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Common Names: Monkey Kola
Native Name (Ibibio) Southern Nigeria: Ndiya
Botanical Name: Cola Lepidota
Description: Monkey Kola, scientifically known as Cola Lepidota, is a tropical tree thriving in humid environments. It is an interesting Cola Nut found in Western Africa. The tree produces huge, incredibly healthy fruit with various food purposes. The Monkey Kola fruit has a crisp texture, resembling the body part of a monkey. It contains large, violet-colored seeds, orange-colored pulp, and a rich nutrient profile, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutrient Content: Cola Lepidota is less well-known than C. acuminata but appears to offer similarly beneficial fruits. The fruit contains beta-carotene, a type of antioxidant known as carotenoids, which imparts the fruit its yellow color. Beta-carotene contributes to enhancing the appearance of hair and skin by repairing damaged cells and providing protection against UV radiation.
Reduce inflammation
It is rich in antioxidants. Therefore, it can help reduce the risk of chronic dsease
It helps improve the immune system by working against any inflammation on the body organs or any parts of the body.Contains phytochemicals
Just like other varieties of Monkey Kola, Cola Lepidota also contains phytochemicals. However, the flavonoid is more abundant than the rest as aforementioned.
It can help to improve the function of the immune system and regulate hormones.
Promote healthy skin
Cola Lepidota contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant by the name “carotenoids”, which gives the fruit its yellow colour.
Beta-carotene helps to boost hair and skin appearance by repairing the damaged cells as well as protect them against UV radiation.Muscle and bone strength
The steroids it contains make it beneficial for the muscles and bones. It helps to increase muscle strength and bone mineral density.
Besides, Cola Lepidota also contains Calcium and Phosphorous, which helps build strong bones.
More importantly, it contains potassium, which helps to prevent or reduce the loss of these bone-strengthening minerals (Calcium and Phosphorous).
- Improve blood cell production
Cola Lepidota contains steroids. Steroids work is not only to build muscles; it also helps to boost both the production of the white and red blood cell.
It boosts the haemoglobin (protein) levels of the red blood cell. More so, it enhances the activities of the white blood cells in fighting foreign bodies against infection and diseases.
The quantity of steroid in this fruit is minute, thereby eliminating the risks of high blood pressure as opposed to manufactured steroids.
- Gives the eyes a healthy boost
The presence of beta-carotene makes it beneficial for the eyes as well because it is also a provitamin A.
That means the body can easily convert it to vitamin A, thereby helping to reduce wrinkles and prevents eye diseases.
Cola Lepidota offers much more than just its sweetness. Therefore, with publicity like this, many may bring this wild fruit home and promote its economic importance.
It bloom by 4 to 5 Years.
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