Benefits of Kola Nut And Its Side Effects

A popular variety of the kola nut, the bitter kola, is known to have effectively treated malaria, according to many experimental studies. Although the idea originally originated from traditional sources where a tribe’s healers would prescribe the bitter kola to malaria patients, studies have confirmed that the quinone content of the kola nut was able to treat the infection in the body. Further, it has been reported that kolaviron, which is a chemical compound found in bitter kola, when tested on the malaria parasite, inhibited malarial activity.

According to some researches, glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure on the eye. 0.5% of the extract of the Garcinia kola nut was used to create eye drops for a research study conducted in Nigeria. The results of the study revealed that this opthamolic solution reduced eye pressure, and was most effective when used twice a day. While not everyone might have access to this medicinal solution, the kola nut can be consumed orally. Although the effect might not be targeted, it definitely improves overall eye health. It can relieve the stress on the eyes caused by modern habits and lack of proper nutrition in our diets.

Consuming kola nuts boosts oxygenation by stimulating increased circulation. Improved oxygenation benefits many parts of the body, including but not limited to, extremities, internal organs, skin, and the brain. Better circulation to the skin keeps it healthier and younger looking for a longer period of time. For the internal organs, it implies vitality and overall improved health. When the amount and flow of oxygen improves throughout the body, cells can repair themselves and wounds are naturally healed. Kola nuts are sometimes called ‘cognitive boosters’. The biggest reason for this is that when it improves blood circulation to the brain, cognition and concentration has been known to dramatically improve.

The chemical components of the kola can prevent the incubation of certain life-threatening bacteria in the body. In this way it can combat a range of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis. Furthermore, it is known to minimize the risk of developing tuberculosis and meningitis.

One of the biggest reasons why caffeine is consumed in such large amounts is because it acts as a stimulant that pushes a surge of energy that enables the body to go into action at almost a moment’s notice. The way in which this energy is pushed into the body is that caffeine stimulates the heart to pump more blood, and this circulation of oxygenated blood carries glucose with it, which produces energy when burned. The kola nut, with its abundance of caffeine, can have the same effect on the human body. People who suffer from low metabolism can consume this nut to improve metabolism and the health of the heart. When consumed in moderation, the kola nut enables the body to burn and consume energy optimally and stabilizes heart rate.

In their cultivation and consumption of the kola nut, people in African tribes believed that chewing the kola nut improved the regularity and quality of their bowel movements. Researchers have confirmed that this is true, but the benefits of this nut extend far beyond that. The kola nut contains certain active ingredients that improve nutrient consumption in the body, and also reduce inflammation and bloating, constipation, and cramping. It is a known fact that menstruating women experience many of these uncomfortable symptoms. Consuming a moderate amount of kola nuts during menses can relive them of these symptoms. Additionally, it also impacts gastrointestinal health in the long run by keeping serious issues at bay.

Kola nuts are rich in phytoestrogens and phytoandrogens. Although research on this matter is still underway, some studies have concluded that these nuts attack the prostate cancer cells and stimulate apoptosis, which means cell death. This effect is being studied on other cancer types.

The kola nut can assist in losing weight in two ways. Caffeine has been known to suppress appetite and as it is available in abundance in the kola nut, consuming a handful of it ensures that the body feels full for a longer period of time. It can be consumed with breakfast to avoid the urge to snack before lunch. Or it can be consumed as a snack, since it is definitely healthier than the snacks we tend to consume, and it consequently ensures that we don’t overeat during lunch.However, there is a second way in which kola nuts enable weight loss. It has been closely linked with fat-burning properties. This could be due to its effect on improving the body’s metabolism. In these ways, kola nuts are ideal dietary supplements in a weight loss regimen.

As we already know, kola nuts are able to treat inflammation in the body. Some research studies have found that the compounds found in the kola nut can also treat osteoarthritis. This condition is characterized by intense pain and inflammation in the joints, along with limited movement. It can be caused by a number of things, including obesity, aging, and injury. In one study the Garcinia kola, particularly, relieved the symptoms experienced by osteoarthritis patients by reducing pain and inflammation, and increasing the capability of joint movement.