Health benefits of monkey kola are many, but first, let me start with how i got to know about monkey kola tree.

A few days ago, a colleague of mine came to work with Monkey Kola. It was the crunchy sound that drew my attention to her. On a closer look, I discovered that I have not noticed or eaten this fruit before.

When I asked her what she is eating, she told me it is called Monkey Kola. I always get excited when I discover new fruits and as a tradition, I decided to research and write about it.

What is Monkey Kola?

It is a name given to some edible wild relatives of West African kola nut. The scientific name include Cola lateritia K. Schum, C. lepidota and C. pachycarpa K. Schum.

These are underused indigenous tropical fruit species that grows in the humid West and Central African forests.

Monkey kola is the English name given to some unique cola underused indigenous tropical fruit species.

These are underused indigenous tropical fruit species that grows in the humid West and Central African forests.

Please Read: 20 Overwhelmingly Benefits of Custard Apple (Sugar Apple)

The English name of monkey kola in Yoruba is obi edun. It is also referred to Ochicha, Achicha, Utu or Ochiricha in Igbo while Efik/Ibibio’s call it Ndiyah.

It is a healthy fruit and a tasty perennial plant that can be seen in homes and villages.

In Nigeria, the fruit pulp is eaten by humans and a few wild animals like monkeys, baboons and other primates.

This African fruit with all its nutritional benefits is not well known so it requires more publicity and attention so that people will be aware of the fruit and its amazing health value.

5 Key Facts About Monkey Kola Health Benefits

Monkey kola has an edible flesh that can be yellow, red or white. The yellow variety of Monkey kola called cola is the most common and has surplus nutritional, and medicinal value than the red and white monkey kola. Its white pulp is called cola lepidota, while the Monkey kola with red pulp is called cola lateritia and is the least common. Monkey kola fruit is crunchy just like a carrot. The fruits are available from around June to November and are very nutritious. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium zinc and potassium. Monkey kola leaves are medicinal and are used for the treatment of eye infections. Although a scarce snack, monkey kola is filling and delicious.

How to Eat Monkey Kola

Firstly, wash the rough lizard skin-like texture of yellow monkey kola fruit. Then, cut in half and remove the seed. After that, take a bite of the fruit; it makes the crispest sound like a fresh apple. It makes a loud crunch. Finally. It’s time to enjoy!

Health Benefits of Yellow Monkey Kola

Firstly, it helps in Body Metabolism.

Secondly, it moderates Body Cholesterol.

Thirdly, it maintains Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract.

Then, it helps in Weight Management.

It also, boosts Skin and Eye Health.

Above all, it maintains Healthy Bones and Improves Heart Health.

Red Monkey Kola

Red Monkey kola, with Botanical name: Cola millenii K. Schum is one of several varieties across West Africa.

It grows in a flower-like pattern (funny enough, it looks like breast ducts when stripped of fat). Each segment houses white seeds that you can lick.

Benefits of Red Monkey Kola

The monkey kola leaf is occasionally being used as food and the plant (the part not specified) is used to treat icter and many shin diseases. Also, the wood is used for carpentry.

Side Effects of Monkey Kola

Monkey kola is quite nutritious in value and is wise to be taken in moderation for health improvement.

Monkey Kola and Pregnancy

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no research yet. Will update with time-be on the watch out!

Do you enjoy reading my article on: Health Benefits of Monkey Kola You Should Know?

What local name do you call monkey kola? I will personally love to know the name of monkey kola in Hausa.

In box me below if you know the answer.

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