It is very common to always run to doctors when experiencing sicknesses or any discomfort. But sometimes, we do not need processed and packaged medicine, with the well written prescription of a refined individual in a white coat to get treatment. Sometimes, the things we see daily and use and even most likely take for granted are what we need to cure certain illnesses.
Kola nut is popular among Africans so much so that our elders use it as snacks but little do we know about the extreme health benefits this snack has. In this article, you’ll discover how this traditional West African seed might offer an easier, more natural approach to addressing common health concerns.
Key Insights
- Kola nut contains high levels of natural caffeine and is used in popular drinks we consume daily.
- It provides effective relief from pain, especially headaches and migraines.
- Kola nut helps treat respiratory problems like coughs and asthma naturally.
- It strengthens the immune system and fights infections in the body.
What is Kola nut
Kola nut is the fruit of the kola tree (Cola acuminata and Cola nitida in botany), indigenous to West Africa. The trees, which usually reach heights of 40 to 60 feet, produce a star-shaped fruit. Each fruit contains about two to five kola nuts. About the size of a chestnut, this little fruit is filled with caffeine. Kola nuts have a very bitter taste when chewed fresh. When they’re dried, the taste becomes a bit milder and they smell of nutmeg.
Cultural Importance in West Africa
The kola nut is a cultural staple in many West African countries, prized for its effects as a central nervous system stimulant. Throughout West African countries especially Nigeria, every market, bus depot, and corner shop has small piles of kola nuts for sale. It is even hawked around in the neighborhoods. It is a significant cash crop for poor rural farmers. Many people chew them daily for a dose of caffeine. Each nut contains more caffeine than two large cups of an American coffee.
Kola Nut in Western Countries
In the West (the United States and Europe), one is more likely to encounter kola nut extract than the fresh nut itself. Kola extract is a common food flavoring found in Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, and now so many popular energy drinks. Kola nut has actually been listed by the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally safe for human consumption. Kola nut extract has been classified as a natural food flavoring. The FDA also approved kola nut extract as an inactive ingredient in certain pharmaceuticals.
Past and Present Uses
In the past, kola nut extract was used in certain weight loss drugs and over-the-counter stimulants. Kola nut extract is also marketed as a herbal supplement. These supplements are typically not monitored by the FDA, but they may include a warning about caffeine content. The American Herbal Products Association includes kola nut on the list of caffeine-containing substances that should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or those under the age of 18. This is to show the level of caffeine it contains.
Traditional Health Claims
Stories about the many health benefits of kola nut go back thousands of years. People have claimed that kola nut sweetens stale water, treats fatigue, and eases hunger pains. While kola nut may have health benefits, they have yet to be scientifically researched and proven. Most of the benefits of kola nut are connected to its high caffeine content, which increases energy and reduces hunger. Claims have also been made that it treats: infections, skin diseases, ulcers, toothaches, morning sickness, intestinal diseases, headaches, depression, low sex drive, coughs and asthma, dysentery, constipation, various eye problems.
How Much Kola Nut Should You Take?
Since kola nut contains very high levels of caffeine, you need to be careful about how much you consume. For beginners, start with just half a nut per day to see how your body reacts. Most people can safely take 1-2 fresh nuts daily, but this depends on your caffeine tolerance. If you’re using kola nut powder, 1-3 grams daily is usually safe for most adults. You can chew the fresh nuts, make tea by boiling dried pieces, or take supplements if available. Always take kola nut earlier in the day because the caffeine can keep you awake at night.
Where Can You Find Kola Nut?
If you live in Nigeria or other West African countries, kola nut is everywhere – in markets, from street vendors, and in local shops. For people in other countries, you can find them in African food stores, some health food shops, or order online. Many international markets also carry them. You can buy them fresh, dried, or as powder. Some supplement companies also make kola nut capsules.
Side Effects of Kola nut
Although the consumption of kola nut has its benefits, it has been said to also have some side effects. But there have not been any adverse proof of its side effects. People have been consuming kola-containing sodas for years without any adverse health effects. The kola nut is actually a seed taken from inside a fruit, so it is not associated with tree nut allergies.
The side effects of kola nut and kola nut extract parallel the effects of a comparable dose of caffeine. These can include increased blood pressure, trouble sleeping, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and stomach upset. People with heart problems, high blood pressure, or anxiety should be extra careful. Pregnant women and children should avoid kola nut because of its high caffeine content.
8 Health Benefits of Kola nut
Kola nut offers numerous health benefits due to its high caffeine content, such as: phytoestrogens, and phytoandrogens. These benefits are:
- Energy and Circulation: It boosts energy levels by increasing oxygen circulation and heart rate. It enhances cognitive function and concentration by stimulating the brain’s activities and it also increases blood flow, which helps heal injuries faster.
- Digestive Health: It relieves digestive issues like bloating, cramping, and constipation and also facilitates breakdown of food and prevents pathogenic microorganisms in the stomach.
- Weight Loss: It helps stimulate metabolism, helping burn calories and aid in weight loss and suppresses appetite while providing essential nutrients.
- Immune System: It exhibits anti-bacterial properties, fighting infections and boosting immunity and is rich in antioxidants, which eliminate free radicals and strengthen resistance.
- Respiratory Health: It helps treat respiratory diseases like asthma, coughs, and bronchitis. It also helps dissolve mucus, making it easier to breathe.
- Pain Relief: It relieves migraines and headaches due to its caffeine and theobromine content. It eases knee pain and improves bone density, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.
- Cancer Treatment: It may aid in treating prostate cancer due to its antioxidant properties. It has shown potentials in inhibiting or killing certain cancer cells.
- Diuretic Properties: It acts as a natural diuretic, treating conditions like cirrhosis, hypertension, and kidney disease and it also helps expel excess water from the body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kola nut
Can kola nut help me lose weight? Yes, kola nut can help with weight loss because it suppresses appetite and speeds up metabolism. However, you still need to eat healthy and exercise. Kola nut is not a magic solution for weight loss.
Is kola nut better than coffee for energy? Kola nut contains more caffeine than coffee, so it gives you more energy. One kola nut has as much caffeine as 2-3 cups of coffee. But coffee might be easier to control the amount you take.
Can I take kola nut every day? Most healthy adults can take 1-2 kola nuts daily without problems. But if you have heart issues, high blood pressure, or are sensitive to caffeine, you should ask a doctor first.
Does kola nut really cure diseases? Our ancestors have used kola nut to treat many illnesses for thousands of years, and many people still find it helpful. However, modern science has not proven all these benefits yet. Most of the proven benefits come from the caffeine content.
Can pregnant women take kola nut? No, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid kola nut because of its high caffeine content. It’s also not recommended for children under 18 years old.
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Conclusion
With this article, it is now clear the amazing health benefits that can be gotten from kola nut. But while kola nut offers several health benefits, it is essential to consume it in moderation due to the potential side effects like increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. It is advisable that one should consult a healthcare professional before adding kola nut to one’s diet just to be sure.
Remember that kola nut is not a replacement for proper medical treatment. If you have serious health problems, always see a doctor. But for everyday energy, minor aches, digestive issues, and general wellness, kola nut can be a natural and affordable option that our ancestors have trusted for generations.