According to Healthline, Kola nut (Cola nitida) is a native fruit to tropical West Africa, from Nigeria to Senegal. It is often consumed in its raw form, in teas and ground into a powder. As it has been used for centuries, the kola nut is known for its potential to help with various ailments, from mental alertness to menstrual cramps. This factoid has caused it to remain popular throughout the world…..CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
In the traditional homoeopathic system, kola nut was believed to have protective, medical and ritualistic purposes. It was used to treat fever, malaria, tuberculosis, fatigue, stomach aches, digestion issues and more. In Yoruba culture (a major ethnic group of Nigeria), kola nut is used to treat headaches and migraine. It is also chewed before an important task to sharpen concentration. Modern science is beginning to take notice of these traditional uses and there is some evidence to support them.
Mental Alertness and Memory Enhancement
According to Medicalnewstoday, Kola nut contains two active ingredients – caffeine and theobromine – that have been studied for their potential cognitive benefits. This caffeine has been linked to faster reaction time, increased alertness, better mental clarity and improved memory retention.
In a study published in the journal Neuroscience, the researchers concluded that the kola nut extract “could be effectively used as a nootropic food” and showed a “range of beneficial effects in laboratory animals”.
Kola nut has also been studied for its potential to enhance physical and mental performance in athletes. One study found that the kola nut extract, in combination with ginseng, improved athletes’ reaction time, heart rate and alertness during physical activity. While further studies are needed to confirm these results, it is clear that the benefits of kola nut are not limited to mental alertness alone.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Kola nut has long been used to help manage pain and inflammation. One study found that the kola nut extract reduced inflammation in mice with carrageenan-induced paoedemama (a type of measured inflammation). Another study found that it reduced pain in rats.
Moreover, in a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, kola nut was found to reduce inflammation and suppress fever in mice. While the mechanisms behind these anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects remain unclear, researchers are in the process of exploring them further in human studies.
Manages Blood Sugar and Diabetes
Kola nut has also been studied for its potential to help manage diabetes. One study found that the extract was able to lower blood sugar levels in mice with type-2 diabetes. This effect was attributed to the polyphenolic compounds present in the kola nut, which are known to reduce insulin resistance. Another study showed that the extract was able to reduce glucose-induced hyperglycemia, suggesting that it could be a beneficial remedy for managing diabetes.
Reduces Menstrual Pain and Dysmenorrhea
Kola nut has long been used to manage menstrual pain and dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps). A study on mice showed that kola nut extract was able to reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea. This effect was attributed to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the extract. The researchers also concluded that kola nut could be an effective alternative remedy for managing menstrual pain.
Side Effects
Kola nut is generally safe to consume in moderation. However, large doses of the nut can increase blood pressure and heart rate. It is also important to note that kola nut contains potentially large amounts of caffeine, which can lead to jitteriness and restlessness. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume kola nut due to potential side effects.
In conclusion, kola nut has been used for centuries to manage various ailments, from mental alertness to menstrual cramps. It contains two active ingredients – caffeine and theobromine – which have been linked with improved mental sharpness, memory retention and reaction time. Kola nut has also been studied for its potential to help manage inflammation, diabetes and menstrual pain. While kola nut is generally safe to consume, large doses can lead to adverse effects such as restlessness and high blood pressure…..CONTINUE READING
