Does bitter kola cause weight loss? There is no human research that shows it does. We sell bitter kola, and we will not sell it to you as a weight loss product.
What the research says
- A 2023 review in Phytochemistry Reviews (Tauchen and colleagues) found that the effects of Garcinia kola reported so far have been seen only in animal models, and that human clinical trials are still needed. Read the review.
- A 2022 review in Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Dogara and colleagues) says its safety and efficacy “have not been wholly assessed in humans.”
Animal and laboratory results do not tell you what will happen in a person. Until there are proper human studies, any promise that bitter kola melts fat goes further than the science.
Bitter kola or kola nut?
Many weight loss searches mix up the two. They are different nuts from different trees.
- Bitter kola is Garcinia kola: orogbo in Yoruba, aku ilu in Igbo, miji goro in Hausa.
- Kola nut is Cola nitida or Cola acuminata: obi in Yoruba, goro in Hausa. It is the one known for caffeine.
We make no weight loss claims for either. Read bitter kola vs kola nut.
What is in bitter kola?
A 2013 lab study by Mazi, Okoronkwo and Ibe tested ground bitter kola seed. They reported about 70 percent carbohydrate, about 11 percent protein and about 1 percent fat. Read the study.
That is a food, not a diet aid. If you want help with your weight, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
How to enjoy bitter kola
- Chew it: sharply bitter at first, with a sweetness that comes up behind it. See how to eat bitter kola.
- Cook with it: a pinch of powder in pepper soup or stew. See bitter kola uses.
- Drink it: try bitter kola tea.
Questions people ask
Does bitter kola burn fat? There is no human research that shows it does.
Is kola nut good for weight loss? We make no weight loss claims for kola nut either. Ask your doctor.
Does bitter kola reduce appetite? We have not found human research that answers this, so we will not guess.
Can I eat bitter kola if I am on a diet? If you follow a medical diet or take medication, check with your doctor first.
Where to buy bitter kola
Jeb Foods Bitter Kola Nut, 0.5 lb is whole Nigerian bitter kola, shipped across the US from New Jersey. Prefer it ground? See Bitter Kola Powder, 4 oz.
Part of the profit funds our nonprofit organization, Save All Africa Kids (saak.org).