HEALTH BENEFITS OF KOLA NUT

The kola nut is the fruit of the kola tree, a genus (Cola) of trees that are native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. The caffeine-containing fruit of the tree is used as a flavoring ingredient in beverages, and is the origin of the term "cola".

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF KOLA NUT

Kola but contains about 3 to 4 percent of caffeine and 2 to 3 percent of theobromine of which both acts as stimulant when consumed.

Kola but also contains micro nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

USES OF KOLA NUTS
In West African countries ,kola but is chewed during rituals or individually or in a group setting. It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or guests It is also used to sweeten breath.

In folk medicine, kola nuts are considered useful for aiding digestion when grounded and mixed with honey, and are used for coughs.

Kola nuts are perhaps best known to Western culture as a flavoring ingredient and one of the sources of caffeine in cola and other similarly flavored beverages.

kola nut is boiled to extract the kola or it can be ground into a powder. In certain parts of the world, the nut is used as a type of alternative medicine.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KOLANUT

Boosts Metabolism
One of the unique effects of the kola nut, is due to its caffeine content, its ability to stimulate the body and increase heart rate. While this can potentially be dangerous for people who suffer from pre-existing heart conditions, it can provide a necessary metabolic boost for those with a slow metabolism. This can actually optimize heart health, as caffeine can be a health stimulant in moderate doses. This also helps the metabolism optimize itself, which has a wide range of positive enzymatic and physiological effects on the body.

Increase in circulation
The caffeine and theobromine in the kola nut may speed up the heart rate, which increases circulation.kola nuts are able to boost oxygenation to certain essential parts of the body, including the skin, organs, and even the brain. This is why kola nuts are sometimes referred to as cognitive boosters, as increased levels of oxygen in the brain have been connected with higher levels of cognition and concentration.

Improves Digestion
For hundreds of years, kola nuts have been consumed by many indigenous cultures in Africa both in ceremonies and in the treatment of digestive problems. The active ingredients of the kola nut are able to improve digestion and nutrient uptake, while also reducing constipation, bloating, cramping, and other, more serious, gastrointestinal issues.

Boost to energy levels
Kolanut is mostly used by students when reading, it has naturally stimulates the central nervous system, which may increase alertness and boost energy levels.

Antibacterial benefits
One of the oldest medicinal uses of the kola nut is to use it as a natural remedy for chest colds and malaria ,studies indicates that the use of kola nut extract might stop the growth of harmful bacteria.

SIDE EFFECT OF KOLA NUT

kolanut is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts, short-term.

Difficulty sleeping

Using products containing kola nuts can lead to insomnia or problems falling or staying asleep,that's the reason my students uses it in reading Those with sleep disorders may be advised to avoid stimulants that contain caffeine, including kola nuts.

Shakiness

Since kola nuts affects the central nervous system, they can lead to shakiness, tremors, and anxiousness. People with anxiety may be especially prone to shakiness from kola nuts.

Nausea

Overeating of kola nuts may lead to an upset stomach. Some people may also experience stomach pains because of the increased production of stomach acids, which kola nuts might cause.