monkey kola is potassium. Potassium plays a vital role in the heart. In fact, it is crucial for every heartbeat. It helps keep your heart beating at the right pace by helping to control the electrical signals of the myocardium, the middle layer of your heart muscle. Furthermore, adequate potassium intake may help prevent the hardening of the arteries, which might lead to serious heart-related conditions.
2.Helps To Improve Skin Health
The beta-carotene component of this yellow monkey cola aids good skin by giving it an attractive shine.
This beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid and a powerful antioxidant that contributes to skin enrichment by repairing and preserving damaged skin cells.
It protects the skin from the effects of ageing, such as wrinkles, by acting as an antioxidant.
3. Ensures healthy Bones
This fantastic fruit contains potassium and calcium, strengthening bones and reducing the risk of fractures. Foods rich in potassium may neutralize acid load and reduce calcium loss from the bone, which has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density. Thus, eating monkey kola can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
4. Assist Weight Management
Monkey kola is a native fruit that is highly suggested for weight reduction and weight control, which includes vital nutrition.
The fiber level plays a key function in managing the weight of the body by balancing the calorie intake with the lost amount.
It has a favorable weight-loss diet because to the minimal calorie impact. Nutrition experts have shown that high fiber and low calorie fruit and vegetables are excellent for weight loss.
5. Moderate cholesterol in the body
This fruit helps decrease the amount of bad cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein, and improves the high-density lipoprotein known as the good cholesterol because of the presence of niacin (vitamins B3).
6. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Maintained
Like other fruits, in other words, cola parchycarpa, yellow monkey kola includes soluble fibers that promote the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
The soluble fiber of this fruit protects the vital organs connecting the mouth, gut (large and small) and esophagus with the anus. This means that the impact begins from the intake to egestion.
7.Improves Eye Health
The body needs sufficient Vitamin A to help enhance the eyes’ health. The body converts the beta-carotene present in monkey kola to Vitamin A. The eye then uses this essential nutrient for proper functioning. Vitamin A and beta-carotene support eye health by keeping the surface of the eye (the cornea) moist and healthy. It also helps you see better in low-light conditions.
8.Fortifies The Immune System
To help strengthen your immune system, you need to take in foods that can strengthen your immunity. The flavonoids and vitamin C present in monkey kola can help to boost your immune system and prevent diseases.
Does monkey kola have any side effects?
No, however, excessive intake of it could result in a deficiency of the body’s micronutrients. It should always be consumed in moderation
In conclusion, with all these mouth watering benefits, you should go plant Monkey Kola in your garden so you won’t go far looking for it.
REFERENCES
Radio Nigeria Ibadan
Health Guide Nigeria