6 BENEFITS OF KOLA NUT YOU NEVER KNEW

Benefits of Kola Nut by Dr. N. Elenwoke

Even though people are very familiar with the world “cola”, they might not know that this word originated actually by the Cola genus, which includes the kola tree, where kola nut grow. Kola trees are native to the tropical rainforests in Africa and their nuts contain caffeine, which makes it desirable as a food source and as an element in alternative medicine.

Other than in alternative medicine, Kola nuts are also used in food industry to flavor sodas of different varieties. The medicinal benefits of kola nuts have begun to make it a popular dietary supplement for health, despite its slightly bitter taste.

There are many health benefits of Kola nuts, starting from boosting the metabolism to weight loss. Now let us have a look at how kola nuts can benefit our health:

Weight loss

Kola nuts have also been recognised to stimulate fat-burning of the body and therefore, is a good option for those who want to lose weight. In a study published in the Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences in 2010,  Adisa et al found rats fed with  kola nut reduced food intake, and therefore body weight at the end of the study compared with the control group.

Metabolism boosting

Kola nuts have unique effects due to its high caffeine content. It can stimulate the body’s metabolism and also increase its functions. This is a great choice of food for those who has low metabolic rate and are less active. Even though high doses of Kola nuts can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, moderate consumption can benefit the heart and vessels.

Circulation

Increased heart rate and increased circulation boost oxygen supply to all the cells of the body and organs. As Kola nuts also supply enough oxygen to the brain, it is recognized as a cognitive booster. Kola nuts were earlier consumed because they “cleared the mind”. These nuts can also promote healing of wounds and cellular repair through the increased flow of oxygen and nutrients.

Digestive effects

For thousands of years, Kola nuts were chewed at ceremonies and festivals in Africa. It was believed that this was practices after the meals in order to normalize the digestion in spite of the heavy consumption of meals. The active substances in the kola nuts are able to improve digestion, ease the nutrient uptake, reduce constipation, and reduce stomach bloating, cramping, and other discomforts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Prostate Cancer

Even though scientists are still researching about the possible benefits of kola nuts to reduce cancer risks, it was found that the phytoestrogens and phytoestrogens found in kola nuts are able to stimulate apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

Immune system

The leaves, the nuts and even the roots and stem of kola tree has antibacterial properties and consuming them can save you from different diseases such as bronchitis, meningitis, and many other respiratory diseases.

If you are also seeking to try out the benefits of Kola nuts, the Kola nut extracts are available in most health stores. The daily dose of kola nut depends on age, health and other conditions.