APPLE AND IT BENEFITS

APPLE, Malus domestica, is a deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae which is grown for its fruits, known as apples. Apple fruits are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world, are round (pome) in shape and range in color from green to red. When planted from a seed, an apple tree can take six to ten years to mature and produce fruit of its own. Apple trees are small to medium sized trees reaching heights of 5–10 m (16.4–32.8 ft), with a central trunk which divides into several branches. The leaves of the tree are oval in shape and can reach up to 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and 7 cm (2.8 in) in width. Apple may also be referred to as mela or appel and the domestic tree is believed to have originated from Western Asia and the Mediterranean from several wild ancestors.

APPLE PRODUCTION:

Apples come in all shades of red, green and yellow.

There are 7,500 varieties, or cultivars, of apples grown throughout the world.

There are 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States.

Apples are grown in all 50 states.

The world's top apple producers are China, the United States, Turkey, Poland and Italy.

In 2006-2007, commercial world production of apples was at 44,119,244 metric tons.

In 2006-2007, China led the world in commercial apple production with 24,480,000 metric tons, followed by the United States with 4,460,544 metric tons.

Total apple production in the United States in 2005 was 234.9 million cartons, valued at $1.9 billion.

In 2006, 58 percent of the apples produced in the United States were grown in Washington state, 11 percent in New York, 8 percent in Michigan, 5 percent in Pennsylvania, 4 percent in California and 2 percent in Virginia.

In 2005, 35.7 million bushels of fresh market apples were exported from the United States. That was 24 percent of the total U.S. fresh-market crop that year.

The Red Delicious variety is the most widely grown apple in the United States, with 62 million bushels harvested in 2005.

Commercial grade wax is applied to many apples after they are harvested and cleaned. These waxes are made from natural ingredients.

APPLE HEALTH BENEFITS :-

Apples are loaded with vitamin C. Almost half of an apple's vitamin C content is just under the skin, so it's a good idea to eat apples with their skins. Flores said that this is also where apples' fiber is found. Apples contain insoluble fiber, which provides bulk in the intestinal tract. The bulk holds water that cleanses and moves food quickly through the digestive system.

According to Flores, "Regular intake of apples has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits. [This is due to] two properties of apples: the fiber that they contain and the polyphenols that are found in high amounts." 

In addition to digestion-aiding insoluble fiber, apples have soluble fiber, such as pectin. This nutrient helps prevent cholesterol from building up in the lining of blood vessels, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis and heart disease. In a 2011 study, women who ate 75 grams of dried apples every day for six months had a 23 percent decrease in bad LDL cholesterol, said study researcher Bahram H. Arjmandi, professor at and chair of the department of nutrition at Florida State University. Additionally, the women's levels of good HDL cholesterol increased by about 4 percent, according to the study. 

When it comes to polyphenols and antioxidants, Flores explained that they "work in the cell lining to decrease oxidation resulting in lowering risk of cardiovascular disease."

Another study tracked food consumption among 9,208 people for 28 years. Those who ate more apples had a lower risk of stroke. Researchers attributed the results to quercetin, an antioxidant in apples.

There are respiratory benefits to eating apples, as well. "Apples' antioxidant benefits can help lower the risk of asthma,” Flores told Live Science. Also, a study of 2,500 middle-aged men in Wales found improved lung function among those who ate an apple a day, according to the University of California, Davis. A study in Brazil showed that adding three apples a day to women's diets helped lower their calorie intake and contributed to weight reduction.

APPLE AND CANCER

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating lots of fruits and vegetables, including apples. The antioxidant content of apples ranks among the highest for fruits, and research shows that antioxidants help prevent cancer. 

Lung cancer risk can especially be lowered through apples' antioxidants, according to Flores. A study in Hawaii found that people who regularly eat apples, onions and white grapefruit cut their lung cancer risk in half. 

HEALTH RISK

"Eating apples in excess will not cause many side effects," said Flores. "But as with anything eaten in excess, apples may contribute to weight gain." 

Furthermore, apples are acidic, and the juice may damage tooth enamel. A study published in 2011 in the Journal of Dentistry found that eating apples might be up to four times more damaging to teeth than carbonated drinks. 

However, according to the lead researcher, Professor David Bartlett, head of prosthodontics at the Dental Institute at King's College in London, "It is not only about what we eat, but how we eat it." Many people eat apples slowly, which increases the likelihood that acids will damage tooth enamel. 

"Snacking on acidic foods throughout the day is the most damaging, while eating them at meal times is much safer," Bartlett said in a press release from King's College. "An apple a day is good, but taking all day to eat the apple can damage teeth." 

Dentists recommend cutting up apples and chewing them with the back teeth. They also recommend rinsing the mouth with water to help wash away the acid and sugars.

APPLES AND PESTICIDES

"Most apples will have pesticides on them, unless they are certified organic," Flores said. Results analyzed by the Environmental Working Group showed that 98 percent of conventional apples had pesticide residue on their peels. The group also said in its report, however, that "the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure." [Infographic: Guide to Pesticides in Produce]

Washing apples well helps remove pesticides, according to the Colorado State University Extension Service. "It's fairly easy… Washing apples and making sure you rub the skin in some way will do the trick," Flores said. "You can do this with your hands or a fruit scrubber." However, using chemical rinses and other treatments for washing fresh produce is not recommended because the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated then for safety or effectiveness.

Some researchers say not to worry about pesticides. Dr. Dianne Hyson, a research dietitian at the University of California, Davis, writes that laboratory tests have shown very low levels of pesticide residue on apple skins.

ARE APPLE SEEDS POISONOUS?

Apple seeds, also called pips, contain a substance called amygdalin, which can release cyanide, a powerful poison, when it comes into contact with digestive enzymes. Whole seeds will pass through your digestive system relatively untouched, but if you chew the seeds you may be exposed to the toxins. One or two will not be harmful, as the body can handle small doses of cyanide, but if you or a child chews and swallows a lot of seeds, you should seek medical attention immediately. A very large helping of apple seeds may be fatal.

How many seeds are harmful? According to John Fry, a consultant in food science, about 1 milligram of cyanide per kilogram of body weight will kill an adult person. Apples seeds contain about 700 mg of cyanide per kilogram; so about 100 grams of apple seeds would be enough to kill a 70-kg (154-pound) adult. However, a seed weighs 0.7 grams, so you would have to munch on 143 seeds to get that amount of cyanide. Apples typically have about eight pips, so you'd have to eat the seeds of 18 apples in one sitting to get a fatal dose.

COMMON PEST AND DISEASE

Apple scab (Venturia insequalis):-

SYMPTOMS

Yellow or chlorotic spots on leaves; dark olive green spots on leaves and fruit; may be a velvety growth on spots on undersides of leaves; twisting of leaves; distorted leaves; severely infected leaves turn yellow and drop from tree

CAUSE

Fungus

COMMENT

Fungus overwinters on dead foliage on ground; spores dispersed by wind; high moisture encourages fungal growth

MANAGEMENT

Remove all leaves dropped from tree in the fall and compost to prevent any diseases surviving in debris; application of zinc and fertilizer grade urea in the Fall may be necessary to speed leaf drop, lime should then be added to fallen leaves; fungicide application may be necessary in areas where leaves remain wet for periods in excess of 9 hours; fungicides such as copper soaps and Bordeaux mixture should be applied if there is a chance of wet period as soon as leaf tips emerge.

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha):-

SYMPTOMS

White velvety patches on underside of leaves; chlorotic spots on top side of the leaves

CAUSE

Fungus

COMMENTS

Fungal spores overwinter in buds; spread by wind

MANAGEMENT

Prune out infected shoots while dormant in early spring; apply sprays at pink bud stage to reduce build up; organic treatments include application of lime and sulfur.

Black rot (Botryospaeria obtusa) :-

SYMPTOMS

Purple flecks or circular lesions which are brown in the centre and purple at margin; red flecks, purple lesions and/or brown black rings on fruit

CAUSE

Fungus

COMMENTS

Spores can overwinter in twigs or fruit remaining on the tree and spread during rainfall

MANAGEMENT

Remove dead wood, mummified fruit and cankers from trees to reduce spread of disease; burn any prunings that have been made from the tree; disease can be controlled by applying fungicides from silver tip to harvest.

Sooty blotch and flyspeck :-

SYMPTOMS

Sooty blotches with an indefinite margin on surface of fruit; blotches may coalesce to cover entire fruit; shiny black fungal fruiting bodies appear as dots arranged in irregular to circular pattern on fruit surface

CAUSE

Fungi

COMMENTS

Infections occur mainly during periods of high rainfall and high humidity

MANAGEMENTS

Plant trees in area with good sunlight and air circulation; prune trees to an open center; blemishes superficial and can be washed off.

Apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) :- 

SYMPTOMS

Misshapen, pitted and sunken areas on fruit surface; browning and rotting of apple flesh

CAUSE

Insect

COMMENTS

Surface damage caused to fruit by female laying her eggs; larvae damage flesh by burrowing and feeding

MANAGEMENTS

Use red spherical sticky traps to trap adults, place one trap for every 100 apple fruits; bag apples by tying or stapling polythene bags around fruit to prevent adults laying eggs - cut corners from bags to ensure air supply to fruit; spray fruit with insecticide prior to eggs being laid.

Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) :- 

SYMPTOMS

Holes and burrows in fruit; holes may be blocked with crumbly brown frass (insect excrement); wounds may be shallow or may be deep burrows extending to the fruit’s core; adult insect is a dark brown moth; larvae are pink with a brown head and may be up to 1.3 cm (0.5 in) long

CAUSE

Insect

COMMENTS

Insect usually undergoes 2-4 generations per year

MANAGEMENT

Proper pruning methods help to open out tree canopy to ensure treatments penetrate interior of the tree and reach larvae; removal of any wild hosts or trees in abandoned orchards helps remove reservoirs of insect; organically acceptable control methods include application of Entrust and kaolin clay; small scale growers and home gardeners can remove infested fruit by hand before larvae leaves fruit to reduce insect population; successful reduction of insect population in large scale orchards is usually achieved by mating disruption by releasing pheromones over successive years.

PROPAGATION

Apple trees grow best in the tropics and at higher latitudes they require a mild growing season and a cold winter to break their dormancy. At these latitudes, the tree will flower in spring and fruit will ripen in the fall. In the tropics, the leaves will remain on the tree longer so that it is essentially evergreen and flowering and fruiting will happen sporadically throughout the year unless the tree is managed to enforce a uniform cycle across the entire tree by bending shoots to create a wide tree. 

The standard method of propagating apple is by budding. When planting an apple nursery or orchard it is highly advisable to plant seedlings budded from root stock to prevent an increase in dormancy of the buds. Budded trees should be pruned in the first year to encourage new shoot growth.

In the tropics, apple trees require careful management in order to make the heavy crop loads sustainable. This includes bending shoots, pruning the tips and also defoliating the trees. Flowers are also removed to promote growth until the first fruit production, generally after 2 years.

Apple trees can also be propagated by grafting and mound layering. Grafting involves joining the lower part of one plant (root stock) with the upper part (scion) of another. Grafting is usually done during the dormant season and must be done on dormant scion and stock wood. Mound layering is used to propagate apple clonal root stocks. Soil is mounded around shoots that have been cut back, thereby stimulating roots to grow at the base of the shoots. A year before propagation begins, 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) diameter stock plants are planted in rows and then cut back to 45–60 cm (17.7–23.6 in). They are then grown for one year. In the spring, the plants are again cut back, this time to 2.5 cm (1 in) above the ground. New shoots gradually form and more soil and bark are added in mounds around the plants. This cycle can continue on through the growing season. Then the shoots are harvested by cutting close to the bases. The mother stool beds are then left exposed until further growth of the new shoots has occurred, and another cycle of hilling begins.

Ginger, How to Cultivate, Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

GINGER INTRODUCTION :Is a very important commercial crop grown for it's aromatic rhizomes which is used both as a spice and a medicine. Ginger of commerce is the dried rhizome. It is marketed in different forms such as raw ginger, dry ginger,bleached dry ginger,ginger powder,ginger oil,ginger oleoresin,gingerale,ginger candy,ginger beer, brined ginger,ginger wine,ginger squash,ginger flakes etc. Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc'' a herbaceous perennial belonging to Zingiberaceae, and is believed to be native of south-eastern Asia. It is propagated through rhizomes. The rhizomes put forth erect,leafy stem 30-90cm in height. The base of the leaves sheathee the stem. The leaves are dark green, 15-20cm long, narrow,lanceolate and with a prominent midrib. The flowers are small, yellowish, speckled,each with a purple speckled lip and borne on a spike. When the plants are about 9 months old, the green leaves turn to yellow. Ginger produced in India, goes for domestic consumption and only a small quantity is exported.

CLIMATE for Ginger Farming: Ginger grows in warm and humid climate. It is mainly cultivated in the tropics from sea level to an altitude of above 1500MSL and it can be grown both under rainfed and irrigated conditions. For successful cultivation, ginger requires a moderate  rainfall at the sowing time till the rhizomes sprout, fairly heavy and well distributed showers during the growing period and dry weather for about a month before harvesting.

SOIL for Ginger Farming: Ginger thrives the best in well drained soils like sandy or clay loam, red loam or lateritic loam. A friable loam rich in humus is ideal. However, being an exhaustive crop it may not be desirable to grow ginger in the same site year after year. It thrives well under partial shade, though it is also grown on a large scale in open areas.

INTER-CORP in Ginger Farming: Ginger can be cultivated organically as an inter or mixed crop provided all the other crops are grown following organic methods. It may be intercropped with shade-giving plants, e.g. banana, pigeon-pea, tree castor and cluster bean (guar). Ginger is grown as mixed crop, in coconut, young coffee and orange plantations on the west coast. At higher altitudes in Himachal Pradesh , ginger is inter cropped with tomato and chilli.

BUFFER zone in Ginger Farming: In order to cultivate ginger organically, a buffer zone of 25 to 50 feet is to be left all around the conventional farm, depending upon the location of the farm. The produce from this buffer zone belt shall not be treated as organic. Being an annual crop, the conversion period required will be two years.

LAND PREPARATION for Ginger Farming: While preparing the land , minimum tillage operations may be adopted. Beds of 15cm height, 1m width and of conveneient lenght may be prepared giving at least 50cm spacing between beds. Solarisation of the beds is beneficial in checking the multiplication of pests and disease causing organisms. Solarisation is a technique by which moist beds in the field, are completely  covered with polythene sheets and exposed to sun for a period of 20-30 days. The polythene sheets used for soil solarisation should be kept away safely after the work is completed.

PLANTING MATERIAL in Ginger Farming: Carefully preserved seed rhizomes free from pests and diseases which are collected from organically cultivated farms can be used for planting. However, to begin with seed material from high yielding local varieties may be used in the absence  of organically produced seed materials. seed rhizomes should not be treated with any chemials.

VARIETIES of Ginger: Several varieties are grown in different parts of India. China and Rio-De-Janeiro are the two imported varieties of ginger. Other important varieties grown are Maran, Assam, Himachal, Kuruppampadi, Wynad Local, Suprabha, Suruchi, Suravi, Himgiri, Varada, Mahima, Rejatha etc. The best varieties suited for different products are as under.

PLANTING in Ginger Farming:In Ginger Farming, at the time of planting, apply 25 grams of powdered neem (Azadirachta Indica) cake and mix well with the soil in each pit. Ginger is planted in the rows, 25cm apart at distances of 20-25cm within the row. In the case of the Irrigated crop, ridges are made 40-45cm apart and Ginger planting is done in shallow pits on top of the ridges at distances of 24-30cm. Bits of seed-rhizomes weighing 20-30g each and having at least one bud are planted at the given spacing. While planting, seed rhizomes mixed with well rotten cattle manure or compost inoculated with Trichoderma (10g of compost inoculated with Trichoderma) may be put in shallow pits and covered with a thin layer of soil and levelled. About 600 - 1000kg of seed-rhizomes are required to sow one acre of land. Higeraltitudes. sowing is done in April- May in south India and a little later in North India. Sowing by the middle of April in the south and by the first week of May in the North gives productions.

The irrigated Ginger crop is watered immediately after sowing. The beds of the rain-fed crop are covered with leaf mulch as protection against sun and heavy rains for consequently enrichment of organic matter in the soil. In some areas, farmyard manure is used as mulch. Seeds of cluster-bean, pigeon-pea or castor are sown on irrigation channels on the corners of the raised beds for shade. The shoots emerge in 10-20 days.

WATER SUPPLY AND IRRIGATION in Ginger Farming: Proper drainage channels are to be provided in the inter rows to drain off stagnant water. Irrigation is given at varying intervals of 5-10days as and when required.

CULTURAL PRACTICES in Ginger Farming: Mulching ginger beds with green leaves is an important operation in ginger farming. Apart from being an organic manure, it helps in soil and water conservation. Mulching may be done with green leaves thrice in ginger, once immediately after planting at 4 -5 tonnes accre to ehance germination, increase organic matter, and conserve soil moisture and prevent washing of soil due to heavy rains. It is repeated at 2 tonnes accre at 40th and 90th day after planting preferably at the time of wedding, hoeing and earthing up. Use of Lantana camara and Vitex negundo leaves as mulch may rduce the infestation of shoot borer. Cow dung slurry or liquid manure may be poured on the bed after each mulching to enhance the microbial activity and nutrient availablity.

WEED CONTROL in Ginger Farming: Two weedings are gnerally given to crop. The first weeding just before  the second mulching and repeateddepending on the intensity of weed growth. The weeded material may be used for mulching. If necessary weeding is to be repeated a third time. plants are earthed up once or twice.


MANURING in Ginger Farming: Ginger requires heavy manuring. Application of well rotten cow dung or compost at 2.5 to 3 tonnes acre may be made as a basal dose while planting the rhizomes in the pits. In addition, application of neem cake at 800kg/acre is also desirable.

PEST AND DISEASES in Ginger Farming: Shoot borer is the major pest infesting ginger farming. Regular field surveillance and adoption of phytosanitary measures are necessary for pest management. It appears during July-October period. Spot out the shoots infested by the borerand cut open the shoot and pick out the caterpillar and destroy them. Spray neem oil (0.5%) at fortnightly intervals if found necessary. Light traps will be useful in attracting and collecting the adult moths.

Soft rot rhizome rot is a major disease of ginger farming. while selecting the area for ginger cultivation care should be taken to see that the area is well drained s water stagnation pre-disposes the plants to infection. Select seed rhizomes from disease free area since this disease is seed borne. Solarisation of soil done at the time of bed preparation can reduce the fungus inoculum. However, if the disease is notied the affected clumps are to be removed carefully along with the soil surrounding the rhizome to reduce the spread.Trichoderma may be applied at the time of planting and subsequently if necessary. Restricted use of bordeaux mixture (1%) in disease prone areas may be made to control it as spot application.

HARVESTING CURING and Yield of Ginger: The ginger crop is ready for harvesting in about 8 to 10 months depending upon the maturity of the variety. when fully mature the leaves turn yellow and the pseudo stems begin to dry. Rhizomes are lifted either with a digging -fork or with a spade. They are cleaned of roots and adhering soil particles.

The green ginger is soaked in water to facilitate the removal of the skin. The skin is scarpped off with pieces of sharpened bamboo. The scraped produce is washed and dried in the sun 3 to 4 days and hand-rubbed. It is again steeped in water for two hours, dried and then rubbed to remove all the remaning bits of the skin. Sun-drying also bleaches the produce. Peeeling should be done with great care and skill.
The essential oil gives ginger the aromatic character is present in the epidermal cells and hence excessive or careless scraping will result in damaging these cells leading to the loss of essential oils. Steel knives are not used as they are found to stain the produce. storage of dry ginger for longer period is not desirable. The yield of dry ginger is 15-25 percent of the fresh ginger depending upon the variety and location where the crop is grown. Burning of sulphur for processing ginger is not allowed.


PRESERVATION OF SEED in Ginger Farming: The rhizomes to be used as seed material should be preserved carefully. Indigenouss practices like spreading layers of leaves of Glycosmis Pentaphylla being followed by farmers can very well be adopted for this purpose. In order to get good germination, the seedd rhizomes are to be stored properly in pits under shade.
For seed materials, big and healthy rhizomes from diseases free plant are selected immediately after harvest. Fsor thiss purpose, healthy and disease-free clumps are marked in the field when the crop is 6 to 8 months old and still green. Seed rhizomes are stored in pits of convenient size made in the shaed to protect from the sun and rain. Walls of the pits may be coated with cow dung paste. Seed rhizomes are stored in these pits in layer along with well-dried sand/saw dust (put one layer of seed rhizomes, then put 2cm thick layer of sand/saw dust) Sufficient gap is to be left at the top of the pits for adequate aeration. Seed rhizomes in pits need inspection once in twenty days to remove shrivelled and disease affected rhizomes. Seed rhizomes can also be stored in pits dug in the ground under the shade of a tree provided there is no chance for water to enterthe pits. In some areas, the rhizomes are loosely heaped over a layer of sand or paddy husk and covered with dry leaves in thatched sheds.

HEALTH BENEFITS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION : Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine. However, ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries among many cultures.

Ginger has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.

The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice. Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside cardamom and turmeric.

This MNT Knowledge Center feature provides a nutritional breakdown of ginger, an in-depth look at its possible health benefits, how to incorporate more ginger into your diet and any potential health risks of consuming ginger.

HEALTH BENEFITS of ginger : Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

DIGESTIVE ISSUES

The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through the GI tract.

NAUSEA

The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through the GI tract.

PAIN REDUCTION

A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.

Ginger has also been found to reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea (severe pain during a menstrual cycle). In one study, 83% of women taking ginger capsules reported improvements in pain symptoms compared to 47% of those on placebo.

INFLAMMATION

Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research journal found that a ginger root supplement administered to volunteer participants reduced inflammation markers in the colon within a month. Researchers on the study explained that by decreasing inflammation, the risk of colon cancer is also likely to decrease. Ginger has also shown promise in clinical trials for treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN

Using fresh ginger is an easy way to flavor foods and drinks without adding unnecessary sodium. Since it is often consumed in such small amounts, ginger does not add significant quantities of calories, carbohydrate, protein or fiber.

Ginger does contain numerous other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds beneficial to health such as gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate.

Ginger provides a variety of vitamins and minerals:

Carbohydrate - 17.77 g

Dietary Fiber - 2 g

Protein - 1.82 g

Dietary Fiber - 2 g

Sugars - 1.7 g

Sodium - 13 mg

Vitamin B6 - 0.16 mg

Calcium - 16 mg

Iron - 0.6 mg

Vitamin C - 5 mg

Potassium - 415 mg

Magnesium - 43 mg

Phosphorus - 34 mg

Zinc - 0.34 mg

Folate - 11 mcg

Riboflavin - 0.034 mg

Niacin - 0.75 mg

Iron - 0.6 mg

Bitter Kola ( also know as Garcinia Kola )

Is a species of flowering plant in the Clusiaceae or Guttiferare family. It is found in Benin, Cameroun, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Bitter kola or Garcinia kola is a tree that grows in the rain forests of west Africa. The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the plant have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat ailments from coughs to fever. According to a report from the Center For International Forestry Research, garcinia kola trade is still important to the tribes and villages in Nigeria. As with any herb, never consume garcinia kola without first discussing its use and benefits with your physician, especially if you are currently being treated for other medical conditions or are on any medications.

Traditional medicine

Bitter kola is traditionally used by Africa medicine men who believe that it has purgative, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial properties. The seeds are used for bronchitis, throat infections, colic, head or chest colds, and cough. It is also used for liver disorders and as a chewing stick.

Research findings have revealed that bitter kola has a lot of medicinal benefits to those who eat it

 “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” According to him, modern medicine tends towards disease prevention through foods but the majority of people who wish to eat healthy food may also miss out on the fact that cooking sometimes destroys or reduces certain elements that should nourish the body. Nutritionists say that while some foods are better eaten when cooked, some others such as fruits and certain vegetables are better eaten raw in order to  get the most of each nutrient.

Bitter kola is one of such fruits which can be eaten raw and still benefit from its high nutritional content. Eating a piece of bitter kola daily can help in  the treatment for low libido, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, reduction of eye pressure, treating hangover, improving lung function and knee osteoarthritis among others. Medical experts at  Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, OAUTH, in a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, said that bitter kola has a significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Bitter kola is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid-term outcome. Another study on bitter kola published recently in Science Journal of Microbiology showed that seed and leaf of bitter kola have antibacterial activity on clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Streptococcus pyogenes. Bitter kola has been shown to be a popular treatment for diarrhea and fever. The seed extract is antiseptic and is active mostly against gram-positive bacteria, while the leaf, is active mostly against gram-negative bacteria. It is also very efficacious for hepatitis.

In West Africa, bitter kola is now being harnessed as a cure for the Ebola virus infections and also against flu. The stem, bark and the seeds are used for acute fever, inflammation of the respiratory tract and throat infections. The seeds are also chewed to relieve hoarseness of voice, sore throat and cough. In folk medicine, the seed is used for the treatment of liver disorder and it’s also used in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. The leaves are used for stomachache and pains and they also serve as good remedy for typhoid fever.

Generally used as a social snack and offered to guests in some cultural settings, bitter kola has been indicated in the treatment of laryngitis, general inflammation, bronchitis, viral infections and diabetes.  Realnews gathered that some Igbo medicine-men prescribe the fruit for arthritic conditions and is eaten raw and not prepared as food because it has medicinal attributes. It is also taken dry as a remedy for dysentery and is said to provide an antidote against Strophanthus poisoning.

Some medical experts in Lagos have said that regular intake of bitter kola has little or no side effect on human health. They said that bitter kola is a potent antibiotic, which could be effective in the treatment of many ailments and infections. Bartholomew Brai, nutritional biochemist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, said bitter kola is used in the preparation of herbal drugs either as a nourishment, a supplement or a herbal remedy.

;Bitter kola helps to reduce eye pressure and relieves arthritis by reducing swelling, pain and increase joint movement. He also attested to the fact that the likely side effect of eating bitter kola could be incurred by any patient on drugs or medication. Botanically known as Garcinia kola, bitter kola belongs to the plant family Guttifereae. In Nigeria it is called oje in Bokyi, edun or efiari in Efik, efrie in Ejagham-Ekin, cida goro in Hausa, efiat in Ibibio, emiale in Icheve, igoligo in Idoma, aku-ilu or ugolo in Ibo, akaan in Ijo-Izon, okain in Isekiri, and orogbo in Yoruba.

Barriers to cultivation

Despite its socio-economic importance of Garcinia kola, the cultivation of the species is very much limited. Factors that have discouraged farmers from growing Garcinia kola include difficulties encountered in the germination which reduces the availability of seedlings in the nurseries for possible plantation establishment. Most of the productive trees are those which were left in the wild when farm plots were cut out of the forest. Researchers have studied the germination problems of G. kola seeds and suggested various means of breaking its dormancy. But there is still a great need to investigate more simple and practicable methods that could be easily adopted by the farmers with low technological input. G. kola seeds has both seeds coat dormancy and physiological dormancy probably imposed by the chemicals in the seed. Seed coat dormancy of Garcinia kola can be reduced by removing the seed coat before sowing while the physiological dormancy can be reduced by soaking in water for 72 hours. the removal of the seed coat, soaking in water for 72 hours, placing inside air tight transparent polythene bag and sprinkling of water on the seeds when needed for constant moisture will give early germination period of 2 weeks.

Benefits of Kola Nut

Benefits of Kola Nut, here are some simple facts that one need to know about Kola Nut, Do you know that Kola Nut can be use as : Energy and Bronchodilator, Appetite suppression and weight loss, Aids in digestion, Reduce high blood pressure.

The Kola nut is an indigenous African plant that was used in carbonated sodas. Nowadays, it is primarily used as a nutritional supplement in energy formulas and weight loss. However it is advisable to take necessary precautions to avoid adverse side effects from overuse, and problems that may arise from pre-existing medical conditions. Here are the common benefits of kola nuts.

Energy and Bronchodilator

According to recent studies, kola nut is a great source of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Theophylliine has been known to help relax muscles and also dilates bronchioles in patients who suffer from bronchitis and asthma. On the other hand, theobromine dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure as well. In addition to lowering blood pressure in the lungs, stimulants and caffeine in Kola nuts also provide energy to people suffering from tiredness and chronic fatigue.

 

  

Appetite suppression and weight loss

Kola nut contain caffeine that suppresses appetite, help in weight loss and digestion, and has been popularly used to treat constant migraine headaches. Further, kola nut aids to increase metabolism, and provide extra energy needed to recover from strenuous exercises, therefore can be used is a weight-loss regimen.

 Aids in digestion

Scientific studies indicate that kola nut greatly increases the levels of gastric acid, which promotes healthy digestion. On the other hand, kola nut can also be used as a therapy to treat nervous diarrhoea. According to a holistic article online, some African cultures are believed to chew kola nut regularly before meals to help indigestion.

Reduce high blood pressure

Kola can help reduce high blood pressure and fight against various toxins. In addition, it is also used as an effective remedy for rheumatism, venereal diseases, urinary tract infections, hepatitis and congestive heart failure.

Apart from having numerous health benefits, kola nuts have their share of shortcomings as well. Some products contain excessive kola which may have adverse side effects when taken regularly.